Day Nine

Theme:

Consequences of Technology in Society

Objectives:

The goal for the day is to integrate all of the material previously discussed into a cohesive understanding of technology in our society as it affects the lives of our students. Yet this is not the only aspect of ideology in 1984. We will also attempt to provide a brief closure of ideas such as totalitarianism, utopia/dystopia, and individualism/collectivism. In the hope that students now recognize the seriousness of technology an its impact upon each of us, we will show an excerpt from an X-Files episode to provide another example of the possible consequences of technology.

Rationale:

In providing a day before the completion of the two week lesson, we are allowing for some degree of flexibility in that we can clarify or reteach lessons that students may or may not have fully comprehended. This will give students a more concrete conception of Orwell's view of technology in 1984 and of the other texts' depictions of technology. In addition, it is important for us to use a visual example of technology's impact to emphasize our points in a more tangible manner; however, we must keep in mind that the episode excerpt is a media representation, not reality.

Materials:

1984 pages 215-245
An episode of The X-Files
Mural paper
Markers and tape

Lesson:

We will begin the class by constructing a mind map on a large mural highlighting the students' overall conceptions of 1984 and technology. We will encourage students to contribute thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and impressions about the material we have explored throughout the two week lesson. Students will create the mural as a unit, connecting their ideas. We will display the mural on the classroom wall at the end of the period for reflection at a later time. To emphasize the pervasiveness of technology in our lives, we will show a segment of The X-Files, not as a reward at the end of the unit, but rather as another example of Hollywood representations of the government, mass media, and control. We will critically analyze the clip with the knowledge that although it may reflect the themes we have been discussing, it is still a creation of the media.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on discussion and building the concluding concept mural. Their attentiveness to the television clip will be observed.

Assignment:

Prepare your assigned side of the debate for class tomorrow. Try to include information pertaining to technology as either a friend or as an enemy.

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