SYLLABUS #1

UTOPIA/DYSTOPIA
SYLLABUS
January 22 – February 18, 2007

1st CLASS 1/22
IN CLASS: Imagine, discuss, defining the ideal world and its opposite, components, purpose, introduce Utopia.
HW: read Utopia by Thomas More p. 1 - 13
answer discussion questions:
1. Who was Raphael Hythloday and what was his connection to Utopia?
2. List 3 of the laws, customs, or conditions in England that Hythloday criticizes.
3. On p. 6 and 7, Hythloday discusses the punishment for thieves. According to him, what is the problem with how they are punished? What would be a better way to deal with them?

2nd CLASS 1/23
IN CLASS: discuss Utopia, M&Ms, the making of thieves, fitting punishments, problems with England, problems with the USA.
HW: read Utopia by Thomas More p. 14 - 27
answer discussion questions:
1. What is avarice? In your opinion, why do leaders/wealthy people seem to have it?
2. On p. 21 Hythloday describes a king who has a solution to avarice. What is it?

3rd CLASS 1/25
IN CLASS: what do you want? 3 colum activity, discuss causes of avarice, solutions? Needs and wants. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, can everyone’s needs be met?
HW: read Utopia by Thomas More p. 28 - 57
answer discussion questions:
1. List and explain 4 of the features of the location and layout of the cities that show careful, logical planning.
2. Explain 3 of the communal aspects of life in Utopian society.

1st CLASS 1/29
IN CLASS: reading quiz, discuss aspects of community – in the world and in our own lives, does it lead to a better life?
HW: read Utopia by Thomas More p. 57 - 71
answer discussion questions:
1. What is the Utopian’s attitude toward the use of cosmetics?
2. Briefly describe family life in Utopia: marriage, divorce, child-rearing, housing, meals, authority, discipline.
3. How do Utopian’s use slaves? Where do they get these slaves?

2nd CLASS 1/30
IN CLASS: family – various cultures’ views on family life. Slavery vs. incarceration.
HW: read Utopia by Thomas More p. 71 - 85
answer discussion questions:
1. What is the basic religious belief of Utopians? What religions are allowed in their country?
2. How do the Utopians conduct warfare?

3rd CLASS 2/1
IN CLASS: religion in Utopia, war. Slavery vs. incarceration. Is utopia possible? In More’s opinion? What was his reason/purpose for writing the novel? Pleasantville
HW: write - 500 word (2 pages) typed, double spaced essay answering the following question:
In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of life in the Utopian Commonwealth?


1st CLASS 2/5
IN CLASS: continue Pleasantville.
HW: answer discussion questions:
1. What is “pleasant” about life in Pleasantville? (How does it resemble a utopia?) Explain your answer.
2. What is “unpleasant” about Pleasantville? Explain your answer.


2nd CLASS 2/6
IN CLASS: finish Pleasantville. Discuss – is it really pleasant or not?
HW: answer discussion questions:
1. Was the change in life in Pleasantville inevitable? Why/ why not?
2. What is the most important factor that initiated this change (in your opinion? Why was it so important?


3rd CLASS 2/8
IN CLASS: Introduce Erewhon
HW: HAVE A WONDERFUL BREAK!