In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore the startingly realities of a dystopian society that has some very harsh but real similarities to the modern world we know today.

"A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned - a razor-edged fairy tale for grown-ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyranny to a totalitarianism just as terrible. When Animal Farm was first published, Stalinist Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that whatever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell's masterpiece have a meaning and message ferociously fresh". - Citation provided at the bottom of the description.

Through this class, students will read the novel and participate in a discussion that involves open-ended questions that challenge readers to think for themselves. The questions and discussion will range from reading comprehension, literary analysis, historical connections, art analysis, and modern-day applications. We will also work through a journal to gather evidence of our discussion, observations, and analysis while completing paragraph writing and other creative projects throughout the unit!

Below is a weekly schedule that we will use for class. Since this is a flexible course schedule, students can expect a couple of things. Each Monday, I will post our introduction to the week, including the materials and reading for the week. On Tuesdays, I will post the video for the lesson of the week. On Wednesdays, I will post the official writing assignment or project for the week. If you have questions about the schedule, please feel free to reach out!

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. New York, Signet Classics, 1946.