Unit+Plan+Outline...Animal+Farm

Unit Plan Outline…Animal Farm (by Mary Victoria Lawton)

This unit plan focuses of the thematic ideas associated with utopias and dystopias. Utopias are imaginative places (stereotypically illustrated as a tropical island paradise) that are theoretically, perfect in every way- beautiful lands, peaceful, happy people and no dilemmas to speak of. Dystopias are the opposite- places of inequality, stark differences and harsh social realities. Many historical figures have thought of varying utopias, from Plato to Thomas More to current day thinkers, authors, politicians, etc. Utopias and Dystopias are widely displayed throughout literature…both canonical texts, as well as popular, young adult literature. The aim of the unit plan is to help students learn about language and concepts related to utopias and dystopias, in addition to developing and creating their own views of what a utopia might be.

Texts Used…


 * Canonical Text:**

Orwell, G. (1954). //Animal Farm//. Harcourt, Brace. New York.


 * Young Adult Texts:**

Collins, S. (2008). //The Hunger Games.// Scholastic. New York.

//The Hunger Games// is a futuristic, dystopian novel about a girl named Katniss that volunteers to take the place of her sister in a cruel and deadly tornament known as “The Hunger Games.” Katniss is a strong, powerful young lady that is determined to stay alive at all costs…well, nearly. This novel vividly captures a dark, militaristic world of the “haves” and “ have-nots.” It is an exciting, nail-biting, page-turning adventure from start to finish.

Philbrick, W. (2000). //The Last Book in the Universe.// Scholastic Signature. New York.

“If you're reading this, it must be a thousand years from now. Because nobody around here reads anymore. Why bother, when you can just probe it?” This is how the novel, //The Last Book in the Universe// begins. This futuristic dystopia is about a boy that wants nothing more than to see his ill sister. The story focuses on themes such as survival, friendship and determination. The author is able to vividly portray a post-apocalyptical world of incivility and darkness.

__Socratic Seminar…__ During the reading of the above texts, students will become engaged in an activity known as Socratic Seminar. While students are reading the texts, they will devise a number of open-ended questions related to the texts. Then, they will turn in their questions to the teacher, who will in turn, pick several of the questions to lead off a whole class discussion related to the texts. There are a number of ways to conduct a Socratic seminar; however, one of the most popular ways is to have students form a circle and take turns discussing their thoughts on various questions. This activity is engaging in that it allows students to discuss debatable topics with one another in a safe, structured atmosphere.
 * Reader Response Activities**

__Create your own utopia…__ After students have read the aforementioned texts and have accumulated a list of elements and ideas that are typically associated with notions of utopias and dystopias, students will be asked to develop their own ideas of a utopia. Students will be engaged during this activity because they will be able to choose the median for their utopias. Students may write a narrative, create a wiki, shoot a short film or skit, create a blueprint or map, develop a brochure, or come up with their own idea as to how they will represent their utopias. Students will be given the option of working independently or with a partner. Students will be required to present their created utopias to their peers.

__Present your own anthem or theme song__ During or after reading the above texts, students will pair up or get together in small groups to create a song or anthem related to one of the utopias/dystopias in one of the texts they have read. Students may verbally perform the song or anthem or may write it out if they prefer not to present it in front of the class. Students may also include instrumental pieces or rhythm to go along with their anthems or songs. This is an engaging activity in that students will collaborate to create music based on the concepts and views as defined in the various novels.