ENGH 513: Topics in Literary and Cultural Studies

ENGH 513-002: Writing the American Landscape
(Fall 2017)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M

Innovation Hall 333

Section Information for Fall 2017

We will read some of the foundational texts of American environmental literature.  Of course, the writers didn't see themselves as belonging to a movement; they were trying to express the dynamic interrelationship of the land and its inhabitants.  The course is designed to survey perspectives on the American land from the earliest settlement to the present; explore how perception of our environment has been (and continues to be) shaped by inherited cultural paradigms; trace the ways that the "wilderness" inspired, awed, empowered, and challenged Americans, contributing to the idea of a national identity; increase our pleasure in and respect for the American landscape and its representations in literature, film, music, and the visual arts.

Some readings will be selected from the work of writers - Thoreau, Aldo Leopold - who played seminal roles in formulating an ethical attitude toward the environment.  But we focus on more recent writers -- like Annie Dillard, Edward Abbey, Terry Tempest Williams, and Janisse Ray- who addressed the political, economic, and aesthetic concerns that have increasingly become part of any discussion about the American environment and landscape.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Intensive study of topics involving literary or other texts such as film, television, opera, and folklore. Notes: May be repeated with permission of department. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: 15 credits of advanced undergraduate English courses and permission of department; or baccalaureate degree.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.