Writing Nature: The Rhetoric of Environmental Discourse

Catalog description

This course explores rhetorical strategies of artists, scientists, and naturalists working in different genres and media reflecting on nature. We will begin with an introduction to the rhetorical tradition, from key classical philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle to contemporary theorists like Kenneth Burke. We will focus on literary, philosophical, and artistic appreciation of nature in relation to the individual and society. Through field studies and visits to museums and natural areas, we will investigate the role of place and nature in art and local and urban environments. We will also turn our attention to rhetorical and philosophical dimensions of current controversies, such as globalization, resource contamination and protection, environmental justice, population, energy, and biotechnology.