Dystopia

Lesson Plan Outline & Resources

Creating a Dystopia

This class will explore the genre of dystopias. During this course students will:

Evaluate different types of dystopias
Learn story telling structure
Explore psychological models that inform character development
Explore political, sociological and technological models that inform the development of a setting
Select and research an issue that concerns them
Create a dystopian graphic novel/short story using the software Pixton.

The Basics:

Collaboratively identify the basic aspects of a story (i.e. setting, charters, plot...)
Discuss what a genre is
Define dystopia
Explore an example(s) of dystopia
Teacher will guide students to identify certain elements of a story in example(s) of a dystopia

Lesson 2:
Problems

Problems:

Revisit the elements of a setting
Students start making a list of things they think are wrong with the world
Have students brain storm different ways the world/things gets worse
Explore the concepts of exaggeration and extrapolation
Play improv game: Problems
- Get in a circle. Teacher states a simple problem, every subsequent student has to make that problem a little bit worse.
Have students take one item on there list and make that thing just a little bit worse
As a class, discuss what the logical consequences of each worsened state would be

Lesson 3:
Different Types of Dystopias
Introduction to Pixton

Different Types of Dystopias & Pixton

Introduce different themes of dystopias
- Technology
- Political
- Historical
- Environmental
- Biological

4 Types of Dystopias
- autocratic totalitarianism
- democratic totalitarianism
- bureaucratic oppression
- reality replacement
Play the game: Name That Dystopia
- Select a student and describe the dystopian environment they now live in.
- Only way student can be saved is if other students name the type of dystopia the student is trapped in
Have students review their list of issues that matter to them, give them a chance to add to their list
Have students open up Pixton and watch getting started tutorial

Lesson Four:
The Power to Control

The Power to Control

Start class by telling students that from this point on there are a new set of rules for the class and your setting up cameras all over the classroom to make sure the students comply. Then list ridiculous rules and consequences
Explore different ways a society can control you
- Violence
- Cast/Class System
- Suppression of Speech
- Isolation from Others
- Genetic Modifications
- Surveillance
- Denial of Resources
- Peer Pressure
- Bureaucracy
- Creating Complacency
- Propaganda
Students pick topic for their dystopia
Students start creating a setting image on Pixton

Lesson 5:
The Psychology of the Rebel

The Psychology of the Rebel

Define what a motivation is
Explore different motivations
- Status
- Love
- Freedom
- Significance
- Power
- Revenge
- Resources
Explore how beliefs form motivation
Explore how emotions and beliefs are influenced by motivation
Define Anti Hero
Students explore sprites on Pixton

Lesson 6:
Cast of Characters

Cast of Characters

Lesson Seven:
The Showdown

The Showdown

Teachers Notes:

Potential Classroom Demographic
- High School
- Community College
  - Selection of dystonian examples depends on age group
Course can be expanded over months or condensed into a month long class