What happens when the world ends? This course investigates how humans have envisioned the end of world order throughout time and asks both why these fantasies are so pervasive in contemporary cultures, and what ethical scenarios these stories proffer. We will examine stories concerning apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic scenarios from the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean—the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation, along with apocryphal works and texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls—alongside contemporary examples from popular culture in order to ask how thinking about catastrophic futures has often functioned to help humans reflect and reform their presents. This class has no prerequisites; no previous knowledge of the Bible or ancient history is presumed.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Crosslisted Courses:

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: REP - Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy; ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Typical Periods Offered: Every four years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: