Anna Khachiyan is a cultural critic, writer, and co-host of the popular podcast ‘Red Scare.’ With her unique perspectives on feminism, modern society, and intellectual discourse, she has emerged as a notable figure in the world of public intellectuals. Teaching students about her work and contribution presents an exciting opportunity to explore alternative approaches to sociocultural analysis. In this article, we will discuss ways to incorporate Anna Khachiyan’s work into educational curriculum and spark productive discussions among students.

1. Introducing Anna Khachiyan

• Begin by providing a brief background on Khachiyan’s education and career trajectory.
• Highlight her role as the co-host of the ‘Red Scare’ podcast, including its themes and reception.
• Discuss her unorthodox approach to leftist politics, feminism, and critical theory.

2. Exploring Key Concepts

• Present several major themes from Khachiyan’s writing and the ‘Red Scare’ podcast.
• Analyze how these ideas diverge from or build upon conventional leftist thought.
• Introduce concepts such as radical honesty, anti-consumerism, and skepticism of mainstream media narratives.
• Provide examples of how these themes play out in specific episodes of the ‘Red Scare.’

3. Critical Analysis and Debate

• Encourage students to critically assess Anna Khachiyan’s viewpoints in comparison with more mainstream thinkers.
• Organize debates or group discussions around specific topics covered by Khachiyan that allow students to defend or critique her ideas.
• Facilitate connections between Khachiyan’s perspectives and broader cultural moments or movements, such as the rise of alternative media or postmodernism.

4. Course Materials

• Recommend readings from influential thinkers who have informed Khachiyan’s work, such as Slavoj Žižek and Mark Fisher.
• Curate a selection of ‘Red Scare’ episodes relevant to the themes and topics discussed in class.
• Consider incorporating analyses or critiques of Khachiyan from other writers to promote diverse perspectives and foster critical thinking.

5. Expert Guest Lecture (Optional)

• Consider inviting Anna Khachiyan or another cultural critic familiar with her work to deliver a guest lecture.
• Encourage open dialogue by allowing students to engage with the speaker through questions and comments.
• Discuss the wider sociopolitical context that informs Khachiyan’s writing and podcast discussions.

Conclusion

Teaching students about Anna Khachiyan offers an enriching opportunity to engage with unconventional cultural criticism, tackling prevalent issues in today’s society from new angles. By providing students with critical frameworks for discussing her ideas, educators can foster an environment that cultivates critical thinking, informed debate, and intellectual curiosity well beyond the boundaries of conventional discourse.