After the End: Post-Apocalypse, Crisis, and Transformations of Meaning in Contemporary Culture 520-ERA-1AAP

Skills (K_U)
K_U01
The student is able to analyze and interpret cultural texts (film, literary, and audio materials) using tools and methods of cultural studies.
KU02
The student is able to apply selected theoretical categories (e.g. affect, memory, decolonization of the imagination) to the interpretation of contemporary post-apocalyptic narratives.
K_U03
The student is able to formulate and justify their own arguments in both oral and written form, using relevant academic literature in English.

Social Competences (K_K)
K_K01
The student is ready to engage in critical reflection on contemporary cultural and social crises.
K_K02
The student demonstrates sensitivity to the diversity of cultural perspectives, including those of marginalized communities.
K_K03
The student is prepared to participate in discussions with respect for differing viewpoints and to engage in reflective participation in culture.

Teaching Methods
Classes are conducted in the form of a seminar and employ the following teaching methods:
analysis and interpretation of cultural texts (film, literary, and audio materials)
problem-based discussion
group work
student presentations
elements of project-based learning
analysis of academic texts
Methods of Learning Outcome Assessment
participation in class discussion – assessment of learning outcomes K_W, K_U, K_K
presentation – assessment of learning outcomes K_U, K_K
final presentation – assessment of learning outcomes K_W, K_U
Forms of Assessment
active participation in class
individual and group presentation
final presentation
Assessment Criteria (aligned with PRK framework)
Final grade components:
class participation – 20%
presentation – 30%
final essay – 50%
Qualitative assessment criteria
Grade 5.0 (very good)
The student demonstrates advanced theoretical knowledge, interpretative independence, and the ability to critically analyze cultural texts. They formulate coherent and original arguments and correctly use subject literature (including English-language sources).
Grade 4.0 (good)
The student has a good level of knowledge and is able to correctly analyze cultural texts. The argumentation is logical, though less in-depth. The use of literature is appropriate.
Grade 3.0 (satisfactory)
The student demonstrates basic knowledge and is able to perform simple analyses. The argumentation is limited, and the use of literature is partial.
Grade 2.0 (fail)
The student does not achieve the required learning outcomes: lacks knowledge of key concepts and the ability to analyze and construct arguments.

Archaeologies of the Future
Jameson, F. (2005). Archaeologies of the Future: The Desire Called Utopia and Other Science Fictions. London: Verso.
Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism
Jameson, F. (1991). Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
The Environmental Imagination
Buell, L. (1995). The Environmental Imagination: Thoreau, Nature Writing, and the Formation of American Culture. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Staying with the Trouble
Haraway, D. J. (2016). Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor
Nixon, R. (2011). Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
The Posthuman
Braidotti, R. (2013). The Posthuman. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Cruel Optimism
Berlant, L. (2011). Cruel Optimism. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
The Cultural Politics of Emotion
Ahmed, S. (2014). The Cultural Politics of Emotion (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Four Futures
Frase, P. (2016). Four Futures: Life After Capitalism. London: Verso.
Booker, M. K. (2001). Dystopian Literature: A Theory and Research Guide. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

• Description of 520-ERA-1AAP in USOSweb