Plan 2 Individual Project No.

Utopia Class Poster Project

Introduction
In his book, Utopia, Sir Thomas More creates a perfect world. People have always tried to
improve their lives by improving the world around them. Many have created new governments,
new villages, and new ways of living. Some have worked well; others have failed.

Task
What kind of perfect world would you make?
You have actually has three tasks. First, you will research real communities of people from
history (past and present) who have tried or are trying to create a utopia. Second, you will come
up with your own definition of "utopia." These activities will help you achieve your final task of
creating a poster detailing your own "utopia." These posters will be presented in-class.

Requirements
You will be graded on the worksheet, the poem, the poster, and the presentation. You will be
graded on your participation in the creative process. I will be monitoring the progress of your
work and your actions throughout the assignment. The assignment will be worth 100 points.
Make sure to include all of the following:

Society Requirements
1. Religion
2. Economic System
3. Educational System
4. Government
5. Legal System

Poster Requirements
1. Name of Society
2. Explanation of how your society functions
3. Explanation of how your society is perfect
4. Illustrations of the important systems in your society

1
Process

During the 1800s in the United States, several groups experimented with setting up a "utopian
society" in order to improve upon American society. These were small groups of people who
usually followed the teachings and ideas of one leader. They isolated themselves and worked
together to achieve perfection. Many shared work, wealth, and property. Some were based on
religion.

Part One
Directions: Explore the following communities using the provided websites. Investigate the
concepts of "utopia" and answer the following questions.

I. New Harmony: A historical society

http://www-lib.iupui.edu/kade/newharmony/home.html
1. Name the two American utopian societies that were born in New Harmony and the leader of
each society.

II. Brook Farm: A historical society

http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/transcendentalism/ideas/brhistory.html
Scroll down to Philosophy at Brook Farm.
1. What were Ripley's goals?

Scroll down to Lifestyles.

2. What symbolizing custom did the entire company perform at the Farm?

III. Twin Oaks: A current "utopian society"

http://www.twinoaks.org
1. When did this community start?

2. How many hours does each member work a week?

IV. Acorn: A current "utopian society"

http://www.acorncommunity.org
1. Explore their culture and recreation. What did you find most interesting?

2
V. Victory City: future utopia
http://www.victorycities.com
1. What are some of the benefits for residents?

2. How will the money system work?

3. How will the educational systems work?

VI. Utopian States: future utopia

http://www.utopianstates.com/US1/index.html
1. Read the Utopian Goals. What are three of the most interesting to you and your group? Why?

VII. Utopian World

http://www.utopianworld.org/
1. Review the values of this organization. In their opinion, who is accountable for learning? Do
you agree? Why/Why not?

Part Two

Directions: Define utopia by creating an acrostic poem using the word "utopia." Your poem will
be placed on display along with your classmates' poems as a way to share differing views of
utopia. Next, create a name and plan for your utopian community.

Part Three
Directions: Once you have completed Part One and Part Two, plan a poster (on A3, maximum
of 10 pages, minimum of 5) so that you may visually and orally share your information and
insights with your class. Your presentation will focus on what you believe would make a
successful "utopian society."