This course focuses on environmental writing as a literary tradition, as a melding of literary genres, and as a form of activism.
Environmental writing is a mixture of the aesthetic, the journalistic, and the political.
Even the prettiest nature writing makes a statement about political action, as the natural environment rapidly disappears. In conjunction with these readings, we will articulate our personal stances in relation to the places in which we live. Through a field trip, presenters, and discussion, we will consider the environmental situation outside our own door. Since this is a U.S. Studies class, we are focusing on U.S. writing, U.S. places, and U.S. problems. Presentations and papers will discuss the local and national environment, rather than the global.