Utopia vs Dystopia
Grade 9-10
ESL
Picture: Dylan Glynn
Unit Schedule
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The Introduction
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The Characters
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The Language
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The Music
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The Game
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The Presentation
Unit Abstract
In this unit, we will be exploring the constructs of two societies and how they function: Utopia and Dystopia. We will be using the novel by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games, as a backdrop to this unit that will provide comprehensible and meaningful connections to the theme. We will compare and contrast the two societies and list features of each so that we can construct ideas on other societies. We will relate events in the book to current events that inspire a deeper level of thinking. Students will analyze the use of language in a variety of text to determine mood, tone, place, and time as well as word choice and character development.
Students will draw connections from the reading and relate content to art, poetry, and music. Students will create a unit vocabulary that is specific to the theme of the unit. They will define and display knowledge through writing, art, and presentation. Students will demonstrate knowledge and use of literary devices in writing and speaking. Students will be assessed according to a rubric for each lesson plan. Informal assessments are made during class discussion, guided practice and independent practice.
Conversation is a large component of our class. Students will explore two different styles of language use; academic and social language. They will reflect these styles and execute knowledge of style through conversation as well as writing. This unit theme provides students with multiple outlets for conversation in academic and social settings through interesting content. All lessons align the Common Core State Standards and WIDA Essential Standards. Our goal for this unit is to be able to answer three essential questions: What is a Utopia? What is Dystopia? Why is this important to us?