1. Science Fiction and Dystopian Fiction
Lesson 3

2. What genre is this. Does Fahrenheit 451 belong to this genre
What genre is this? Does Fahrenheit 451 belong to this genre? What other books have you read in this genre?
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginative content such as futuristic settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life.

3. F451 Journal 3
Describe your idea of the best possible world (utopia). Also, briefly explain your idea of the worst possible world (dystopia).

4. Utopias/Dystopias
Is Fahrenheit 451 utopian or dystopian? Or, could it be either one, depending on your point of view?
Do we need to label books with a genre? How does genre change our understanding of a book before we even read it?
How does Bradbury envision everyday life in Fahrenheit 451? Is Montag comfortable in his society?

5. Censorship Hot Topics
As a group, come up with as many arguments as you can for and against one of the following statements. Write down 3 arguments for and against that topic and be prepared to share your strongest argument for either side.
(1) Books with swearing and sexuality should not be taught in schools.
(2) It should be illegal for any person under the age of sixteen to purchase or play violent video games like ‘Grand Theft Auto.’
(3) Songs with profane lyrics should not be censored on the radio.
(4) People who watch movies about drugs and crime are more likely to end up as addicts and criminals.
(5) Images of scantily clad pop stars are damaging to young women and should not be included in magazines or on television.
(6) Censorship is the first step towards the creation of an oppressive, fascist society.
(7) We should not read older books that contain racist attitudes, even if they are considered classics.
(8) No book, movie, song or image should be deliberately offensive to any minority.