Multiple Subfields

This course will engage George Orwell's (1903-1950) essays, novels, reviews, and memoirs. Orwell's writings confront the main political forces of the twentieth century with unrivaled clarity and enduring force. His account of totalitarianism – fascist and communist – continues to orient anti-totalitarian resistance in the 21st century. Orwell's insistence on clarity and truth continue to inspire intellectual and political resistance to the lies, manipulative half-truths and PR propagated by the ruling elite. Orwell's confrontation with 20th century poverty continues to sustain those who fight against the evils of injustice and deprivation.

We read Orwell to understand Orwell; to understand politics in both the 20th century and its relation to the 21st; to understand the enduring threats to liberal democracy; and to understand ourselves.