What is a Utopia?

Introduction

The idea of a Utopia has been around for a long time. Sir Thomas More wrote about it in the 1500s. What is a Utopia? What would it be like to live in one? Is it an impossible idea? These are some of the many topics we will be exploring this semester. We will start now, with an understanding of the term “Utopia”.

Task

If you look in the dictionary, you will easily find a definition of the word “Utopia”. Sometimes, though, those definitions aren't very clear or they are extremely limited. In this unit we will investigate the meaning of the word by looking at dictionary definitions and examining some existing Utopian societies.

After this investigation, we will write an extended definition essay that explains the term more fully.

Process

Part 1: Simple Definition

In the first part of this project, you are to look in a number of dictionaries to see how they define the word “Utopia”. You will write those definitions here, always giving the name of the dictionary in which you found it and the related publication information. These can be online or paper dictionaries. Each of you is expected to add at least 2 different dictionary definitions. Make sure you don't repeat a source that your classmate has already used.

Part 2: Utopian Communities

Now, we will look at some different Utopian societies.

Choose two of the sites above or any other sites you might be able to find about Utopian communities. More sites can be found here

Write a brief description of each community and tell how it does or doesn't match some of the definitions of a Utopia that you found. Post them on the blog. Make sure you don't choose a community that your classmates have done.

Part 3: Extended Definition

You will now write an extended definition essay. You should include the following information: at least one dictionary definition of Utopia, at least one example of a Utopian community and anything else you think helps to define the term “Utopia”.

When you are done with your first draft, send it to me as an email attachment. When you have revised and edited it, upload it to WebCT.

Evaluation

Your grade for this unit will be based on two things: the writing assignment and your completion of all the earlier tasks in this project. The writing will be graded separately according to the rubric. The project tasks will be graded according to this rubric:

Dictionary definitions (4 points possible) :

* Submitted only one incomplete definition to the wiki. It was lacking either the reference or a major part of the definition. - 1 point
* Submitted one complete definition with the reference. - 2 points
* Submitted one complete definition with the reference and one partial post that was missing one of those elements. - 3 points
* Submitted two complete definitions with references. - 4 points

Description of 1st Utopian Community (5 points possible):

* Made an incomplete description of the community. It was lacking at least 2 elements: reference, complete description and/or relation to the definitions. - 1 point
* Made an incomplete description of the community. It was lacking 1 element: reference, complete description or relation to the definitions. - 2 points
* Made a complete description of the community. It was, however, very weak in its description or its relationship to the definitions. - 3 points
* Made a complete description of the community that addressed both questions well. - 4 points
* Made a complete description that met all requirements and was easy to read and understand. - 5 points

Description of 2nd Utopian Community (5 points possible):

* Made an incomplete description of the community. It was lacking at least 2 elements: reference, complete description and/or relation to the definitions. - 1 point
* Made an incomplete description of the community. It was lacking 1 element: reference, complete description or relation to the definitions. - 2 points
* Made a complete description of the community. It was, however, very weak in its description or its relationship to the definitions. - 3 points
* Made a complete description of the community that addressed both questions well. - 4 points
* Made a complete description that met all requirements and was easy to read and understand. - 5 points

Conclusion

Now that you have completed these tasks, you should have a basic understanding of what a Utopia is. We will use that understanding as we continue to read and write about Utopia.

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