Dystopia and Political Repression: What does a “good” society look like? When is it better to go our own way, and when is it better to conform to the desires of others? What would a fair society look like? Are we justified in using any means possible to get there? How do we imagine a better world? These questions are at the forefront of dystopian fiction. In this course, we will read dystopian fiction not only for the engaging plots, but also to think about how the societies described in these stories mirror those of countries around the world today as well as our own. In doing so, we will consider important historical and contemporary political issues such as propaganda, information control, brainwashing, and nefarious uses of technology. In addition, we will explore dystopian fiction as a tool to critique political systems and tactics while thinking about ways to improve our world.
- Teacher: Allison Quatrini