Mon-Wed, 7-9 May: Government Control, "The Lottery", and mini-presentations

M o n d a y
Agenda: 
~20 minutes reading time

Quick write: "Government Control"

How much of a role do you feel government should have in the lives of its citizens? Evaluate where your beliefs fall on the continuum between totalitarianism and libertarianism.

Libertarianism: the government should intervene and control as little as possible

Totalitarianism: control all aspects of their citizens’ lives from their religion to economy

~Four corners discussion: share your quick write.

Close Reading: "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
***Before you begin, I will go over some areas to focus upon, things to look for as you read.***
Log onto CommonLit and go to "Assignments."

Homework: 1.) Complete the assessment in Common Lit for "The Lottery" (Due tomorrow.)

2.) Focus your lit circle reading on technology & information. Be ready to answer the question below and select two (2) pieces of specific text evidence before Lit Circle #4 tomorrow. Complete this on a separate sheet of paper. (I'll stamp it tomorrow!)

Technology and Information in Dystopian Literature

In our study of dystopian elements, we have found that many dystopian societies
suggest the possible impact of technology and information on future societies.
For your next book group meeting, you will be analyzing the ways in which your novel
explores these concepts.

Part I: Technology and Information within your dystopic novel

How has technology played a role in your novel thus far? If it hasn’t, how could technology
be used within the society of your novel to either enforce rules, control its citizens, etc.?

T u e s d a y
Agenda: 
~30 minutes reading time
~15 minute written check-in + leave 2 quality comments (Google Classroom)


Meeting with lit circles: 1.) Share your reflection/analysis of Technology and Information in Dystopian Literature with your lit circle.

2.) Defining the dystopian world of your novel (creating a group presentation)

• Teach the class about dystopian literature by creating a slideshow that applies what we have learned together to the specifics of your lit circle novel
• Slide 1: "Dystopian Elements in [Book Title]", your names, date, etc.
• Slide 2: Setting
• Slide 3: Dystopian Protagonists: [character name]
• Slide 4: Propaganda & Censorship
• Slide 5: Technology & Information

This is a 3-4 minute presentation. All group members must contribute to the slides and when you teach the rest of the class. (25 points)

Homework: Complete "The Lottery" Discussion Questions sheet

W e d n e s d a y
Agenda: 
Quick Write: Topic: Voluntary Surveillance
Humans are social creatures and thrive on interactions with others. Some social scientists argue that by using technology to communicate with each other (i.e. texting instead of face-to-face conversation), humans are actually isolating themselves instead of socializing. Do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Why or why not?
~20 minutes silent reading time

Introduce Essay: Is our world moving toward becoming a dystopia? (Prompt here)

Homework: