"Animal Farm" is a classic dystopian novel written by George Orwell. Through facilitated discussions, students will take what they read and analyze what is happening in the book and why. Students will learn how to slow down and look for the meaning in the text rather than just reading the words.

Through this class, students will
- Understand allegory
- Identify theme and literary devices
- Examine character development
- Explore the dystopian genre
- Expand their vocabulary
- Use textual evidence to find deeper meaning

Class 1:
Who was George Orwell?
Why was this a banned book?
What is allegory?
We will explore the Russian Revolution and how it inspired "Animal Farm."
HOMEWORK: Read chapters 1-4

Class 2:  
Discuss reading 
We will compare Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer, define Animalism, and discuss new characters.  
We will create a list of "rules" created after the rebellion.
Discuss different types of governments and the elements of those governments seen in animal farm.
Students will discuss the fear regarding future rebellions in Animal Farm.
HOMEWORK: Read chapters 5-7

Class 3: 
Discuss the reading - new rules, Snowball, mass hysteria, confessions and actions of chapter 7, changes in Clover
What is gas lighting?
What is propaganda?
HOMEWORK: Finish reading book

Class 4:
Discuss the reading - Old Major's dream, Napoleon's leadership, the windmill, retirement
What's the difference between readjustment and reduction?
Discuss the themes, symbolism, and other literary devices in the novel