230111 George Orwell (S) (WiSe 2021/2022)

The first few sessions of this seminar will be held synchronically via zoom. Given that the situation allows, in-person meetings will start in November. There will be NO hybrid teaching. Depending on the development of the pandemic, this class may be entirely held in synchronic zoom sessions.

Best known for his two novels Animal Farm and 1984, George Orwell has been an integral part of school and university curricula for decades. Terms like Newspeak and Big Brother were coined by him and are rising to new popularity in the wake of populism, conspiracy theories and newly emerging rightwing politics in the 21st century. Both entertaining and educational, his critical voice continues to warn against the dangers of totalitarianism. In this seminar we will look at important stations of his life: from colonial service in Burma, and his experiences of homelessness in Paris and London to his participation in the Spanish Civil War, and his work with the BBC - we will investigate how these experiences shaped his political attitudes as well as his stance on life. Selected essays and works of fiction will help us understand Orwell's outlook on life as well as his enduring popularity and relevance.

Literaturangaben

Students are required to purchase copies of the following texts by George Orwell:
1984
Animal Farm
Collected Essays (ISBN 978-0-14-139546-3)
All other reading material will be made available via Lernraum.