Dune

• Genre: Fiction; science fiction/dystopian
• Originally Published: 1965
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 800L; grades 8-12; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 3 parts; 48 chapters; approx. 661 pages; approx. 21 hours audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: In the year 10,191, Emperor Shaddam IV attempts to control the many houses that rule individual planets despite threats to his power, political conspiracy, and looming war. With the guidance and tutelage of those around him, young Paul Atreides becomes a chosen leader and potential unifying figure in the galaxy.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence; drug-like substance use

Frank Herbert, Author

• Bio: 1920-1986; born in Tacoma, Washington; took many different jobs before becoming a journalist and writing science fiction; took up writing full-time in 1972; rejected by over 20 publishers initially but went on to publish and sell Dune, the most sold of any science fiction novel; wrote over 24 novels in his lifetime
• Other Works: Dune Messiah (1969); Children of Dune (1976); God-Emperor of Dune (1981); Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)
• Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novel (1966); Nebula Award for Best Novel (1966)                     

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Power of Prophecy
• The Environment and Ecology
• Religious Violence

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Examine the relationship between humans and the environment as it relates to the relationship between the planet Arrakis and its inhabitants.