A Brief History of Doom: Ragnarok & Other Apocalypses

Course Code

ENGL 13651 91

Course Description

This course examines the idea of the “end of the world” as conceived in Old Norse, biblical, and other traditions, ancient and modern. Topics to be discussed include visions of the apocalypse and afterlife in Norse Mythology (Snorri’s Edda, The Poetic Edda, The Saga of the Volsungs), the Book of Revelation, Shakespeare’s King Lear, Wagner’s Ring cycle, and Marvel’s Thor franchise. Students will consider how thinking about “the end” has shaped the present in varied historical and cultural contexts.

Course Criteria

This course is primarily comprised of undergraduate students. A select number of places are reserved for advanced high school students.

The cost of this course for pre-college students is $4,790

Instructor(s)

Jeffrey Turco