A-1 English Name:____________________
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
Oral Presentations—Background
Many of the ideas presented in
Brave New World weren’t even invented at the time the novel was written,
yet are still talked about and debated and discussed today. I’d like you to research some of the
current thinking and research about one such topic, and report back to the
class.
You
may work alone or in pairs.
NOTE: I’ve put some
links to relevant websites related to these topics on TallMania. Go to the Brave New World page to
start. However, you should find some
of your own sources, too. Try
books! Try an encyclopedia!
Possible
topics:
- Cloning (esp. of humans)
- “Designer Babies”
- Sleep Learning/“Hypnopaedia”
- Making Drugs (hallucinogens in particular) Legal
Your Project:
You’ll make a presentation to the class, with visuals. That can be a poster, large pictures, graphs, PowerPoint, etc. (Beware of how ancient my classroom computer is, however. Don’t be too fancy with your PowerPoint, or you’ll discover it doesn’t look the same in class.)
I’d like you to include the
following in your presentation:
- Define the terms associated with your topic, and give the historical background of it.
- Then, lay out the moral and ethical issues involved in your topic.
- Take a side on the issues, and defend your point of view.
Grading:
- You should work in the classroom and/or library when given time; don’t waste time.
- Your presentation should fill at least 15 minutes but no more than 25.
- Your presentation should have a balance of relevant fact and opinion.
- You should come to a conclusion; support a side in the debate on your topic.
- All of your facts should be cited, with a bibliography page or slide.
- You must have something visual to show the class, along with your words.
- Speak clearly and dynamically, in correct English.
- I’ll be happy and impressed if you directly relate some things you say to BNW.