Course Description
Let me here remind you that the essence of dramatic tragedy is not unhappiness. It resides in the solemnity of the remorseless working of things. This inevitableness of destiny can only be illustrated in terms of human life by incidents which in fact involve unhappiness. For it is by them that the futility of escape can be made evident in the drama. (Whitehead, Science and the Modern World, pp. 10-11)
Now is the time for an optimistic vision of life’s destiny—in this world, and perhaps far beyond it. We need to think globally, we need to think rationally, we need to think long-term—empowered by twenty-first-century technology but guided by values that science alone can’t provide. (Rees, Martin, On the Future: Prospects for Humanity, p. 227)
This course is the first in a projected four-year sequence which addresses some foundational humanistic issues that have emerged and are emerging from current existential threats—especially nuclearism, ecological collapse, and artificial intelligence—viewed from the perspective of selected classic texts (literary, philosophical, social theoretical, and scientific) of the Western tradition. Core readings will be supplemented by short contemporary statements on various aspects of the different existential threats, as they are relevant to our themes—and perhaps, from time to time, a poem or two.
This first quarter explores the birth, development, and death of humanity, spirit and species, as configured through science (biological and cultural) and myth—focusing especially on the distinction between “the death of humanity” and “the extinction of the species,” with attention to the difficulty and necessity of mourning in and for a terminal world.
Seminar readings will include Jonathan Lear, Imagining the End (selections), Kolakowski, The Presence of Myth, Kierkegaard, Sickness Unto Death, Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (selections), and short essays by Freud and Simone Weil; in the tutorial, Bataille, on Lascaux, Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Loren Eiseley, The Immense Journey (selections), some shorter pieces by Kafka, and Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey (book and film).
Core readings will be supplemented by short contemporary statements on various aspects of the different existential threats, as they are relevant to our themes—and perhaps, from time to time, a poem or two.
For the first meeting, we strongly recommend that students read the whole of Martin Rees, On the Future: Prospects for Humanity—or as much as you can tolerate.
Prerequisites:
At least two years of the Basic Program core curriculum.
Required Texts
Required Texts
- Campbell, Joseph, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (New World Library, 3rd ed. 2008) ISBN 978-1577315933
- Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey (Ace Reissue) ISBN 978-0451457998
- Eiseley, Loren, The Immense Journey (Vintage) ISBN 9780394701578
- Kafka, He: Shorter Writings of Franz Kafka (Picador reprint) ISBN 978-0374538941
- Kierkegaard, Sickness Unto Death (tr. Hannay, Penguin Classics) ISBN 978-0140445336
- Kolakowski, The Presence of Myth (University of Chicago Press) ISBN 978-0226450575
- Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (tr. Hollingdale, Penguin Classics) ISBN 978-0140441185
Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.
Do we take assessments in these courses?
Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.
Do I have to complete an application?
Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.
Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.
What is your withdrawal/cancellation policy?
You can find our withdrawal and cancellation policy with other registration issues here. Most drop or transfer requests can be made through your student account.
Will this course be offered online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
What happens if I miss a class?
While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.
I can no longer participate in a course I registered for. Can I get a refund?
If you need to drop a course, please email us at graham@learningplatform.support to process your request. When reaching out, please include your full name, the course name and the section. If you made a donation during your course purchase, please confirm if you would like the donation refunded as well.
Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.
How do I access my course after registration?
Your course will be available on the Graham Learning Platform three weeks before the start date. You’ll log in using the same credentials you used during registration. If you need help accessing your course, check out our helpful video tutorial.
I have a question about the course registration process, who should I reach out to?
If you have a question about how to register for a course, watch the helpful videos on our registration tips page. You can also email our support team at graham@learningplatform.support. You will receive a response within 24 hours.
Where have Graham School programs been featured?
Graham School programs have received national and international attention, with coverage in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, The Atlantic, and other leading publications.