Oakton’s Great Books concentration examines “1984” April 25

Join students from Oakton Community College, Wilbur Wright College and Harper College as they present papers and a scholarly discussion on George Orwell’s classic novel “1984” at the Great Books Student Symposium 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, Room 1610. The event, free and open to the public, also includes a Q&A session.

“This symposium is a chance to catch budding scholars offering insight into a classic text that is ingrained in our culture,” Michael Mauritzen, Ph.D., Great Books coordinator and assistant professor of English at Oakton, says. “This will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about concepts such as ‘Big Brother’ and ‘doublethink’ that often punctuate current headlines.

Published in 1949, “1984” focuses on a totalitarian society where the protagonist seeks to find his own individuality. The novel has been adapted for cinema, radio, theater and television.

“The public is encouraged to come out and learn more on the book’s impact on culture,” Mauritzen elaborates. “Orwell’s incredible work stands the test of time and continually offers commentary relevant to the present day. We live in an era where surveillance and the collection of personal data is not just accepted as fact, but embraced when packaged with technology that is often viewed as cutting edge or useful. Also, we live in a time where there is an organized effort to erode established notions of history in order to control the public perception of any given event.”

For more information, email mmauritz@oakton.edu.