Interdisciplinary Arts 0279 - Birds With Big Noses: Creative Writing for Nature Lovers

This is an intermediate to advanced creative writing workshop with a focus on writing closely and observing the natural world, particularly-though not exclusively-the realm of birds. Both fiction and creative non-fiction will be written and read, with the purpose of more intimately understanding what it means to have an environmental imagination, local and global, and why environmental, social, and racial justice are inseparable. Students may be asked to incorporate research into their projects, as a way to practice humility and embrace writing as an uncertain exercise in "failing better each time." To this end, students will be expected to fully embrace the revision process. The course is ideal for those with a love of both the sciences and the arts, though it is also ideal for those who may not know it. Students are also invited to bring to our class material (written or visual) that has challenged how you think about birds and nature. It can be as short as a paragraph. Though the course is not by instructor permission, students MUST attend the first class in order to keep their seat.

Environments and Change This course includes both in-person and remote elements, but can accommodate fully remote students. Field trip fees: TBD. Students in this course can expect to spend at least 6 to 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time. This time includes but may not be limited to reading, writing, drawing, as well as preparation of in-class presentations.