FSEM 100 M: The Good Society: Exploring Utopia
Fall 2014
Due Date of Final Draft: October 2
Short Essay: (1500-2500+ words): 15%
What is A Good Life? What makes life worth living?
A basic premise of any utopian society is that for those who choose, for those who believe
its philosophy, they will have a good life—indeed a better life than he or she would have
outside utopia. But just what is a good life?
First, consider some of the answers that we have read and discussed so far (or will be
discussing), such as:
 the Republic;
 Thomas More;
 the Shakers, and/or the Mormons;
 Sparta and/or Athens;
 Campanella, The City of the Sun;
 Bacon, The New Atlantis, and others.
Would you choose one of these intentional communities? Why? What does a particular
community offer that would make life good?
Then, consider for yourself: what is a good life, what makes life worth living?
Next, interview 2-3 people from the following groups: your peers, your parents’
generation (which would include many of your professors), and your grandparents
(which would include a few of your professors). Be sure to include both men and
women. The answer: being happy is not sufficient, by the way.
Then, analyze your data. Any differences or similarities? Does age or gender make a
difference?
Conclusions? So what?
Your essay must be written in first person and in an informal non-academic voice.
Please feel free to discuss your ideas or work with me at any stage in the process of
researching and writing the essay. The UMW Writing Center is also available for
consultation.