Classics 171: Apocalypse: Ancient and Modern Visions of the End

The end of the world has felt imminent for some time now. The biblical Prophets Enoch and Ezra’s visions of the earth held in judgment, Revelation’s visions of Rome buried and burned for its imperial evils, and the threat of environmental or existential ruptures found throughout contemporary film each demonstrate an enduring fixation with the calamitous end of this world and the potential for a “new earth” rid of suffering. How might climate change—experienced as a slowly unfolding series of plagues, disasters, and deaths—engage with concepts like judgment, justice, and hope? If we consider the root meaning of “apocalypse” as a “revelation” or “unveiling,” what does the current ecological crisis reveal about our world? This class analyzes Jewish apocalyptic literature alongside Modern film and climate discourse to explore the manifold meanings of a world brought to its end. May be taken for credit toward the Environmental Humanities or other Environmental Studies majors. May be elected as Religion 171.