Watch Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature

Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Pamela Bedore is an educational show that delves into the world of classic literature in order to examine the utopian and dystopian societies presented within their pages. Over the course of 24 lectures, viewers are taken on a journey through a range of different literary works, from ancient Greek classics to modern-day science fiction.

Bedore, who is a professor of English at the University of Connecticut, serves as the show's host and lead lecturer. Her passion for literature is evident in every lecture, as she expertly guides viewers through each work, providing detailed background information on the author and the society in which each work was written. Her insights help viewers to better understand the themes and messages that each work is trying to convey.

The show begins with a look at Plato's Republic, which is perhaps the earliest work of literature to feature a utopian society. From there, the lectures move on to examine other notable works, such as Thomas More's Utopia, Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Throughout these lectures, viewers are introduced to the key themes and ideas that each work presents, as well as the social and historical context in which they were written.

One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to draw connections between different literary works. For example, viewers are shown how H.G. Wells' The Time Machine draws on many of the same themes found in other dystopian works, such as George Orwell's 1984 and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. By examining these works in relation to one another, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the overall context and impact of each work.

Another highlight of the show is its emphasis on the relevance of these works to modern-day society. While some of the works examined may be hundreds of years old, their themes and messages are often just as relevant today as they were when they were first written. For example, the show examines Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to its adaptation into a television series. By examining this work in relation to other dystopian works, Bedore is able to highlight the ways in which it speaks to modern-day concerns around issues such as reproductive rights and authoritarianism.

Overall, Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature is an engaging and thought-provoking show that serves as a great introduction to the world of classic literature. Whether you're an English literature major or simply someone who enjoys reading, there is something here for everyone. Bedore's enthusiastic and knowledgeable approach to the subject will keep viewers engaged from start to finish, and the insights and connections drawn between different works will leave viewers with a deeper understanding of the themes and issues at the heart of these classic works of literature.

Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between February 3, 2017 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection