Dystopian Book Report

Abstract

This assignment requires students apply sociological concepts to a dystopian novel. Dystopian literature is chosen because they are littered with examples of sociological concepts and develop sociological imagination while remaining entertaining and engaging. Students begin by choosing a dystopian novel from a list provided by the instructor. Each...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

See the attached word document for more information. Currently, I teach at a medium-sized, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) oriented public university in the southern United States. Roughly speaking, my average class size is about 40 students. I have mostly stayed within this type of institution for my entire career. Instructors should...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will develop a strong understanding of sociological concepts discussed in their chosen dystopian novel
2. Students will better understand the norms and values in American society by analyzing the themes and motifs in the novel.
3. Students will develop a more sophisticated sociological imagination by connecting the themes and motifs from the dystopian novel to contemporary American society.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Instructors should assess this goal by how well the concept is understood and addressed in light of the dystopian novel. Did students clearly articulate concepts and relevance to this particular novel.
2. Students should use the novel and it’s themes as examples of the values and sentiments of American society. That is, what is about the themes and motifs addressed by the novel that makes them dystopian and what does it reveal about American society?
3. Instructors should look for how well the student applied themes and motifs from the dystopian novel to contemporary American society. That is, using course material and sociological imagination, how well did the students discuss the concept.