LIT 227 - Literature and the Environment

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Study contemporary texts from a range of genres (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction) that explore our relationship with the environment. Includes a focus on the Southwest to investigate crises and solutions to issues such as water rights and biodiversity through diverse cultural perspectives. Also includes the analysis of texts through ecocriticism to develop an appreciation for nature as it is represented through diverse cultures.

Prerequisite(s): WRT 101 , WRT 101HC , WRT 101S , or WRT 101SE  

1. Examine the relationship between literary engagement with the environment and contemporary environmental movements and discoveries.
2. Identify and understand different cultural perspectives on humanity’s relationship with the environment.
3. Compare the representation of the environment in various genres.
4. Understand and utilize the main concepts of ecocriticism.
5. Write formal essays and other assignments based on the analysis of texts.

II. Different cultural perspectives
A. Understand how culture affects an individual’s views on the environment.
B. Examine beliefs and practices regarding the environment in indigenous literature.
C. Evaluate how literature represents environmental science.
D. Identify ways literature addresses the U.S./Mexico border’s impact on the environment.

III. Compare across genres
A. Examine the main characteristics of environmental representation in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
B. Compare major literary terms and structures in these genres.
C. Determine how effectively literature supports education and activism.

IV. Main concepts of ecocriticsm
A.    Define the term “ecocriticism.”
B.    Identify major concepts of ecocriticism (i.e. environmentalism, conservation, ecofeminism, etc.)
C.    Apply ecocriticism to evaluate literary texts.
 
V.    Intensive Writing and Critical Inquiry
A.    Producing written discourse in more than one assignment through papers, reports, quizzes, and tests, which includes a minimum word standard of 3000 words.
B.    Written assignments emphasize critical inquiry which includes the gathering, interpreting, and evaluating of evidence.
C.    Includes a formal out-of-class paper of at least 1,500 words which requires critical inquiry and where the writer develops and supports a main idea.  
D.    Explicit writing instruction with timely feedback to help students improve their writing and critical inquiry skills is part of the course’s content.
E.    The evaluation of written assignments must include the overall quality of written work and critical inquiry, as measured by a rubric.
F.    At least 50% of the student’s grade must be based on the written work and critical inquiry assignments.