EN 286 - Environmental Literature

Description
EN 286 is an introduction to literature that explores our human relationship with nature and the historical, social, and cultural forces that have contributed to modern environmental problems and the search for solutions. The course features a variety of writers and writing styles, highlighting the role of writer as activist as well as the blending of art and science in writing that advocates for sustainable ways of living. Particular attention is paid to indigenous and international voices.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: EN 101 (C or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Pre-English Literature, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Environmental and Sustainability Studies, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Writing, A.A. (General Transfer)

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Understand and articulate the ways in which environmental literature shapes and reflects cultural values regarding our human relationship with nature.
Analyze the sense of place in environmental literature in order to understand place-based writing from a variety of points of view.
Understand the role that environmental literature plays in inspiring innovation, preserving culture, and encouraging empathy for all of humanity.
Evaluate information to identify limitations and biases.
Discuss how communities, countries, or cultures differ in their values, politics, communication styles, beliefs, and practices.

Course Outline:
This course will utilize a variety of writing forms that environmental writers have used to chronicle our human relationship to nature.

I. Early Nature Writers
(Example authors: Thoreau, Muir, Leopold)
Writers who write “from the margins” of society, and inspire conservation and a land ethic.

II. Environmental Whistle-Blowers
(Example Authors: Carson, Gibbs, Tempest Williams, Steingraber)
Writers who blend art and science to bring awareness to the dangers of toxic and persistent chemicals used in industry and agriculture.

III. Voices for Sustainable Living
(Example authors: Abbey, Berry, Hill, Moore, McKibben).
Writers who attempt to model sustainable personal and societal relationships with a finite planet.

IV. Native American / Indigenous Perspectives
(Example authors: Harjo, Hogan, Momaday, Silko)
and International Voices
(Example authors: Maathai, Shiva)
Writers working toward environmental and social justice.
Writers who give voice to the disproportionate burdens experienced by indigenous groups and people living in poverty when it comes to environmental degradation and climate change.

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 10-15%

Facilitated discussion: 40-60%

Oral reports / short presentation: 10-15%

Instructional film or other media: 10-15%

Mandatory Course Components:
The outline above follows a chronological or historical approach. Approaches to teaching may include one of more of the following:

A Historical Approach
A Thematic Approach (such as Environmental and Social Justice)
A Genres Appproach (organizing the course by nonfiction, fiction, poetry, drama, and/or hybrid forms)
A Major Authors Approach.

Equivalent Courses:
None

Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None.

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 105058
Course CIP Code: 23.01
Maximum Course Enrollment: 25
General Room Request: None

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: English
Discipline: EN
First Term Valid: Fall 2021 (8/1/2021)
1st Catalog Year: 2021-2022
Name of Course Author:
Maryann Lesert

Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
The instructor of EN 286 should possess an MA in English or an MA in Literature or Interdisciplinary Studies such as Environmental Literature, an MFA in Writing or Environmental Writing, or a Master's degree in a closely related field.

Course Review & Revision Year: 2025-2026