This course attempts to frame the contemporary interest in apocalypticism (zombie, nuclear, viral, or otherwise) by tracing the history of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction. While our primary focus will be on science-fiction, we’ll push the boundaries of the genre by considering a range of nineteenth and twentieth century texts that imagine the world after its destruction.
Course readings will likely include, among other items, Mary Shelley’s The Last Man, Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road.

This course can be taken to fulfill the “W” requirement. Requirements include regular attendance and participation, presentations, midterm and final exams, and one 12-15 page final essay.