Ecological Discourses in English Studies

Catalog description

Explores the discourses, theories and practices of ecologically-oriented movements, genres, and intellectual areas that are influencing English Studies. Examines a range of ecological positions, including mainstream environmentalism, deep ecology, ecofeminism, and social ecology. Our method will be to discuss and practice criticism of literary and cultural texts, including rhetorical studies of ecological texts, rhetoric, and popular culture expression. Course study will employ rhetorical theories as a productive tool for identifying recurring motifs, conflicts, concepts, and material realities at stake in artistic and rhetorical expressions about the ecology and human relations within it, and how writers and film makers make strategic appeals to specific audiences. Topics may include issues of representing nature, the separation of nature and culture, relationships between place and identity, issues of development, technology, indigenous cultures, and environmental justice. Our readings will include book excerpts, environmental writing, and rhetoric, fiction, poetry, visual, and online texts.