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Dystopias: 1984

Completed by 1 learner
Ages 16-18
Live Group Class
In this 8-week course, students will examine George Orwell's 1984 to write an essay on how it criticizes contemporary trends, societal norms, or political systems.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(60 reviews)

Live video meetings
1x per week, 8 weeks
1-10 learners per class
60 min

What's included

8 live meetings
8 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Primarily, reading will be done as homework so the student can come to class prepared for discussion.
Assessment
A letter grade combined with a written report.
Grading
included

Class Experience

US Grade 11 - 12
In this course students will learn to discuss, share, analyze, criticize, and utilize critical-thinking skills to bridge the gap between the real of literature and the real world. It will afford the students the opportunity to apply their skills in understanding dystopian societies in literature, and perhaps decide if they exist in reality. Engagement in the reading is required of each student so that they might contribute to the discussions. A background in writing a 5-paragraph essay is recommended but not required.

Imagine: you live in a world where you are constantly watched. Every move you make is acutely scrutinized: every gesture, every facial expression, the things you say even in your sleep, everything you read or even buy. Everyday goods are constantly scarce. How would you live? How would you act? How would you fare in a world where your thoughts are constantly being constrained by an ever-shrinking vocabulary?

*There is the possibility to also view the film adaptation of this novel, if the parent approves*

Week1:
   Introductory lesson. What is a utopia? What is a dystopia? Knowledge check and definition/operation of various types of government. Students will create a concept map of their own version of a perfect society: including government, societal structure, education, and recreation. This map will guide them in creating a slide show of their own utopia (google slides or prezi will work for these). The novel we will read will be decided upon by the end of class.

Week 2:
   Students will give their presentations on their utopia. 5 minute time limit. Assessment will consider the breadth and depth of these. If time, a brief discussion/overview of the novel and begin reading.

Week 3: 
   First discussion day. As a class, what have we read so far? What elements of dystopia apply to the novel? What is the government structure in the novel? What is society like? Education? Recreation? Individuality? What are some real-world connections we can see? Begin a working thesis statement.

Week 4: 
   Second discussion day. As a class, start looking for support within the literature to back up the thesis statement. What makes you take the position you hold? What parts of the text reinforce this position? Can you relate to any real-world instances which are parallel to those in the text?

Week 5:
   Begin working on the rough draft essay. How to set up the essay and include textual evidences that the student has acquired. More discussion on the text. What makes the text fit within the realm of dystopia and why? Cite evidence from the text.

Week 6:
   Peer review process for rough drafts. Students will use a rubric to give feedback to classmates. Continue discussions about the novel. In your opinion, what is the novel critical of? Cite evidence from the text.

Week 7: 
   Submission of final draft of the essay. Discuss the novel in its entirety. Does the novel seem to promote the system of the future? Why or why not? Cite evidence. 

Week 8:
   Assessment distribution and parting discussion about the novel! Would you be interested in reading another dystopian novel? Why or why not? Cite your own reasoning for this!

Learning Goals

Students will define the literary terms utopia and dystopia.
Students will identify dystopian characteristics in literature (and possibly film).
Students will explain how dystopias criticize contemporary trends, societal norms, or political systems.
Students will learn how to plot ideas.
Students will learn to create an effective presentation.
Students will effectively write an analytic essay.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Novels may include: violence, sexuality, language, drug use.
Supply List
A copy of 1984 (ISBN: 978-0-451-52493-5, or equivalent).
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
A copy of 1984 (ISBN: 978-0-451-52493-5, or equivalent). Other sources will vary, and will depend on individual student essays.

Meet the teacher

Joined April, 2021
4.9
60reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of West Florida
Having read 1984, I am aware of some which contain sensitive subject matter. Having taught similar novels in the past, I have experience teaching matters of a sensitive nature to students. As always, the expectation is for the student to handle themselves with a sense of maturity. The purpose here is to explore the nature of the dystopian society and its role in the human experience.

Reviews



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