Description
In the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been
one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and devastation in its path. Yet few really understand what fascism is, why it appeals and how it has gained power so extensively in recent history. This course will attempt to define exactly what fascism is based on its characteristics and will cover the experience of living under fascist regimes. The course will also address the reasons why a fascist mentality appeals to such large segments of a given
population, even in contemporary settings. Recent trends and events in the American political environment have led many to think that incipient fascism is a possibility even here. Is this really possible or even conceivable in America given our established democratic institutions? Laurence Britt is a published author on aspects of fascism and has presented numerous classes on modern history at Oasis over the past fourteen years.
