The readings for Thursday (2/27) are now available under the “readings” tab at the top of the blog. (The password is “defoe”—all lower case.) Remember to print them out and read them before class, marking any passages that puzzle you or that you think we should discuss. As always, pay special attention to the argument. What is each writer arguing about cinematic depictions of the end of the world (and what are they arguing against)? (NOTE: You might notice that the syllabus included three readings; I’m revising that to two to make things a bit more manageable.)
It will be important, though challenging, to differentiate between the main argument and the numerous claims that are used to support that argument. (We’ll discuss this distinction in class.)
The essay by Conrad E. Ostwalt, Jr. has two parts: the first is a categorization of recent apocalyptic films; the second offers an argument about how they differ from traditional apocalyptic narrative. While the first section is useful, pay special attention to this second part.
The essay by Jon R. Stone also includes a section that categorizes apocalyptic films (in this case, it’s the long middle section). But pay primary attention to his argument, which he introduces in the beginning of the essay (after a reading of Dr. Strangelove), with a repetition and clarification of the argument at the end. Be sure to read his endnotes, which at times clarify his terms.
