[ Great Exp. | Dracula | Frankenstein | Posthuman | BNW | 1984 | Poetry | Sir Gawain | Dr. Faustus | Macbeth | IRP | Richard III ]
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley & Utopia / Dystopia Unit
Full searchable text: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Unit Objectives
In this unit, we’ll draw on literature, history, architecture, and philosophy to explore the meaning and importance of utopias and dystopias, emphasizing themes dealing with the imagination of better worlds and the anticipation of worse worlds. After
reviewing the foundational text of the genre, Thomas More’s Utopia, we’ll work through a group of 20th century theoretical and literary texts, including Brave New World and 1984, short stories, and critical essays. Because utopian/dystopian literature expresses what an author hopes is possible and fears is possible, it is inherently a political and social critique.
We will discuss the causes and effects of these critiques and analyze what literature can tell us about this most human need: to understand what's coming and how to respond to it. In particular we will consider the role of technology, political propaganda, architectural theory, and political correctness.
Guiding questions for this Unit:
- What unique qualities does literature offer in anticipating or imagining the myriad of possible futures?
- What do fictional utopias tell us about what we think is good?
- What do fictional dystopias tell us about what we believe is bad or what we fear our society will become?
- Can utopian visions offer an effective critique of actually existing social orders?
- Can they serve as a model for changing contemporary societies?
- How does vicariously experiencing radically better (or worse) imaginary worlds change our perceptions of the future?
- What is the role political propaganda in fictional utopias/dystopias?
- What was the role of political propaganda in the societies envisioned by the Soviets and the Nazis last century?
- What can we learn from utopian and dystopian literature to help us live well in the 21st century?
- What does the “perfect” or “ideal” society look like? How does it function?
reviewing the foundational text of the genre, Thomas More’s Utopia, we’ll work through a group of 20th century theoretical and literary texts, including Brave New World and 1984, short stories, and critical essays. Because utopian/dystopian literature expresses what an author hopes is possible and fears is possible, it is inherently a political and social critique.
We will discuss the causes and effects of these critiques and analyze what literature can tell us about this most human need: to understand what's coming and how to respond to it. In particular we will consider the role of technology, political propaganda, architectural theory, and political correctness.
Guiding questions for this Unit:
- What unique qualities does literature offer in anticipating or imagining the myriad of possible futures?
- What do fictional utopias tell us about what we think is good?
- What do fictional dystopias tell us about what we believe is bad or what we fear our society will become?
- Can utopian visions offer an effective critique of actually existing social orders?
- Can they serve as a model for changing contemporary societies?
- How does vicariously experiencing radically better (or worse) imaginary worlds change our perceptions of the future?
- What is the role political propaganda in fictional utopias/dystopias?
- What was the role of political propaganda in the societies envisioned by the Soviets and the Nazis last century?
- What can we learn from utopian and dystopian literature to help us live well in the 21st century?
- What does the “perfect” or “ideal” society look like? How does it function?
Required Reading & Downloads
Introductory Material & Study Guide
Introduction to Dystopias & Brave New World (PowerPoint)
Brave New World -- Glossary of Terms Used in the Novel (DOCX)
Unit Exam Study Guide -- Brave New World & Our Posthuman Future unit (PDF)
Vocabulary
Brave New World vocabulary and allusions list
Brave New World flashcard deck at Dictionary.com
Assignments
Brave New World LRJ prompts (PDF)
Dystopia / Utopia Short Story Assignment (PDF)
eWorksheet -- "Forced Smiles" (Dalrymple)
Required Articles
"The Dystopian Imagination" (Dalrymple)
"Forced Smiles: A Review of Artificial Happiness" (Dalrymple)
"The Myth of Overpopulation" (Craven)
"Sorry, But Your Soul Just Died" (Fukuyama)
Recommended Articles
Is Google Making Us Stupid? (The Atlantic)
Introduction to Dystopias & Brave New World (PowerPoint)
Brave New World -- Glossary of Terms Used in the Novel (DOCX)
Unit Exam Study Guide -- Brave New World & Our Posthuman Future unit (PDF)
Vocabulary
Brave New World vocabulary and allusions list
Brave New World flashcard deck at Dictionary.com
Assignments
Brave New World LRJ prompts (PDF)
Dystopia / Utopia Short Story Assignment (PDF)
eWorksheet -- "Forced Smiles" (Dalrymple)
Required Articles
"The Dystopian Imagination" (Dalrymple)
"Forced Smiles: A Review of Artificial Happiness" (Dalrymple)
"The Myth of Overpopulation" (Craven)
"Sorry, But Your Soul Just Died" (Fukuyama)
Recommended Articles
Is Google Making Us Stupid? (The Atlantic)
