1984 (by George Orwell)

Book Lab Instructor

Professor Colin Flint

Day/Time

Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Dates

January 17 - February 7, 2023

Location

LLCA 102

Synopsis

The writing of George Orwell in the mid-twentieth century is very relevant for today. In an age in which truth is fluid because history is being reconstructed, we need to reflect on the intersections of language, nationalism, and ideology in the construction of public thought and the legitimization of dictatorships or other forms of politics that negate democracy. George Orwell is an iconic and seminal thinker along these lines. 1984 is a story of state power--specifically, the ability of the state to construct a particular truth. The book helps us understand history and truth as elements of political control. 1984 may help us think about how to resist the creation of falsehoods as truth. But it also poses a much more problematic question: Do we actually want Big Brother?