This course examines the work of writers
from the last two centuries who respond to nature in ways that are scientifically
informed, but also carry a personal voice and a concern for literary
values. Students will read and respond to the writing of authors
who record their observations of natural details, promote an
appreciation of the natural environment, and relate a sense of human
responsibility in the natural world. Since English102 is a
prerequisite for this course, students are expected to have acquired
the skills necessary to write essays in response to literature and to
actively participate in class discussions of the readings.
Course Goals: The course is intended
a. to examine nature writing as a literary genre,
b. to introduce the ecocritical approach to literary criticism,
c. to survey nature writers and their ideas from the last two
centuries,
d. to foster an awareness of the environmental issues and
concerns presented by the literature,
e. to examine the relationship between humankind and nature
as depicted by the literature,
f. to formulate personal beliefs about the relationship
between humankind and nature, and
g. to develop skills of reading, oral communication, and
composition.
Course objectives: The student will
a. identify commonalities in the genre of nature writing,
b. identify the shifts in focus and subject matter that have
occurred in the genre of nature writing,
c. identify
and use the basic components of an ecocritical approach to literary
criticism, and
d.
demonstrate critical thinking and logical reasoning in oral and
written discussion by using ideas presented in the