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1st 6 weeks 1st Semester

Above: a scene from the older version of 1984. Big Brother watching was one of the more prevalent themes in this novel. It was basically impossible for any citizen not to run into a poster somewhere in the streets of Oceania. The result was a continual fear of doing something wrong, thus keeping all citizens in line. 

Above: A different cover for the book. It depicts the face of Big Brother watching over the state of Oceania. Oceania, as can be seen, is a grim-looking place that is filthy. The citizens, however, dare not complain or face interrogation by the Thought Police. 

If you did read Animal Farm, you might remember how the pigs took total control of the farm. The same principle applies in 1984, however, the concept of this being an actual government is eerily believable. This book is often taught in many political science classes in college as it shows the overwhelming power of the government. 

A sign of things to come? Will citizens of any country ever be branded so they are easily detected? Will we ever become like the citizens in Oceania? Is the Patriot Act infringing upon your rights?

Monday April 14th- Friday April 18th

(Senior speeches begin NEXT week, make sure you're prepared!)

Due THIS lab day: A report on a totalitarian government, printed out BEFORE class. Also, look at the article I've asked you to PRINT out before class, which is below. First 55 pages of 1984, guaranteed test on the material, be sure to read BEFORE class!

In-Class: Discussion of the novel/ class questions. 

There will be a test on the first 55 pages of the novel. 

We will look at past and present governments that use the totalitarian philosophy. Students will identify a country in which they found an example of a totalitarian government, and then use this information to engage in a class discussion for points. To show how significant this book is in terms of looking at our government today, look at this controversial point-of-view article, then PRINT it out: http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=13714  Read the article first, then we'll discuss it during class. 

We will look at the first part of the original "1984" movie. 

Assignments: Continue preparing your senior speech. The list is once again, below. Please be sure you are here on the date assigned. Failure to show will result in an automatic loss of 25% of the grade. 

Continue reading the novel, 1984 up to page 122. As you read, please answer the following prompt, then TYPE up a one page response: What are the living conditions in Oceania? What are some of the restrictions faced by the citizens? Does there appear to be a "hierarchy" in Oceania's society, and if so, who are the elite and who are at the bottom of the scale? Describe who Winston, the main character is. How do you think he will change the outcome of the book? This assignment is due NEXT lab day. 

Extra Credit: Choose from the list below. These will be due by Wednesday, May 31st, and no later. In order to receive credit, you MUST show your work to the class. Depending on the quality of your assignment, you may receive UP TO 50 points. No credit if the work is inappropriate for class. 

 1. Movie- (3-4 people). Re-create a scene from the novel (4 chapters minimum) and record your acting onto a video camera. Props, (including clothing), are a must. Each person should have a good-sized part and the entire movie should last about 10 minutes. You should also try to add in some visual effects to enhance the quality of your movie. Full acting without looking at cue cards, or reading out of the book is expected. Bring the movie to class on the assigned date and show everyone your great skit.

2. 1984 Poster- (one person only). This project is for artists only and involves creating a scene, (poster size), of an occurrence or a theme from the novel, 1984. The poster should be colorful and you should be prepared to give at least a three-minute speech thoroughly explaining your artwork.

3. Web Site: (1-2 people) Create a large Web site dedicated to proving that our society has many features like those in 1984. The site should have at least five paragraphs of writing and give excellent examples, (including many graphics), of how our government is imposing on society. Web sites should be at least three separate pages, linked together, with links to other sites and should also be posted on the Web with your name(s).

4. Multi-Media Project- (2 people max.) Using a software program of your choice, create a “show” representing a scene from the novel. This can be put together via Power Point, Flash or any other program that you feel will work well to entertain the class. The entire presentation should last a minimum of seven minutes and tell the scenes of the novel as accurately as possible.

Links: A break-down of events and characters in the novel, 1984. This may help in your understanding.

         George Orwell Resources

         Background that explains English Socialism

         Internet Links & Resources on 1984. 

         Definitions of government types explained easily

         Orwell, 1984, totalitarianism and it's power explained

Speech Schedule Below: