What do we really mean when we use the word, environment, in interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, and how important is it to have our environment be meaningful? Considers five popular understandings, while also offering a global perspective on environmental humanities. Introduction to key American texts (Carson, Kimmerer, Leopold, etc.) and key concepts (like sustainability and the Anthropocene), along with core skills from fields like philosophy, ethics, literature, fine arts, history, politics and anthropology. Cases in environmental experience and expression range from Wisconsin to Asia, and across biotic and abiotic environments. Through discussions and assignments, answer fundamental questions about science, nature, environmental problems and crisis, and how to relate to others in our world as human beings.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES

ENVIRST 404

Topics covered within the scope of environmental humanities, such as themes in environmental ethics, literature, art, film, aesthetics and design, history, and indigenous knowledge.

LITERATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT: SPEAKING FOR NATURE

ENVIRST 307

19th and 20th century British and American literature.

TOPICS IN LITERATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

ENGL 825

Study of a topic in literature and the environment.