Course Description

Instructors: Paul Tribble and Bert Parks

George Orwell's life and legacy are a testament to the enduring power of literature to challenge tyranny and champion the cause of freedom. Through his incisive critique of totalitarianism and his unwavering commitment to truth, Orwell continues to inspire generations of readers to question authority, resist oppression, and fight for a more just and equitable society. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Orwell's words serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, skepticism, and the unyielding pursuit of liberty. In this class, we will delve into George Orwell's early life, exploring his upbringing, education, and the formative experiences that shaped his worldview. *Students should read or be familiar with the following books: Animal Farm & 1984

Paul Tribble Bio: I was born in Pampa, Texas, to parents who were native Texans. At 18 months of age, my family and I moved to Omaha, Nebraska where I lived until I was 15 years old (explains my Midwest accent). I graduated from high school in Liberal, Kansas (how’s that for an oxymoron?) and consider that to be my hometown. I attended college in Kansas State University and developed a lifelong interest in faraway places and other cultures. I received my M.S. degree in Anthropology with a keen interest in health and disease in foreign cultures. My master's thesis examined the cultural context of tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal parasites found in a sample of Southeast Asian refugees to northern Illinois. I worked for three years in Malaysia and Thailand interviewing and processing refugees from Cambodian, Laos, and Vietnam to the U.S. I worked in tuberculosis control and refugee/immigrant health for CDC for 23 years and retired in 2011.

Bert Parks Bio: Bert has lived in Atlanta most of his life. He participated in the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta in the 1960's and 70's, working closely with Howard Zinn. He received his MA from Georgia State University. He did his PhD dissertation at NYU on Saul Bellow. He has taught literature, film, and screen writing at Georgia State, NYU and Morehouse. He sold an original screen play to the actor Stuart Whitman, a Deliverance type adventure film taking place in South Georgia. He also owned Atlanta Trailer City, with 1000 tenants, for 18 years. He has taught over 30 different classes at OLLI at Emory since 2007.