This is a lecture series concentrating on the characteristics of the Marxist and Fascist ideologies and how Eric Blair (George Orwell) portrayed the rise of dictatorship in the first half of the 20th century. Lectures, student participation, and discussions will focus on Lenin, Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler, culminating with the role of the latter two figures, concerning the causes of WWII in Europe. Throughout, mention will be made of Orwell's works (notably Homage to Catalonia, Animal Farm, and 1984) and their relevance in today's world.

Stephen Corkett attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia first in 1973 as a British exchange student and in 1978-79 as a masters degree student in History. He taught Modern European History and United States History for nearly 40 years in British and American schools, including AP European History and military history in Oregon before retiring to South Carolina in 2020.