Utopian and Dystopian Literature Through the Centuries - Lifelong Learning

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 lifelong learners will examine utopian and dystopian literature beginning with Plato and ending in the twenty-first century. Lifelong learners 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. Lifelong learners will watch a weekly lecture, read assigned texts, and participate in class discussions in order to practice skills in analysis and critical thinking.

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
7. To engage in civil discourse by practicing active listening and asking interpretive questions

Texts:

You are welcome to purchase used copies, Kindle books, or use the free digital copies linked below.

• The Republic of Plato, translated by Allan Bloom
• Utopia by Sir Thomas More
• A New Atlantis by Sir Francis Bacon
• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
• Erewhon by Samuel Butler
• The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells
• Lost Horizon by James Hilton
• That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madekeube L'Engle
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy
• The Holy Bible (English Standard Version), your personal copy or a website like <http: www.biblegateway.com=""> or <http: www.blueletterbible.org=""></http:></http:>