Day Five

Theme:

Manipulation of the Mind

Objectives:

Students will listen to song lyrics and make thematic connections to 1984 and technology. They will critically analyze these lyrics in small groups to highlight the specific themes found in the text. We will propose themes such as rebellion, lack of privacy, attempts at diverse forms of communication, but the class will not be limited to these themes. In addition, as many students as possible will present their individual text in which they have found an aspect of technology.

Rationale:

Because all media are constructions, it is imperative that students recognize that various forms of media, including their favorite songs, television programs, and advertisements are constructions as well. Although 1984 seems like a traditional text that students must read to meet educational requirements, we feel that by incorporating real life issues and relevant topics, students can make strong connections between literature and society. In addition, bringing in a unique text will encourage students to actively participate and to gain a degree of control over their web page production. This activity may also reveal students' personal thoughts regarding technology, providing us with a deeper insight into issues that students may have pertaining to technology.

Materials:

1984 pages 88-122
CD player
"Another Brick in the Wall Part II" by Pink Floyd
"It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M.
Printed lyrics found in student packet
Audiovisual equipment
Student texts

Lesson:

Students will first be given the opportunity to pose questions pertaining to the reading or other unanswered dilemmas throughout the week's discussions. Then we will mention a few topics from the reading that are associated with the day's theme. They may include any of the previously mentioned themes. After doing so, we will distribute lyrics of "Another Brick in the Wall Part II" by Pink Floyd and "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M. Click on the song title for the printed lyrics and an excerpt of the song. After students scan the words, we will play each song followed by brief discussion of what the lyrics mean and how they relate to the manipulation of one's mind through the filter of technology. This will provide students with another form of technological communication to incorporate the text of 1984 into their own experiences. Also it will assist students in becoming critical listeners of another communication medium. Class will conclude with a few volunteers explaining their technology artifacts.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on class participation in large group discussion of the song lyrics. Assessment will also be based upon whether or not they brought a text to class and on their analysis of that material, including the relevancy of the text to be included on the web page.

Assignment:

Read pages 122-147 and read individualism vs. collectivism essay. Students must also complete their DELRJ entry due next class period.

Click here to return to introduction page.