Unit 4 Disney World:Cities of Simulation as Postmodern Utopias Ken Sanes I.Teaching Aims: 1.To know about the shift of addressing forms and the specific functions. 2.To understand the author's purpose of writing this essay. 3.To grasp the new words and expressions; II.Teaching Importance and Difficulties: 1.Understand the author's main purpose of writing the essay. 2.Know the writing strategies of the text. 3.Grasp the key language points in the text. III.Teaching periods:6 periods IV.Teaching steps: 1.Warm-up Questions: 1)What does Disney World evoke in you? 2)What can we learn from Disney World? 2.Information related to the text: 1)The author gives his critical view on Disney World from two perspectives:Why does this park have such a great appeal to its visitors?And how does modern technology plays its paradoxical roles in Disney? 2)This expository essay may be divided into 4 parts as follows: Part I (Para.1-4):the author explains the illusion,idealized reality and fantasies created by Disney Part II(Paras 5-7):the author probes the implications of modern technology in Disney World. Part III(Paras 8-9):the author moves on to discuss the difference between the perfect world as desired by humanity and that of Disney World. Part IV(Paras.10-11):the author raises the question about our relationship with technology and cautioned us against the greatest negative aspects of Disney World. 3.Detailed Study of the Text: Analysis Part I(Para.1-Para.4): The first paragraph is part of the section in which the author explains the illusion(Paragraph 1), idealized reality(Paragraphs 2 and 3 )and fantasies(Paragraph 4)created by Disney. Language points 1."In various attractions"-In Disney World there are four theme parks:Magic Kingdom, EPOCT,Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom.Each of the four includes a number of units that are further composed of a number of attractions.For example,one of the units in Magic Kingdom is called Adventureland that is made up of the following attractions:Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean,Swiss Family Treehouse,and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.The same is true of all other units (Frontierland,Tomorrowland,Fantasyland,Liberty Square,Mickey's Toontown Fair)in this and other theme parks. 2."On the thrill rides"-While riding the roller-coasters and other terrifying machines. 3."they defy gravity,moving at speeds and in ways that seem to violate what common sense tells them should be possible"-Here the author refers to the attractions in Tomorrowland.These attractions are:Astro Orbiter,Tommorrow Indy Speedway and Space Mountain,all of which demonstrate the incredibly fast speed at which we travel on the earth and to outer-space. 4.On the thrill rides,they defy gravity,moving at speeds and in ways that seem to violate what common sense tells them should be possible:When taking the exciting rides on those machines, they act against gravity,moving at such a fast speed that is almost impossible to turn to their common sense for an explanation.defy:act against;refuse to obey Her beauty defies description. The doctor has been accused of violating professional ethics. Questions of this kind violate my privacy and I am not willing to answer them
Unit 4 Disney World: Cities of Simulation as Postmodern Utopias Ken Sanes I. Teaching Aims: 1. To know about the shift of addressing forms and the specific functions. 2. To understand the author’s purpose of writing this essay. 3. To grasp the new words and expressions; II. Teaching Importance and Difficulties: 1. Understand the author’s main purpose of writing the essay. 2. Know the writing strategies of the text. 3. Grasp the key language points in the text. III. Teaching periods: 6 periods IV. Teaching steps: 1. Warm-up Questions: 1) What does Disney World evoke in you? 2) What can we learn from Disney World? 2. Information related to the text: 1) The author gives his critical view on Disney World from two perspectives: Why does this park have such a great appeal to its visitors? And how does modern technology plays its paradoxical roles in Disney? 2) This expository essay may be divided into 4 parts as follows: Part I (Para. 1-4) : the author explains the illusion, idealized reality and fantasies created by Disney. Part II (Paras 5-7 ) : the author probes the implications of modern technology in Disney World. Part III (Paras 8–9): the author moves on to discuss the difference between the perfect world as desired by humanity and that of Disney World. Part IV (Paras. 10-11): the author raises the question about our relationship with technology and cautioned us against the greatest negative aspects of Disney World. 3. Detailed Study of the Text: Analysis Part I (Para. 1-Para. 4): The first paragraph is part of the section in which the author explains the illusion (Paragraph 1), idealized reality (Paragraphs 2 and 3 ) and fantasies (Paragraph 4) created by Disney. Language points 1. “In various attractions” - In Disney World there are four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPOCT, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. Each of the four includes a number of units that are further composed of a number of attractions. For example, one of the units in Magic Kingdom is called Adventureland that is made up of the following attractions: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Swiss Family Treehouse, and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. The same is true of all other units (Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Mickey’s Toontown Fair) in this and other theme parks. 2. “On the thrill rides” - While riding the roller-coasters and other terrifying machines. 3. “they defy gravity, moving at speeds and in ways that seem to violate what common sense tells them should be possible” - Here the author refers to the attractions in Tomorrowland. These attractions are: Astro Orbiter, Tommorrow Indy Speedway and Space Mountain, all of which demonstrate the incredibly fast speed at which we travel on the earth and to outer-space. 4. On the thrill rides, they defy gravity, moving at speeds and in ways that seem to violate what common sense tells them should be possible: When taking the exciting rides on those machines, they act against gravity, moving at such a fast speed that is almost impossible to turn to their common sense for an explanation. defy: act against; refuse to obey Her beauty defies description. The doctor has been accused of violating professional ethics. Questions of this kind violate my privacy and I am not willing to answer them
Paragraphs 2-3 These two paragraphs elaborate on the idealized vision created by Disney World:a world of perpetual celebration and a world that is objective and material but seemingly as carefree as the imagination.This illusion caters to humanity's deepest dream-"to escape the fallen state of society and the self”or“to transcend the mundane.” 1."negative emotions"(Paragraph 2 )-The phrase refers to all undesirable emotions such as unhappiness,disappointment and anger. 2."we go on a journey through symbolic worlds that are objective and material but seemingly as carefree as the imagination."(Paragraph 3)-In Disney World we entertain ourselves with the vision that we are living in fantastic,carefree worlds that are in reality,objective and solid. 3.draws visitors into a world of perpetual celebration.:Visitors are attracted into a world where everyday is a festival and celebrations are going on all the time. They lived in perpetual fear of being discovered and arrested. He has hard,cold eyes and his mouth is set in a perpetual sneer. 4.In Disney World,we transcend the mundane.In Disney World,we are free from all the ordinary and boring matters we have to put up with in the real world. The underlining message of the film is that love transcends everything else. 5.most human motives are concealed.:Most human motives are hidden.We do not know what other people are thinking about. I tried to conceal my surprise when she told me her age Is there something you are concealing from me? Paragraphs 4 Another function of Disney World is to render the possibility of re-creating our surroundings in the form of an updated version of contemporary romance stories.That is,Disney World satisfies people's psychological needs by dismissing the "dry scientism"with modern art and technology. 1."the disenchantment of the world the rise of science and the declining influence of religion: -the disappointment of the world/the loss of belief in the world due to the rise of science and the diminishing influence of religion. 2."an updated version of contemporary romance stories."-a new model of contemporary love stories that are endowed with human emotions and feelings. 3.in the modern age we are witnessing the disenchantment of the world.:In our modern time, we see with our own eyes that people are getting more and more disappointed about what is going on in the world. Disillusionment and disenchantment have now set in for many people Part II(Para.5-Para.7) From Paragraph 5 to 7 the author probes the implications of modern technology in Disney World. In Paragraph 5 she finds that it also shows us the way technology will give us power over,and freedom from,the world."In other words,it can help us enjoy,by simulation,what we hope to enjoy in reality. Language Points 1."objectified fantasies"-those fantasies and imaginations that have been made real in the various attractions in Disney World. 2.one day we will go into outer space or travel freely across the globe or evolve a perfect society:one day we will be able to enter outer space or travel feely across the earth or develop a perfect society. Humans evolved from apes. Bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics. 3."showcase"-a situation or event that is designed to show the good qualities someone or some product possesses.The world is often metaphorically used to indicate a situation in which something is displayed to its best advantage. 4.“in place of”-in stead of. 5."rationality"-The meaning of this world is opposite to sentimentality and romance. 6.technology would usher in an age of affluence.:technology would bring about important changes which would lead to an age of prosperity
Paragraphs 2-3 These two paragraphs elaborate on the idealized vision created by Disney World: a world of perpetual celebration and a world that is objective and material but seemingly as carefree as the imagination. This illusion caters to humanity’s deepest dream - “ to escape the fallen state of society and the self” or “ to transcend the mundane.” 1.“negative emotions” ( Paragraph 2 ) - The phrase refers to all undesirable emotions such as unhappiness, disappointment and anger. 2.“ we go on a journey through symbolic worlds that are objective and material but seemingly as carefree as the imagination.” ( Paragraph 3 ) - In Disney World we entertain ourselves with the vision that we are living in fantastic, carefree worlds that are in reality, objective and solid. 3. .draws visitors into a world of perpetual celebration.: Visitors are attracted into a world where everyday is a festival and celebrations are going on all the time. They lived in perpetual fear of being discovered and arrested. He has hard, cold eyes and his mouth is set in a perpetual sneer. 4. In Disney World, we transcend the mundane. : In Disney World, we are free from all the ordinary and boring matters we have to put up with in the real world. The underlining message of the film is that love transcends everything else. 5. . most human motives are concealed.: Most human motives are hidden. We do not know what other people are thinking about. I tried to conceal my surprise when she told me her age. Is there something you are concealing from me? Paragraphs 4 Another function of Disney World is to render the possibility of re-creating our surroundings in the form of an updated version of contemporary romance stories. That is, Disney World satisfies people’s psychological needs by dismissing the “dry scientism”with modern art and technology. 1. “ the disenchantment of the world the rise of science and the declining influence of religion: - the disappointment of the world/ the loss of belief in the world due to the rise of science and the diminishing influence of religion. 2. “ an updated version of contemporary romance stories.” - a new model of contemporary love stories that are endowed with human emotions and feelings. 3. . in the modern age we are witnessing the disenchantment of the world.: In our modern time, we see with our own eyes that people are getting more and more disappointed about what is going on in the world. Disillusionment and disenchantment have now set in for many people. Part II (Para. 5-Para. 7) From Paragraph 5 to 7 the author probes the implications of modern technology in Disney World. In Paragraph 5 she finds that “ it also shows us the way technology will give us power over, and freedom from, the world.” In other words, it can help us enjoy, by simulation, what we hope to enjoy in reality. Language Points 1. “ objectified fantasies” - those fantasies and imaginations that have been made real in the various attractions in Disney World. 2. .one day we will go into outer space or travel freely across the globe or evolve a perfect society.: one day we will be able to enter outer space or travel feely across the earth or develop a perfect society. Humans evolved from apes. Bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics. 3. “ showcase” - a situation or event that is designed to show the good qualities someone or some product possesses. The world is often metaphorically used to indicate a situation in which something is displayed to its best advantage. 4. “ in place of” - in stead of. 5. “rationality” - The meaning of this world is opposite to sentimentality and romance. 6. . technology would usher in an age of affluence.: technology would bring about important changes which would lead to an age of prosperity
She ushered us into her office and offered us coffee. Officials quickly ushered the protesters out of the hall. 7."if the great myth of'meta-story'of America is the story of progress,then Disney World is a place that masquerades as the happy ending"-if the great story of American success is the story of progress,then Disney World seems to mark its happy ending. 8."undoes the fallen state of nature,society and ourselves" -changes the situation in which nature,society and ourselves have declined. 9.Disney World is a place that masquerades as the happy ending,in which progress culminates in a utopia:Disney World plays the part of the happy ending of the great story of America. In this business letter there are a lot o unqualified people masquerading as experts. She masqueraded as a shepherd. Their many years of research have finally culminated in a cure for the disease. Winning first prize was the culmination of years of practice and hard work. PartⅢ(Para.8-Para.) In these paragraphs the author moves on to discuss the difference between the perfect world as desired by humanity and that of Disney World.He further points out the irony that Disney World brings this ideal perfect world to life by "inviting us to regress to a state of happiness before the fall from childhood.” Language Points 1."Disney World falsifies our desire for a better world"-Disney World misrepresents our desire for a better world. 2."to regress to a state of happiness before the fall from childhood"-to retreat to a happy and innocent period before the end of childhood which marks the beginning of sophistication and moral decline. Here the word“fall”implies moral degeneration.According to the Bible,.the“fall”was the occasion when Adam and Eve sinned and God made them leave the Garden of Eden. 3.put into practice in small communities.:are carried out by small groups of people. It seemed like a good idea before we started,but in practice it was a disaster. I can't see how your plan is going to work in practice How do you intend to put these proposals into practice. 4.with simplified visions of life that filter out the difficult truths of the self and society.:. with simplified imagination of life from which all the difficult truths of the self and society have been removed. The water is filtered to remove any impurities. The technology exists to remove all of these contaminants through filtration. Part IV (Para.10-Para.11) In this two paragraphs the author raises the question about our relationship with technology and winds up the essay by cautioning us against the greatest negative aspects of Disney World-intellectual illusion,regression caused by progress,loss of ourselves in automation and dependence on technology. Language Points 1.The contradictions inherent in Disney World are deepened.:The intrinsic contradictions of Disney World are intensified. I have an inherent distrust of lawyers. There's nothing inherently wrong with his ideas. 2.In Disney,we see the ultimate attempt to rely on technology.:In Disney,they are going to the extreme in trying to do everything with modern technology. The success of this project relies on everyone making an effort. I rely on you for good advice. I'm relying on the garage to fix the car by tomorrow. V.Assignments: 1)Finish all the exercises of the text 2)Oral Activities:What is the essence of Disney World?
She ushered us into her office and offered us coffee. Officials quickly ushered the protesters out of the hall. 7. “ if the great myth of ‘meta-story’ of America is the story of progress, then Disney World is a place that masquerades as the happy ending” - if the great story of American success is the story of progress, then Disney World seems to mark its happy ending. 8. “ undoes the fallen state of nature, society and ourselves” - changes the situation in which nature, society and ourselves have declined. 9. Disney World is a place that masquerades as the happy ending, in which progress culminates in a utopia.: Disney World plays the part of the happy ending of the great story of America. In this business letter there are a lot o unqualified people masquerading as experts. She masqueraded as a shepherd. Their many years of research have finally culminated in a cure for the disease. Winning first prize was the culmination of years of practice and hard work. Part III (Para. 8-Para. 9) In these paragraphs the author moves on to discuss the difference between the perfect world as desired by humanity and that of Disney World. He further points out the irony that Disney World brings this ideal perfect world to life by “inviting us to regress to a state of happiness before the fall from childhood.” Language Points 1. “Disney World falsifies our desire for a better world” - Disney World misrepresents our desire for a better world. 2. “to regress to a state of happiness before the fall from childhood” - to retreat to a happy and innocent period before the end of childhood which marks the beginning of sophistication and moral decline. Here the word “fall” implies moral degeneration. According to the Bible, the “fall” was the occasion when Adam and Eve sinned and God made them leave the Garden of Eden. 3. .put into practice in small communities.: are carried out by small groups of people. It seemed like a good idea before we started, but in practice it was a disaster. I can’t see how your plan is going to work in practice. How do you intend to put these proposals into practice. 4. .with simplified visions of life that filter out the difficult truths of the self and society.: . with simplified imagination of life from which all the difficult truths of the self and society have been removed. The water is filtered to remove any impurities. The technology exists to remove all of these contaminants through filtration. Part IV (Para. 10-Para. 11) In this two paragraphs the author raises the question about our relationship with technology and winds up the essay by cautioning us against the greatest negative aspects of Disney World—intellectual illusion, regression caused by progress, loss of ourselves in automation and dependence on technology. Language Points 1. The contradictions inherent in Disney World are deepened.: The intrinsic contradictions of Disney World are intensified. I have an inherent distrust of lawyers. There’s nothing inherently wrong with his ideas. 2. In Disney, we see the ultimate attempt to rely on technology.: In Disney, they are going to the extreme in trying to do everything with modern technology. The success of this project relies on everyone making an effort. I rely on you for good advice. I’m relying on the garage to fix the car by tomorrow. V. Assignments: 1) Finish all the exercises of the text. 2) Oral Activities: What is the essence of Disney World?