Critical Social Inquiry 0276 - Writing About the Outdoors

This seminar will explore approaches to writing about people in the outdoors - as they live, die, love, work, play, transform nature, or simply contemplate the world. We will read and study a number of genres including traditional nature writing, historical accounts, creative nonfiction, fiction, and academic analyses. These readings will serve both as models of good writing and as introductions to the rich discourse about people in the outdoors. There will be regular writing assignments, including portraits, analysis of primary historical materials, literary journalism, advocacy, and creative expression. Students will be expected to contribute to class discussion and group critique in an informed and constructive manner.

Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.