Raising Historical Consciousness in the Novel 'The Giver', a Dystopic Work According to Social Studies Teacher Candidates

It is known that in many of the developed countries of the world, especially the U.S.A, educators benefit from dystopic works in education and training of the topics such as historical consciousness, metaphors, numbers, color perception and development of language. From this point forth, it can be suggested that dystopic works, as long as they are presented by expert trainers through correct methods and techniques, can provide great benefits for historical consciousness, cognitive, social and cultural development, and especially democratic awareness. The main purpose of this study is to draw attention on the significant contributions that dystopic works can make on historical consciousness and education. The survey is conducted within 2014-2015 academic year in Agri Ibrahim Cecen University Faculty of Education Department of Social Sciences Teaching (4th grade) and views of these participants on acquisition of historical consciousness through the novel "The Giver" are examined through qualitative research method. During the survey, while determining the students' views, indications concerning the cover and content of the book, as well as the fiction, characterization and narration are obtained and exposed to content analysis. As a result of the survey, it is observed that dystopic works, especially "The Giver" can offer significant benefits for the acquisition of historical consciousness.