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Literature

Apocalypse Now: Western Concepts and Representations in Western Art

When:

30 June - 18 July 2025

School:

UCL Summer School

Institution:

UCL

City:

London

Country:

United Kingdom

Credits:

7.5 EC

Fee:

2850 EUR

Interested?
Apocalypse Now: Western Concepts and Representations in Western Art
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Apocalypse Now: Western Concepts and Representations in Western Art

About

Throughout history, representations of the apocalypse or ‘end of the world’ have evolved with the times, reflecting the changes occurring in the natural world, societies, politics, and beliefs, as well as our understanding of the world and of our place within. Taken individually, each of these stories or images mirror a society at a specific time but, together, they also illustrate the evolution of our thought-systems, philosophies, moral values, and spiritualities.

Today, at a time when global environmental and health concerns are growing, and in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, apocalyptic representations are still permeating many discourses, from the arts to politics and economics, from gender to science, AI and the physical world. Using the exciting perspectives opened by the philosophy of the Anthropocene, this module will present an overview of some of the original apocalyptic tales, and the work of key artists of Western apocalyptic fiction, art, and architecture.

Course leader

Raphaela Armbruster

Target group

Applicants must have completed a minimum of one year of undergraduate study in any subject area by the time they enrol on the module.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

- Identify key elements in the history of the apocalypse
- Recognise the sources of discourses on catastrophism and eco-anxieties
- Be able to describe the works of some important Western writers, film directors, architects, and artists
- Be able to evaluate and engage confidently in contemporary thoughts and debates on apocalyptic expectations and future-finding solutions
- Value how the arts present creative solutions to human problems

Fee info

Fee

2850 EUR

Interested?

When:

30 June - 18 July 2025

School:

UCL Summer School

Institution:

UCL

Credits:

7.5 EC

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