Dystopian Novel Studies: Exploring Control and Freedom in Classics
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
2-4 hours per week. 1-2 throughout the classAssignments
3-6 throughout the classProjects
3-6 throughout the classAssessment
Written assignments and completed projects will receive percentage grades provided on a rubric.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate - Advanced Level
Explore the power of literature in challenging societal norms through this self-paced novel study course. Focusing on four seminal dystopian works; this course delves into themes of control, censorship, and resistance. By examining these novels, students will enhance their critical thinking, empathy, and intellectual freedom. The course fosters open dialogue on sensitive topics, promotes tolerance and free expression, and stands against censorship. It provides a guided and enriching experience that prepares students for real-world issues while strengthening their problem-solving skills and expanding their literary horizons. Please note: While there are four modules, learners will have four months to complete the course, with flexible access to the instructor as needed. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁? This self-paced novel study course explores four classic dystopian novels featured on banned book lists. Students will develop critical thinking and reading comprehension skills through in-depth engagement with these texts and will investigate the reasons behind their censorship. The course emphasizes key themes such as control, rebellion, individuality, and freedom, providing a comprehensive understanding of their significance. 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱: 1. The Giver by Lois Lowry 2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 3. 1984 by George Orwell 4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱? - Thematic analysis of each book - Character development and motivations - Plot structure and major events - Literary devices and techniques - Historical context and reasons for censorship - Critical thinking about censorship and freedom of speech 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱? The course is divided into four modules, each dedicated to one of the novels. Each module includes: - Reading assignments - Discussion questions - Vocabulary sheets - Project-based activities - Quizzes to check comprehension - Writing prompts - Cross-curricular projects 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁? This is a self-paced course, allowing students to progress at their own speed. Each module offers a comprehensive study guide, supplemented with videos, slides, and interactive activities. Students will receive guidance through written instructions and occasional video explanations. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲? The course features a student-centered, project-based teaching style, emphasizing active learning and critical engagement. Students will interact with the material through creative projects, thought-provoking questions, and hands-on activities, making the learning experience both enjoyable and meaningful. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲? Despite the self-paced nature of the course, learners can interact through: - Messaging the instructor for support and additional help (also available during Teacher Jade's Office Hours) - Submitting projects and written work for feedback 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: - Discussion Questions: Promote deeper understanding and critical thinking after each reading assignment. -ocabulary Sheets: Expand language skills with terms from the texts. - **Project-Based Activities: Include creative projects like dioramas, character journals, and thematic art. - Quizzes: Assess comprehension through interactive multiple-choice quizzes. - Writing Prompts: Encourage critical thinking about themes and characters. - Cross-Curricular Projects: Integrate subjects such as science, history, math, and art for a well-rounded experience. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀: By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation for classic dystopian literature, enhanced reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, and a better understanding of freedom of speech and the impact of censorship. They will also gain confidence in expressing their ideas through various forms of creative and analytical work.
Learning Goals
Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Analyze and evaluate the themes, characters, and plot structures of the dystopian novels to deepen understanding and engagement with the material.
Enhance Reading Comprehension: Improve ability to interpret complex texts and identify literary devices, contributing to a richer grasp of the novels' meanings and messages.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Learners will read The Giver by Lois Lowry and complete the literature packet which contains: a study guide, discussion questions, vocabulary worksheet, interactive quiz, writing prompts, and cross curricular project ideas. They will be able to submit their writing assignments and projects for feedback.
2 assignments
Lesson 2:
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Learners will read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and complete the literature packet which contains: a study guide, discussion questions, vocabulary worksheet, interactive quiz, writing prompts, and cross curricular project ideas. They will be able to submit their writing assignments and projects for feedback.
2 assignments
Lesson 3:
1984 by George Orwell
Learners will read 1984 by George Orwell and complete the literature packet which contains: a study guide, discussion questions, vocabulary worksheet, interactive quiz, writing prompts, and cross curricular project ideas. They will be able to submit their writing assignments and projects for feedback.
2 assignments
Lesson 4:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Learners will read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and complete the literature packet which contains: a study guide, discussion questions, vocabulary worksheet, interactive quiz, writing prompts, and cross curricular project ideas. They will be able to submit their writing assignments and projects for feedback.
2 assignments
Other Details
Learning Needs
Please communicate with the instructor if accommodations or modifications are needed. Academy teachers are trained and educated on how to meet unique learning needs and classes can be adjusted as needed.
Parental Guidance
Some of the books covered in this course contain themes that may be upsetting to some learners, such as death, betrayal, and challenging societal norms. I recommend that parents utilize resources like Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org) and Compass Book Ratings (compassbookratings.com) to review the content of each book and determine their comfort level with their child reading these materials. These resources provide detailed summaries, content warnings, and age-appropriate ratings for books and other media.
While I will address sensitive themes such as loss and conflict, we assure you that all topics will be presented in an age-appropriate manner, suitable for middle school-high schoolers. This approach ensures that learners can explore these important themes in a safe and supportive environment.
Supply List
All learning materials will be provided by the instructor. Learners will be responsible in obtaining the novels and any materials needed for the project-based assignments.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from University of Minnesota
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Minnesota
I began my teaching journey in college by volunteering with AmeriCorps, where I developed a passion for education and community service. After completing my M.Ed. and obtaining my teaching license, I taught in traditional public schools. However, I quickly realized that the school environment was not the ideal setting for myself or my child. This led me to transition to homeschooling and teaching online, where I have found my true calling.
For the past fifteen years, I have been teaching writing courses, helping students develop their writing skills and gain confidence in their abilities. I am a licensed educator with specialized training in reading and child development through courses at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, I have received training from the Minnesota Literacy Council, further enhancing my expertise in literacy education. My primary objective in each class is to create a comfortable learning environment where students can thrive and build their reading and writing confidence.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$14
weekly or $55 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 13-18
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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