UI  100  FIRST  YEAR  SEMINAR

UTOPIAS  AND  DYSTOPIAS

Fall 2009

Dr. Hamblin
www2.semo.edu/hamblin
rhamblin@semo.edu

Description of theme:

    This class will examine books and films, representing various time periods, that present imaginary future societies, some ideal (utopias), some horrible (dystopias).  Students will consider whether the respective depictions are overly optimistic or pessimistic, preferable or objectionable, possible or impossible; and, as culminating exercises, they will construct their own visions of a utopia and a dystopia.

Principal course objectives:

    1. To examine the concept and value of liberal education

    2. To explore a wide variety of ideas and values that have had a profound influence on human history and continue to influence lives and decisions in the contemporary world

    3. To introduce students to the goals and objectives of the University Studies program

    4. To develop student skills in locating and gathering information

    5. To develop student skills in critical thinking

    6. To develop student skills in oral and written communication

Textbooks:

First Year Seminar for the Students of Southeast Missouri State University (Textbook Rental); Works listed in Course Outline

Course Outline:

Week of:                                    Topic

Aug. 24                   Introduction to University Studies/critical thinking

Aug. 31                   Introduction, continued

Sep. 7                      Some Utopian communities  For an example, click here.

Sep. 14                    Thomas More, Utopia (Southeast Bookstore)

Sep. 21                    William Shakespeare, The Tempest (Southeast Bookstore)

Sep. 28                    Edward Bellamy, Looking Backward (Southeast Bookstore)

Oct. 5                      Summary and review for Midterm exam

Oct. 12                    Midterm exam

Oct. 19                    Introduction to Dystopias

Oct. 26                    Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (film)

Nov. 2                     Aldous Huxley, Brave New World (Southeast Bookstore)

Nov. 9                     George Orwell, Animal Farm (film)

Nov. 16                   William Golding, Lord of the Flies (film)

Nov. 23                   Rachel Carson, Silent Spring (Southeast Bookstore)

Nov. 30                   Summary and conclusion

Dec. 7                     Summary and conclusion

TBA                        Final Examination

Major course requirements:

    Daily class activities (20%)

    Oral presentation (10%)

    Personal essay on Utopia (1500-2000 words) (20%) (Due Oct. 24)

    Personal essay on Dystopia (1500-2000 words) (20%) (Due Dec. 8)

    Midterm examination (10%)

    Final examination (20%)