Utopia Project - Weebly



Utopia Project

Names ____________________________

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Introduction

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.

Task

What kind of perfect world would you make?

You or you and your team have three tasks. First, you or you and your team will research real communities of people from history (past and present) who have tried or are trying to create a utopia. Second, you or your team will work together to come up with your own definition of “utopia.” These two activities will help you achieve your final task of organizing and creating a poster detailing your own "utopia.” These posters will be presented in-class.

Requirements

You or your group will be graded on the worksheet, the poem, the poster, and the presentation. During the presentation, each member of the group must participate. You will be graded individually on your participation in the creative process. I will be monitoring the progress of your group and your actions throughout the assignment. The assignment will be worth 100 points. Make sure to include all of the following:

Society Requirements

1. Geography – What does your utopia look like? Include land and climate descriptions.

2. Religion – Will you have a set religion? What will it be? Or will you have freedom of

religion? Why?

3. Economy – What are your sources of income? How will your people make money?

4. Education – Explain the schooling system in your society. What are the education

requirements?

5. Government – Who rules? What type of government does your utopia have?

6. Legal System – Rules, laws, punishments, court system, etc.

Poster Requirements - Explanations must be in sentences!

1. Name of Society

2. Explanation of how your society functions – each section of the society requirements

3. Explanation of why your society is perfect

4. Illustrations – draw your community, include representations of each requirement

Worksheet – 25 pts.

Poem – 25 pts.

Poster and Presentation – 50 pts.

Utopia Worksheet

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.

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



1. Name the two American utopian societies that were born in New Harmony and the leader of each society.

II. Brook Farm: A historical society



-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”



1. When did this community start?

2. How many hours does each member work a week?

IV. Acorn: A current “utopian society”



-Click “About Us” – then click “Culture and Recreation”

1. Explore their culture and recreation. What did you find most interesting?

Directions: As a team, define utopia by creating an acrostic poem using the word “utopia.” Your poem will be placed on display along with your classmates’ poems as a way to share differing views of utopia. Next, you will create a name and plan for your utopian community.

U _________________________

T _________________________

O _________________________

P _________________________

I _________________________

A _________________________

Directions: Once you have completed Part One and Part Two, plan a poster so that you may visually and orally share your information and insights with your class. Your presentation will focus on what you believe would make a successful “utopian society.”

Answer the following questions to begin creating your utopia.

1. Geography – what does your utopia look like? Include land and climate.

2. Religion – a set religion? Or freedom of religion?

3. Economy – what are your sources of income?

4. Education – explain the schooling system in your society

5. Government – who rules?

6. Legal System – rules, laws, punishments

7. Why is your society “perfect”?

Make a plan for your poster by using the box below.

Remember to include the following parts:

1. Name of Society

2. Explanation of how your society functions – each section of the society requirements

3. Explanation of why your society is perfect

4. Illustrations – draw your community, include representations of each requirement

Notes:

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