ENGLISH 24
(A.K.A. CLIMATE CRISIS 101)
Week #1
Weekly Assignments
Lectures
Lecture #1, Monday, April 1, Ken’s Introduction
Watch as a video / Listen to as an audio podcast
Lecture #2, Wednesday, April 3, Sarah Ray
Watch as a video / Listen to as an audio podcast
Professor Sarah Ray, the author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety, has a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Studies, and Policy. She is thus ideally positioned to provide insight into the diverse cultural implications of the climate crisis, which is why I am delighted that she has agreed to speak to our class.
However, Dr Ray is not a psychologist or healthcare professional.
If you are distressed by the climate crisis, please note that UCSB has Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) that are available to all students. The CAPS phone number is (805) 893-4411, which includes 24/7 After-Hours Phone Counseling/Consultation.
Regardless of the cause – climate anxiety is one of just many challenges that we now face in life – if you are experiencing, as they note on the CAPS website, “sadness, anxiety, frustration, depression, disappointment, shame,” grief, or anything similar, giving them a call may be a good idea, as they may be able to help, or at least let you know how they might help.
Reading assignment
A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet by Sarah Ray.
Please read this book in its entirety for Week #1 (i.e. pages 1-143 and any endnotes that you find helpful).
Please also watch Ken’s video introducing this reading:
After 1) completing the reading and 2) watching Ken’s short video above, please make your weekly reading comment in Canvas.
Film assignment
First Reformed (streams from Gauchocast)
Content warning: This is a disturbing film. It depicts climate anxiety so extreme that it leads to death by suicide. There are gruesome scenes of suicide at minutes 40-42 and 1:15-16 that you might want to skip. If you find this issue troubling and would prefer not to watch a film that deals with it, that is absolutely fine. Please contact your TA for an alternate assignment.
Please also watch Ken’s video introducing this film:
After 1) watching the film and 2) watching Ken’s short video above, please make your weekly film comment in Canvas.
Comment Deadline
Please note that you must make your two weekly Canvas comments by 11:59pm (PST) on Sunday, April 7 to receive full credit. Details on the commenting process can be found on the main syllabus page.
Where did Ken record this week’s videos?