21st Century Occulture – Lecture/Seminar

This lecture/seminar explores recent manifestations of esoteric influence in contemporary society. Sasha Chaitow examines the state of esoteric thought in the digital era, and looks at esoteric ideas manifesting across culture, from pop culture and cinema to new perspectives in scientific discourse. She then reviews the themes covered in her previous lectures, and comments on the field of the academic study of esotericism.

How it works. Before the seminar date (25 February), you will listen to Dr Sasha Chaitow's pre-recorded lecture and read through some source texts, both of which will be emailed to you in the preceding week. During the online 2.5-hour seminar, you will discuss in small groups via Zoom's breakout rooms, and also share with the whole group. The discussions are based on the lecture and readings, so please allow time to look at these beforehand. Sasha hosts Q&A at the start and end.

Dr Sasha Chaitow earned her PhD in Cultural History/Western Esotericism at the University of Essex. She holds an MA in the History of Western Esotericism (University of Exeter, 2008), and an MA in Literature (University of Indianapolis, 2004). She has published two books based on her research, is working on two more, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and magazines. She frequently presents her research at conferences and has organised numerous academic symposia. In her parallel career as a visual artist, she has produced 13 solo art exhibitions in the UK, Greece, and Sweden and  participates in curated group exhibitions.

How it works: Before the seminar date (25 February), you will listen to Dr Sasha Chaitow's pre-recorded lecture and read through some source texts, both of which will be emailed to you in the preceding week. During the online 2.5-hour seminar, you will discuss in small groups via Zoom's breakout rooms, and also share with the whole group. The discussions are based on the lecture and readings, so please allow time to look at these beforehand. Sasha hosts Q&A at the start and end.