Introduction
Reading Class Utopia Project:
People have always tried to improve their lives by improving the world around them. Many have created new governments, new villages, and new ways of living. Some have worked well; others have failed.
During the 1800s in the United States, several groups experimented with setting up a “utopian society” in order to improve upon American society. These were small groups of people who usually followed the teachings and ideas of one leader. They isolated themselves and worked together to achieve perfection. Many shared work, wealth, and property. Some were based on religion.
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Task
You will research real communities of people from history (past and present) who have tried or are trying to create a utopia.
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Process
Directions: Explore the following communities using the provided websites. Investigate the concepts of “utopia” and answer the following questions.
I. New Harmony: A historical society
http://www-lib.iupui.edu/kade/newharmony/home.html
1. Name the two American utopian societies that were created and the leader of each society.
II. Brook Farm: A historical society
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/transcendentalism/ideas/brhistory.html
Scroll down to Philosophy at Brook Farm.
1. What were Ripley's goals?
Scroll down to Lifestyles.
2. What symbolizing custom did the entire company perform at the Farm?
III. Twin Oaks: A current “utopian society”
http://www.twinoaks.org
1. When did this community start?
2. How many hours does each member work a week?
IV. Acorn: A current “utopian society”
http://www.acorncommunity.org
1. Explore their culture and recreation. What did you find most interesting?
V. Victory City: future utopia
http://www.victorycities.com
1. What are some of the benefits for residents?
2. How will the money system work?
3. How will the educational systems work?
Evaluation
Utopia Community Project
A utopia is defined as an ideally perfect place. In the novel The Giver, Jonas lives in a utopian world designed to provide food, shelter and safety to the people of the community. If you had to design your “perfect world”, what would it look like? What would life be like for the people who live in your community?
You will be working in a group and designing your own utopian world.
Your project will include information from each category. You must supply enough information to inform others of your community and entice them to join. You will present your Utopia to the class.
What would be special about your community that would make other people want to join it?
Conclusion
Utopia Community Project
A utopia is defined as an ideally perfect place. In the novel The Giver, Jonas lives in a utopian world designed to provide food, shelter and safety to the people of the community. If you had to design your “perfect world”, what would it look like? What would life be like for the people who live in your community?
You will be working in a group and designing your own utopian world. Your project will include information about the following areas. Under each category, you must supply enough information to inform others of your community and entice them to join.
What would be special about your community that would make other people want to join it?
Government: Every community needs laws, otherwise there would be chaos.
- Name 5 rules or laws in your community.
- Who makes the laws?
- How are the laws enforced?
- Is your community a democracy? A dictatorship? A monarchy? What happens when a person in the community breaks a law?
Education: School is a way of preparing kids to be successful members of the community.
- What will be taught and what subjects will be required?
- How will education serve the community?
- How will schools in your community be different from schools in your community now?
Family: What are families going to be like in your community?
- Are the families going to be: Matriarchal – Controlled by the mothers of the family. Patriarchal – Controlled by the father of the family. Neither matriarchal or patriarchal
- How many kids should each family have? Is it regulated? Why or why not?
- Does everyone in each family live in the same dwelling? Why or why not?
Housing: Neighborhoods/Individual family dwellings
- What are the neighborhoods like in your community?
- Do people live in separate houses? In townhouses? In apartments? In tents?
- Describe the dwellings in your community. Are all of the houses the same or different? Explain why you chose to design the houses and communities that way.
Employment: Think about the jobs people must have to help your community function. Choose 3 important jobs to describe.
- The title of the job
- The function of the job
- The type of people chosen for the job
- How people are chosen for the job
- How people are trained for the job
Money: Is there a system of money in your community?
If the answer is yes:
- Draw a picture of your money (coins and paper money) What is your money called?
If the answer is no:
- Why don’t you have money?
- How do you “pay” people for their jobs?
- How do people get what they need to survive?
Transportation: REMEMBER, IF YOUR COMMUNITY IS VERY LARGE, YOU SHOULD HAVE A WAY FOR PEOPLE TO GET AROUND QUICKLY!!!!
- How do people get around in your community? Is there a system of mass transit? Why or why not?
Environment/Climate: Think about where you would have your community built.
- What is the climate like in your community? Tropical? Arctic? Do the seasons change?
- Are there animals in your community? What kinds? Are they pets or wild? Why?
Recreation: What is recreation like in your community?
- How much time do most people spend on recreation each week? What do people do for fun in your utopian community?
- Does the government control how people spend their free time?
- How is this different from the way people spend their free time in the community that you live in now?
Technology: How does your community view technology?
- Are they technologically advanced?
- Do the people live a more simple life?
Additional Information:
Name your community. BE CREATIVE!!!!!!
Design a flag for your community. Think about color symbolism.
Draw an overview map of your community. Make sure to label:
- Houses
- Schools
- Business district (stores, etc.)
- Roads
- Government buildings
- Areas for recreation
- Any additional areas that are important for your community
When creating your utopian community, be creative and unique.
The “perfect” society would only expect that…right???
You can create in PowerPoint, Slides, or make a poster. Your group decides!