It's the End of the World (Again). Prof. Analyzes How TV, Film Covers the Apocalypse
Source Newsroom: Temple University
Newswise — With the alleged Mayan apocalypse looming on Dec. 21, Barry Vacker, an associate professor of media studies and production at Temple University’s School of Media and Communication, has decided to spend what might be our last few months of existence examining why end-of-world storylines run rampant in Hollywood and pop culture.
Whether these fictional tales result in the destruction of Earth or last-minute heroics, most examine humanity’s hope for survival and a better, more integrated society.
“Humans want the idea that things could be better,” Vacker says, “that there could be some possibility of doing it over.”
Vacker is sharing his theories with Temple students through a class entitled “Media, Culture and the End of the World” and the rest of the world with a new book, The End of the World, Again, which is expected to be published just in time for our latest doomsday.
He also has organized a celebratory symposium, presented by the Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art and The Center for Media and Destiny, Dec. 19-21. The three-day event includes panel discussions, an art exhibition, apocalyptic film screenings and an end of the world party with a countdown to midnight and a farewell champagne toast.
More about Vacker: http://www.barryvacker.net/pdfs/vackervitae1page.pdf