A five-session public course examining the apocalypse across religious and scientific communities.

Apocalypse is an idea that extends from the very core of Western thought, from our most basic narrative logic. Visions of the End influence how we understand our history, how we see ourselves, and how we act. This course offers face-to-face encounters with representatives of apocalyptic and messianic cults. Together, we will confront ideas that unite Capitalism, Burning Man, Jewish mysticism, ISIS, techno-utopianism, climate change, and lots more. We will learn about how originally spiritual concerns have become part of the bedrock for secular American culture.

It is an important time to study this, and there are many angles we can take. Our course will examine the broad spiritual and ethical implications of apocalypse, and invite candid discussions with religious and secular people actively working to bring it about. Considering the cultural and social consequences of an apocalypse addiction, we will ask: What kinds of intellectual and cultural engagement do we need now in order to respond? What kinds of methodologies must we develop in order to evolve?

With field trips, guest speakers, close readings, and group discussions, we will create space for new cultures to emerge, cultures that can sustain new social and productive forms. We leave the course having created pamphlet literature that includes creative contributions from all course participants.