Dystopian Literature

Senior Elective 2012 - 2013

Email: kkennett@plymouth.k12.ma.us / katrina.kennett@gmail.com

Google Docs Sharing: kkennett@teacher.plymouth.k12.ma.us / katrina.kennett@gmail.com 

‘Gradual Release of Responsibility’ (code for) ‘How you will gain independence in this course’ :

Major Writing Assignments & Projects

TERM 2  

Introductory Letter

        Welcome to class! Read my introductory letter and write one in response. Use mine as a model for format.

In-Class Writing #1 - What is Dystopian Literature?

Using the three handouts provided in class and here (under ‘Intro Materials’), complete the following three-paragraph assignment:  

Paragraph one (informative): what is a dystopia?

Paragraph two (explanatory): what kind of dystopia most interests you and why?

Paragraph three (argumentative): what kind of dystopia is most relevant to today's society and why?

        See assignment details here

Paper #1 - What’s the point?

Using three texts from the short story list, construct an argument answering the following question:

● What does an author communicate about the relationship between the individual and the group in a dystopian society?

        Requirements: 3-4 pages, typed, double spaced, intro/evolution of an argument/conclusion

        Associated Process: 

                DUE February 25-26

Paper #2 - Who’s the point?

After reading Brave New World, 1984, or The Handmaid’s Tale, choose one of the following prompts:

• Consider the major and minor characters in your selected text, then choose one to focus on. Who does this character represent and why are they the ones that cause change/disturbance? How are women represented? Teens? Minorities? What point(s) is the author making about representation and voice in their dystopian world?
• Dystopias often reflect a critique of our society today. Compare a character or group of characters to a person or group of people in our own society. Draw upon a selection of quality resources  
• Create your own prompt and have Ms. Kennett approve it

Requirements: 3-4 pages, typed, double spaced, full ‘process’

        DUE March 15

Term 1 Project - Essential Question Book Trailer

Based on the main text you’ve chosen, articulate the main question that the book book asks and trace it through both quotations and connections to our real world.

        DUE March 21

TERM 4

1) Read a dystopian text (or two, if they are both short books).

I love giving recommendations, but you should also look at GoodReads / Amazon recs, ask other teachers, friends, family, etc. This text should align with the type of dystopia you’ve found yourself interested in and perhaps might write.

        - persuasive paragraph explaining why you want to read this book (15pts)

        - a reading schedule you create and accurately maintain (25pts)

        - 15-20pgs notes (50pts)

        - bi-weekly correspondence with Ms. Kennett (50pts)

        - ‘foyer fair’ presentation (100pts)

        - a ‘pearltree’ with 5 quality sources / annotated bibliography with 5 quality sources (100pts)

        - process for final paper (100pts) (due December 11)

        - final analytical paper (100pts) (due December 11)

                Pearltree Due April 23

                Paper Due April 24

                Foyer Fair April 25

2) Create Your Own Dystopian World

Now that you’ve read and thought about multiple different dystopias, it’s time to create your own! Consider a problem you see in the world / society today and use your critique as a root of a dystopian world. As an author / artist, you’ll be communicating a powerful and intelligent message through the medium of your choice - how will you use this opportunity to provoke people to question and re-think the world around them?  

- self-determined process that you approve with Ms. Kennett (100pts)

        - final product (100pts)

        - presentation / publication of final product (100pts)

        - metacognitive reflecting on author’s intentions, craft, and attention to detail

        Final dystopia due the week of May 20-21

Honors Credit

        Taking this course for credit entails not only additional work, but increased sophistication and independence in your assignments.

        - paper #1: increased sophistication and incorporating three texts into your paper

        - paper #2: incorporating an outside source into your writing

        - final project: increased independence and sophisticated product