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.

Instructor(s)

Jeffrey Turco

¹ UChicago students can self-register.

² Visiting students and pre-college students apply through the same application.