George Orwell achieved fame with Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-four (1949) and is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th cent. The purpose of the course is to survey the essential writings of Orwell and examine his lasting impact on contemporary literature and current discussions regarding politics, technology and popular culture. We will also study his understanding of European history and society and critical views regarding relations between the European powers and their colonies in Asia, Africa, and around the world.
1. Fiction: Down and Out in Paris and London (selections), The Road to Wigan Pier (selections) Homage to Catalonia (selections), Coming Up for Air (selections), Animal Farm, and Nineteen Eighty-four.
2. Essays and journalistic writings: "A Hanging", "Shooting an Elephant", "Why I Write", "Just Junk - But Who Can Resist It?", and other essays (depending on student presentation assignments).
3. Films: Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-four.
4. Documentaries and podcasts about Orwell's life and legacy.

George Orwell achieved fame with Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-four (1949) and is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th cent. The purpose of the course is to survey the essential writings of Orwell and exam his lasting impact on contemporary literature and current discussions regarding politics, technology and popular culture. We will also study his understanding of European history and society and critical views regarding relationships between the European powers and their colonies in Asia, Africa, and around the world.
1. Fiction: Down and Out in Paris and London (selections), The Road to Wigan Pier (selections) Homage to Catalonia (selections), Coming Up for Air (selections), Animal Farm, and Nineteen Eighty-four.
2. Essays and journalistic writings: "A Hanging", "Shooting an Elephant", "Why I Write", "Just Junk - But Who Can Resist It?", and other essays (dependent on student presentation assignments).
3. Films: Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-four.
4. Documentaries and podcasts about Orwell's life and legacy.

We will make use of printed editions of Orwell's writings. (As a variety of editions are in circulation and students may have access to copies in local libraries, we will discuss the specific text editions at the beginning of the semester.) In addition, we will view video podcasts, including a number of lectures posted on the Tunghai FLLD YouTube Channel, as well as films and other by the distinguished Orwell scholar John Rodden.

We will make use of printed editions of Orwell's writings. (As a variety of editions are in circulation and students may have access to copies in local libraries, we will discuss the specific text editions at the beginning of the semester.) In addition, we will view video podcasts, including a number of lessons posted on the Tunghai FLLD YouTube Channel, as well as films and other by the distinguished Orwell scholar John Rodden.