Further than The Giver

The Process
Step One:  What is a Utopia? 
  Use the following web sites that are linked below to research the concept of "utopia."   As a group decide which parts are relevant to your project, and split the reading up into sections.  That way, each member can read a section and report back to the group.  Do your research and then discuss which of the information you've acquired will be shared.  As a group, come up with a definition of utopia.  In a well-developed paragraph each member will tell what utopia means to your group.

 Definition of utopia

Utopian Philosophy - how to achieve it, merging reality and utopia and views of what
utopia  may be like

 Step two: Research utopias
Visit the four sites of utopias that exist today. Each group member will read about one utopia and report back the group the major characteristics. Pick two that you like and using a Venn Diagram compare and contrast two of the utopias. Then write a six paragraph essay comparing and contrasting the two utopias.

The Acorn Community of Virginia

The Farm in Tennessee

Twin Oaks Community in Virginia

Victory City - A City Under One Roof

Step three:Choosing a type of government
Since the island is not owned or under the rule of a nation, you must decide on the type of government you wish to live under.View the power point presentation on the forms of government.Using the web on the forms of government , fill in the information regarding the four major forms of government, Dictatorship, Oligarchy, Direct Democracy, Representative Democracy.After you have the information on each of the form of governments, your group must decide the form of government that you wish to have.You may mix various aspects of different forms of government and create something new then write a one page description of your government.

 Step four:Choosing a leader
You now need to choose a leader(s) for your society.Visit the two following sites that discuss the qualities of a good leader.

Qualities of a Good Leader

More Qualities of a Good Leader
 

Here are some questions to answer that will help you determine your leader(s).
What are the positive and negative characteristics of a good leader?
What qualities would the leader(s) of your society need to possess?
Once you have looked at the two sites and brainstormed ideas to answer the above questions, you must decide on the leader of your group.The leader will be a member of your group,
Write a one page autobiography explaining why you should be the leader.Be creative!

  
  Step five:Aspects of your society

For each of the following items write one paragraph describing how each aspect fits
into your society. Each member of the group should have four different topics on which to write a paragraph.

Plant and animal life

Climatic and geographical features

Family units and child rearing responsibilities

Education

Transportation

Energy sources

Employment

Distribution of property and wealth

Inter Community relations

The Media

Fashion

Leisure

Sports

Crime

How the elderly are taken care of

Music/entertainment

Step six: visual representation
Now get together with your group to make a model, poster, or diagram of your community. Use your imagination to show your vision.