The Utpian Genre / IN TIME

 

https://www.wikihow.com/Analyze-a-Movie

 

Here are 10 study questions for the movie In Time that explore its themes, characters, and societal implications:

1. Concept of Time: How does the film use time as a currency? What does this say about the value of life and societal structure?

2. Class Division: Discuss the social classes represented in In Time. How does the disparity between the rich and the poor affect the characters and their actions?

3. Protagonist’s Motivation: What drives Will Salas to take action against the system? How do his motivations evolve throughout the film?

4. Relationship Dynamics: Analyze the relationship between Will and Sylvia. How does their connection challenge or reinforce the film's themes of wealth and survival?

5. The Role of Authority: How are law enforcement and authority figures portrayed in the film? What do they represent in terms of control and oppression?

6. Moral Choices: Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. What moral compromises do they make in their fight against the system?

7. Symbolism of Time: Discuss the significance of the clock tattoos and how they symbolize the characters' lives and struggles.

8. Rebellion and Resistance: How do Will and Sylvia's actions serve as a form of rebellion against the societal norms? What impact do they have on those around them?

9. Impact of Technology: How does the film depict the relationship between technology and society? In what ways does it contribute to the themes of control and freedom?

10. Ending and Reflection: What message does the film convey through its conclusion? How does it invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with time and value?

These questions should help foster a deeper understanding of the film's themes and encourage critical thinking about its societal implications.

 

 https://www.guidesglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/life-expectancy-map.png

 

Imagine the following situation: Movie Night at University

 

Individual Long Turn                                                                                                4-5 min

You study at the University of Natural Resources and Life Science, Vienna (BOKU) and you organise a movie night. For your international colleagues you introduce the film before you show it.  

• Make a short introduction to lead in the movie
• Give reasons why this utopian movie is worth watching
• Give some examples of famous novels and films of the utopian genre
• Point out parallels between the movie and the real world, considering the concept of time zones and the life expectancies in the world
• Describe migration as an omnipresent phenomenon through history 

 

Paired Activity                                                                                                           8-10 min.

After the film you take some dinks with your colleagues. There you converse about:

• several aspects of the movie, like rebellion, civic courage, civil disobedience, conformism vs. individualism; etc.
• discrimination in Europe/Austria against foreigners and people with different origin
• the problems and chances of migration and the solutions to fight discrimination in Austria/Europe

 

Conspiracy Theories

 

 

List of Conspiracy Thoeries

 https://www.livescience.com/11375-top-ten-conspiracy-theories.html

 

• Task: Choose one conspiracy theory from the list below (or propose another one for approval). Prepare a short presentation (3–5 minutes) to present on Teams and again in class.
• Requirements:
  1. Give a brief summary of the theory (what it claims and who supports it).
  2. Explain the origin and history of the theory (when and where it started).
  3. Provide key “evidence” used by supporters and any major counter-evidence or debunking.
  4. Discuss why people might believe this theory (psychological, social, political reasons).
  5. Conclude with your assessment: is the theory plausible? harmful? why/why not?
• Format and materials:
  • Teams post: upload your video and  short bibliography or links to sources.
  • In-class: oral presentation 3–5 minutes, optional short handout or slide.
• Cite sources: use at least two reputable sources (news outlets, academic articles, books, fact-checking sites). 
• Grading (overview): clarity, accuracy, critical thinking, use of sources, presentation skills.
• Deadline: Post your video on time! 

List of 36 conspiracy theories (choose one)

1. Moon landing hoax (Apollo landings were faked)
2. 9/11 inside job (controlled demolition / government involvement)
3. JFK assassination conspiracy (multiple shooters / cover-up)
4. Area 51 and alien technology cover-up
5. Roswell UFO crash hidden by government
6. Chemtrails (aircraft trails used for secret programs)
7. Flat Earth theory
8. New World Order (secret global government)
9. Illuminati controlling world events
10. Global elite and population control via vaccines
11. Anti-vaccine movement (vaccines as harmful / population control)
12. COVID-19 as a planned or engineered virus
13. COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips or tracking devices
14. QAnon (deep state cabal and child-trafficking claims)
15. HAARP (weather or earthquake control program)
16. 5G causes health problems / mind control
17. Bilderberg Group secret world control
18. Fake deaths / “crisis actors” used in mass events
19. Paul is dead (Beatles conspiracy about Paul McCartney)
20. Princess Diana’s death was an assassination
21. The Protocols of the Elders of Zion (antisemitic fabricated plot)
22. Secret government mind-control programs (MK-Ultra)
23. The Denver International Airport conspiracies (bunkers / symbolism)
24. Freemasons manipulate politics and finance
25. Hollow Earth theory
26. Suppressed free energy or suppressed inventions by corporations/governments
27. Tobacco/healthcare conspiracies to hide cures (e.g., cancer cures suppressed)
28. The “Sandy Hook” hoax claims
29. False flag operations staged by governments to justify war
30. Climate change denial as a global scientific conspiracy
31. The “Montauk Project” (time travel / mind control experiments)
32. Cryptids and government cover-ups (e.g., Bigfoot captured and hidden)
33. The “Great Replacement” conspiracies about demographic engineering
34. Secret lunar bases or colonies hidden by authorities
35. False moon phases / manipulated astronomical events
36. Alien-human hybrid programs / government-human alien agreements

 

Describing a Picture

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihIQ8_-49Fo&t=63s

 

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/words/describing_pictures.htm 

 

Romeo and Juliet

 

https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/

https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/

 

1. What is the basic story of "Romeo and Juliet"? Can you summarize the main plot points?
2. Who are the main characters in the play, and how are they different or similar in the modern adaptation?
3. What are the main themes of "Romeo and Juliet"? How are these themes shown in the film?
4. Why do Romeo and Juliet fall in love? What obstacles do they face?
5. How does the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets drive the story?
6. What role does fate play in the story? Do Romeo and Juliet believe in fate? How is this shown?
7. Why is the idea of love so important in "Romeo and Juliet"? How do their feelings differ from love today?
8. How does violence and hatred affect the characters and the outcome of the story?
9. What lessons or messages do you think the play is trying to teach the audience?
10. How does the modern version help you understand the timelessness of the story? Do you think the story would be different if it was set in your own time? How?
11. Can you identify moments in the story where misunderstandings lead to serious consequences? What can we learn from this?
12. How do the characters' decisions influence the outcome of the story? Do you agree with their choices?

Study Questions: 

Imagine the following situation: Leisure Club

Monolog                                                                                           5 min

You are one of the organising members of the Leisure Club and today you watch a modern version of the famous drama: “Romeo and Juliet”. After watching the movie, you give a talk about the film and parallels to our lives. In your talk, answer the following questions:

• outline why this old story is still topical today
• explain the reasons behind the increase of social media and online communication
• contrast the difference between a real-life friendship and a virtual friendship.

Dialog                                                                                               10 min.

With a colleague you discuss modern dating culture and romantic relationships after the meeting. In the discussion you state your opinion on,

• the advantages and disadvantages of being single
• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/the-single-society-1343039.html
• the attitude of young people towards long-term relationships
• what qualities you would look for in a potential partner
• the problem of watching pornography at a young age
• https://www.councilonrecovery.org/how-pornography-affects-the-teenage-brain-an-infographic/

Writing TASK:

Interpretation!!!

ACT I PROLOGUE Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; […]

ACT V EPILOGUE PRINCE A glooming peace this morning with it brings; The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things;Some shall be pardoned and some punished. For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

• Give a short plot outline of the famous drama! Comment on the Prologue and the Epilogue of this famous play. What is meant by: “star-cross'd lovers”?

• Deal with topics, interesting to you! (e.g. Love and hate, love at the first sight, passion, sex, marriage, the church, religion, violence, death, drugs, friends and group pressure, committing suicide, enemies, relatives and parents, …)

• In your opinion, which measures are to be taken to prevent young people from committing suicide and lead a happy life?

Video: Farming and Sustanibility

 

 

Dear students,

your task is to create a short video (2-3 minutes) in English about one of the following topics related to farming and sustainability. You should introduce the topic, explain why it is important, and give some tips or ideas. Be creative and have fun!

Choose one topic from the list below:

1. My Favorite Sustainable Farming Practice
2. How to Grow a Vegetable Garden at Home
3. The Importance of Recycling in Agriculture
4. Renewable Energy Sources on Farms
5. Protecting Wildlife and Natural Habitats
6. The Benefits of Organic Farming
7. Water Conservation Tips for Farmers and Homes
8. How to Reduce Food Waste
9. The Role of Technology in Modern Farming
10. Why Climate Change Affects Agriculture

Guidelines:

• Speak clearly in English.
• Use visuals or props if possible.
• Try to be informative and engaging.
• Record your video in one shot if possible, but you can do multiple takes.

Post your video on TEAMS!  

Don´t read! Talk freely! This is not a reading task! 

Posting a good video on time is an integral part of your final assessment!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me via TEAMS! 👍 

Good luck and have fun sharing your knowledge about farming and sustainability!

The Raumberg Spirit

 

It was a cold and dreary November night at Gumpenstein Castle. The moon was shrouded by heavy clouds. Only now and then some dim rays were able to shed light on the old crumbled walls. Nasty fog patches were drifting through the valley.

Only sometimes through the fog,  you could see (could you see/inversion!) see the diffuse lights in the windows of the famous old boarding school of Raumberg-Gumpenstein. Also it was nearly witching hour, some unfortunate students were still sitting over their heavy books. Silence! Suddenly they heard a terrible scream! …..

Role Play: Characters:

·       The Raumberg Spirit

·       Michael, Paul,…

·       Resi, Birgit, …

·       Dr. Karl, the Headmaster

·       Thomas, the caretaker of the building

...

__________________________________________________________
Spirit: the activating or essential principle influencing a person
acted in a spirit of helpfulnesshttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirit

The Unbelievable

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7ynwAgQlDQ

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpWebxw_Zho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIKqI0B6D-A 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quOdF1CAPXs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfsQBeXWktU

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCqnYXb2yzU

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-10vg90ZIy8

 

_______________________________________________

Imagine the following situation: Students´Meeting at University

Individual Long Turn 4-5 min

You study at the Technical University in Graz and you are a students´ representative (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft). There you meet fellow students from all around the world. To get to know each other a little bit better, you organise weekly meetings to discuss several topics. Today you want to talk about paranormal phenomena and superstition. First you introduce the topic giving a short talk:

· Present some superstitious behaviour and famous theories about several phenomena

· Analyse why people tend to believe the unbelievable

· Give your personal opinion concerning the topic

Paired Activity 8-10 min.

With a colleague you discuss the topic. Consider the aspects below:

· discuss several weird theories and movies

· the function of new media and the internet, concerning the spreading of new unbelievable stories

· explain why there is often no 13th floor in hotels

· the credibility of the different kinds of media in general

· evaluate if some of the theories could be true and think if you are superstitious

__________________________________

1.       Aliens

2.       Pyramids

3.       Voodoo

4.       Flight 19/ Bermuda Triangle

5.       Slenderman

6.       UFO Austria

7.       Ufo Sightings Belgium

8.       Rosswell

9.       Yeti

10.   Ancient Aliens

11.   Zombies

12.   Vampires

13.   Cannibalism

14.   Dracula

15.   Corn circles

16.   Hauted Places

17.   Reincarnation

18.   Fortune telling

19.   Ouija board

20.   Earth holes (Erdlöcher) Austria

21.   Stone circles Austria

22.   Stonehenge

23.   Tumulus St. Michel

24.   Water witching

25.   Machu Picchu

26.   Nazca Lines

27.   Sailing stones

28.   Dragons

29.   Angels

30.   Magic

31.   Terrestrial  radiation

32.   Goblins

33.   Ball lightning

34.   The men who stare at goats 

35. Time travel

36. Sea monsters

37. Number 13

38. Superstition 

39 Superstitious traditions in Austria

....