Art for the Emergency

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Art for the Emergency: Climate Change Storytelling and Performance. How do we tell stories of climate crisis? Since long before the advent of the written word, humans have told stories, transmitting the earthly wisdom—and warnings—of our ancestors from generation to generation. But what artistic forms can hold the dizzying complexities of the climate emergency? What tales can capture the interlocked crises of extraction and extermination? What legends invite us to imagine radical futures? With a special emphasis on contemporary performance, this course offers a survey of methodologies for climate storytelling rooted in creative nonfiction, literature, and cultural criticism. While forging connections with DC-based arts and environmental workers, students will craft and present an original climate story as the culmination of a two-credit course (Module A). Students will also have an opportunity to publicly perform their story as part of the Kennedy Center’s upcoming RiverRun Festival for an optional third credit (Module B). This course meets on Fridays for three-hour seminar and studio sessions (including discussion of course materials and creative workshops) and on Saturdays for DC connections (visits to cultural and environmental spaces). Please note that the course does not meet every Friday and Saturday; specific weekends to be determined by instructors. Students must be available Fridays 1-3:30pm and Saturdays 12-4pm as needed.