Utopian and Dystopian Literature

The ultimate goal of this course is to glorify God by fostering human flourishing. Human flourishing includes honoring what is Good, True, and Beautiful. It is in this context that students will examine utopian and dystopian literature beginning with Plato and ending in the twenty-first century. Students will have the opportunity to gain perspective about societies, observe the outcomes of different worldviews, think Christianly about what it means to be a good citizen, grow in hope for Heaven, and appreciate what is good in their own situations. Students will practice skills in analysis, critical thinking, and effective rhetoric. Students will watch a weekly lecture, read assigned texts, prepare questions, participate in class discussions, and complete written assignments. This course is open to grades 9-12.

Course Objectives:

1. To foster human flourishing by focusing on the Good, True, and Beautiful
2. To reflect the image of God by being active, rational, creative, moral, responsible, and faithful
3. To become familiar with the key authors and ideas in utopian and dystopian literature
4. To be able to identify what makes a good society and what it means to be a good citizen
5. To practice close readings of assigned texts
6. To demonstrate knowledge of the assigned texts in class discussions and written assignments
7. To engage in civil discourse by practicing active listening and asking interpretive questions

Texts:

• Plato, The Republic
• Sir Thomas More, Utopia
• Sir Francis Bacon, New Atlantis
• Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels
• Samuel Butler, Erewhon
• H.G. Wells, The Island of Doctor Moreau
• James Hilton, Lost Horizon
• C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength
• Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
• Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
• Lois Lowry, The Giver
• Cormac McCarthy, The Road