English Literature: Heatwave! Climate Dystopias in Literature with Dr Madeleine Chalmers from University of Glasgow

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In this English Literature event, Dr Madeleine Chalmers, Lecturer in Liberal Arts at University of Glasgow, will present Heatwave! Climate Dystopias in Literature.

In the wake of unprecedented heatwaves this summer, this interactive session will explore how literature has been imagining how we might survive a hotter world for decades. Stories of solar power, drought, and extreme heat have created scenarios of adaptation, collapse, and hope — but what is the role of dystopian and utopian fiction in our society? Can literature really help us to rewrite the future?

This event is designed to support English Literature students in their current studies by offering rich and original insight into key themes they are exploring. Experiencing how a holistic Liberal Arts approach locates literature in the context of contemporary culture and society, we hope the session may also serve to inspire students around the exciting possibilities offered by the study of Liberal Arts at degree level.

Lecturer Profile: Dr Madeleine Chalmers

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Aged 16+ pre-university students studying English Literature. The session is also ideal for students interested in finding out about Liberal Arts at degree level. Student groups as well as students and teachers joining individually are very welcome.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the topic in advance and questions they have. Students can also think about questions about studying at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the speaker via typed comments and questions and/or via a microphone. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here