The Anthropocene: An Introduction

The Anthropocene: An Introduction

One of the biggest political and social debates in our present is whether human beings have fundamentally transformed (or are transforming) ’nature’. If this is true, then  who is responsible? What are the implications? And how do we have to rethink the definitions of nature, human, animal, and environment for this contemporary moment? 

 In this class we will interrogate the idea of the “anthropocene” and the relationship between concepts of the “human”, nature, technology,  and climate change. We will particularly focus on a history of the idea of the Anthropocene, how the Anthropocene is related to digital technologies and what we might label the ’technosphere', and on the politics  of the Anthropocene.  This interrogation will include a critical examination of histories of race, sex, science, technology,  and economy.  We will be engaging with the most pressing questions involving the fate of our biosphere, and how we wish to envision the future of our, and others, lives on this planet.  Readings will include authors from the natural sciences, literature, history of science, and anthropology. The class will also engage in field trips to museums and different post-industrial sites in the region, and will engage in collective writing and creative projects. 

Dates for the course: (1PM-4:30)

April 20

April 27

May 4

May 11

May 18

June 1