How can we let go of the world as it is to bring about the world we want? To build the future of our dreams, we must first imagine it.
But how can we do the work of letting go of what is to explore what might be? And how can we work together to ensure that others share our vision and that our vision makes space for everyone?
This class will bring together some of the best socially-aware science fiction writers of our time to explore how they do the work of imagination and of creating vision. What does it take to be bold and imagine a different kind of future – and how can we all work towards contributing to a powerful vision of a different kind of future?
Guest speakers include Annalee Newitz, Charlie Jane Anders, Paolo Bacigalupi, Monica Byrne, Claire Coleman … and more to come!
For more information and registrations, visit: https://imaginingthefuture.lilregie.com
How this course works
Taking inspiration from the long history around the world of folk education, particularly the Scandinavian and Appalachian traditions, this course is designed to offer a fun, affordable and rigorous experience–that serves the needs of working adults.
Like all folk education, liberation and movement building is at the core of the course. We save ourselves together–and we educate ourselves to build solidarity, share tactics, and create a shared vision for a better future for all of us.
There’s no grades, no assessments, no credentials.
This is about learning for the love of learning and the love of each other.
How can we let go of the world as it is to bring about the world we want?
(IMAGE)
To build the future of our dreams, we must first imagine it.
But how can we do the work of letting go of what is to explore what might be? And how can we work together to ensure that others share our vision and that our vision makes space for everyone?
This class will bring together some of the best writers of our time to explore how they do the work of imagination and of creating vision. What does it take to be bold and imagine a different kind of future–and how can we all work towards contributing to a powerful vision of a different kind of future?
Your Facilitators
Mandy Henk is a co-founder of Dark Times Academy and long time climate activist. Her 2014 book, Ecology, Economy, Equity: The Path to a Carbon Neutral Library (ALA) was the first book for librarians focused climate change. She’s an educator, librarian, writer, and activist focusing on tech, climate, and counter disinformation.
Dr. Eric Repphun has worked as a university lecturer, an instructional designer, and journal co-editor, among many other things. He has a PhD in Religious Studies and has published original research on Mormonism in Battlestar Galactica, religion in the work of Douglas Coupland and Chuck Palahniuk, and different ways to understand the perverse biblical story of the sacrifice of Isaac. He has spent way too much time thinking about the idea of re-enchantment, or how modernity produces its own monsters and its own forms of unreason.
Zoom sessions
19 September – 14 November
NZST: Wednesday 12:00 noon
EDT: Thursday 8:00 pm
PDT: Thursday 5:00 pm
AEST: Wednesday 10:00 am
Note: Daylight saving time will happen in multiple places during this course! We will follow the time change in Aotearoa New Zealand. Please check the time for each week below using the link to confirm for your location!
Class Outline
Week 1 Vision–Dreaming the world into being
19 September
For our first week, we will come together and get to know each other and our hope and dreams for this class–and the future. We will explore our own ideas of what it means to have visions, visions that have inspired us, and explore the work of some of the best visionaries imagining today. We will also talk about project ideas, how we want to welcome our guests, and how we can create a community of learning–together!
Week 2 26 September
Week 3 3 October
Week 4 10 October
BREAK 17 October
Week 5 24 October
Week 6 31 October Annalee Newitz
Week 7 7 November
Week 8 14 November
Class Project
Classes like this are lots of fun and part of that is coming up with ways we can take our learning turn it into something we can share with the world–or just each other. We will talk over ideas at the first class and go from there! Previous classes have designed games, run events, and even written submissions to political leaders! There’s a whole world of exciting options out there we can explore together!
Code of Conduct
Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaged learning community where we all prioritise learning and building relationships with each. This course and all Dark Times Academy classes and events aim to be accessible to all people regardless of age, disability, sexuality, background, religion, gender or ethnicity.
A respectful, open attitude towards others is expected from all. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in your removal from the course.
Life is hard enough as it is, leading with kindness and patience is key to a great learning experience, one that ensures all members feel welcomed.
Anxiety, Busyness, and Stress
Doing an online course on top of your full-time job, care responsibilities, and other life stuff is really hard. It’s ok to fall behind! Please don’t let anxiety or stress lead you to avoid engaging or cause you to feel inadequate.
Do your best, it will be good enough. Ask for help if you need it. We are always happy to support you as best we can.
Accessibility
Please email Mandy with any accessibility needs. We are happy to work together to make this class work for you