A. Education of citizens is an important aspect in most civilizations. How will this Utopia respond to the following issues:
Education:
1. Who will have access to education and how will they access it? Most everything will be taught. However, if a student wants to learn something that an Educator does not know much about, then they will be encouraged to learn as much as they can on their own and with the assistance of Educators. The students may also consult others in the society who may know more about this subject as well.
2. What will be taught and how will it be taught? The Education system is fairly simple and quite effective. Students begin their formal education at age four, though parents are strongly encouraged to teach their children basic things while they are young. In their primary education, students are taught basic concepts, such as math and reading skills. At age ten, students move on to their secondary education. They are tested and placed with students with their same abilities. Here they learn more advanced basic concepts (math, reading, writing, science, and social studies) based on their abilities. At age fifteen, students move on to their higher education. At this point, students begin studying a subject of their choice that interests them. Students can choose to study this subject in a group (if there are other people who want to study this as well), on their own, or get a private touter. However, students attend school classes with other students based on their abilities, and this comes first. Personal studies occur during a students extra time. At age 20, students graduate from school. After graduation, students school studies are over. After graduation, students begin Private Studies. Here, they devote their time to learning that special subject of their choice, mainly through their own personal studies or private tuition. There is no set time or age for Private Studies to end. It just ends when the students are ready. After Private Studies, students become independent adults. They consult with the Committee to decide a roll in the society (which is mainly based on what students study in their Private Studies and also their strengths and abilities), and are encouraged to marry and begin a family. (Students are strongly encourage to not begin a family until have finished their private studies.)
3. What is the value placed on the role of Educators? This society is based on knowledge. Therefore, Educators are an important role in the society. However, Pascopolis citizens agree that everyone is created equal, and should receive the same amount of respect (other than the Elders). Therefore, the Educators are not treated any differently than other people in the society are.
Religion:
B. How will this Utopia address the following issues regarding religion? i. State sanctioned religion (one official religion) vs. multiple religious traditions ii. If a state sanctioned religion, what level of observance will be required? What will enforcement procedures entail? iii. Observance of eastern and western religions as they currently exist vs. the creation of a new religion or many new religions? When Pascopolis began, members of the Committee (part of the government) could not decide what policies on religion should be. Knowing that many world conflicts occured because of religion, the Committee did not want religion to corrupt the society. At the same time however, they did not want to limit people's religous freedom, which could result in people moving back to the United States (even though it was becoming more and more anti-religion). So, they presented the society with these rules:
The Committee presented these ideas to the people for vote, along with an explanation of their thinking. The vote was unanimous, and the rules were put into effect immediatly. For more information on how the rules were put into effect, see the government section. Arts and Entertainment: Most great societies encourage the flourishing of the full range of human talents. (Note: do not address censorship in this section; see the Government section) How will this Utopia accommodate the following activities: 1. Literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, etc.) Literature is a big part of Pascopolis. It helps people to learn, create, and imagine. Nonfiction is an important part of the society, as is fiction. Nonfiction helps people learn in a very direct way, and it is used quite a bit in schools. Fiction encourages imagination, which leads to learning in a more fun, friendly way. This is also used a lot in schools, as well as homes. Poetry is a way for people to express themselves, which also leads to reflecting and learning. People in the society are encouraged to write nonfiction papers as well as fictional stories and novels for other people to read. This helps both the writer and the reader to learn.
2. Fine arts (painting, sculpture, drawing, acting, dance, etc.) All kinds of art is welcomed and encouraged, as it brings beauty and encourages creation, creativity, and learning. Artists are an important part of the society.
vocal, etc.) All kinds of music is also an important part of the society.
4. Film (documentary, animation, fiction, etc.) Films are allowed, but not strongly encouraged. The Committee believes that fictional films stiffles creativity. Documentaries are sometimes used in the classroom, though hands on learning is more widely used.
5. Sports Sports are not as important to people in Pascopolis as it is to people in the United States. Sports are played ONLY for fun.
6. Value placed on the role of Artists and Athletes
Artists are an importanrt part of the society. All kinds of art is welcomed and encouraged, as it brings beauty and encourages creation, creativity, and learning. Athletes are not as important. Athletes are not a lob in the society, and people only play sports for fun. Food: Will this Utopia have a national dish? What will be
the prevailing cultural attitude toward food? (For example, necessary evil or daily joy?)
People in Pascopolis believe that food is important. It brings people together for celebrations and encourages people to have a good time, as long as not too much unhealthy food is eaten. People inPascopolis have a healthy lifestyle: they eat lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and get lots of exersize. No cars are allowed on the island. People walk almost everywhere, exept in a special case in which people have to travel a long way. In that circumstance, people are allowed to take one of the few buses on the island. Pascopolis does not have a national dish. Social Customs: How has your Utopia dealt with the following issues of social customs:
1. New vs. Old Holidays Some old holidays and some new holidays are observed. Pascopolis no longer celebrates Independence Day, but celebrates Pascopolis Day. Pascopolis Day occurs on June 23 every year, and represents the day that PASCA moved away from the United States and formed an independent society. On this day, school is closed, and some people get out of work half way through the day. People spend the day visiting the Island's beautiful sites, and in the evening there is a large potluck in the park by the lake in the center of the island. Everyone brings a dish, and people spend the evening feasting, celebrating, listening to speeches and music, swimming, and watching fireworks over the lake. Halloween is no longer celebrated, as the Committee and the citizens agree that it is a waste of time and resources for children to walk around collecting candy. Religious holidays (such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Easter) are still celebrated by people of certain religions. People celebrating religious holidays are encouraged to do so privately. 2. Social Classes (Are different groups of people viewed differently?) People in Pascopolis believe that all men are created equal, and therefore all people, except for the elders (see below) are viewed the same.
3. Notoriety, Celebrity, and Respect Other than the Elders, all people in the society are treated equally. Everyone is respected. All people are important. as a society cannot function if one person does not do their job. There are no celebrities.
4. Life goals, Hopes, and Dreams Pascopolis citizens are big dreamers. They have high hopes for the future, and do all they can to make their dreams, as long as they are good, come true.
F. How are families structured in your Utopia? (Is there a concept of marriage? How do children interact with their elders?) The Elders are very respected in the society. They have lived the longest, and therefore are believed to have the most knowledge. Elders are often went to for advisement, and people often follow their advice, which turns out to be beneficial.
People are encouraged to marry. People are free to choose who they marry. Families may have no children (although they are encouraged to have at least one child), one child (although they are strongly encouraged to have at least two children to prevent a child from feeling lonely), two children, three children, or four children, but no more than that UNLESS they have permission from the Committee. When a child is born, it is given to the mother that had it. If the mother is unable to raise the child or already has the four children, then the child will be given to another family who either is unable to have children, or just wants the child.
G. How do men and women relate to one another? Women are also highly respected, but they are not treated much differently than men or children, other than they are not required (but are encouraged) to have a job in the society. |
Katy(superk54)'s Culture, Social Customs, and Family Structure |
