Environmental Studies 212: Introduction to Environmental Humanities

What is (or are?) the environmental humanities (EH)? Is EH a new field of study, a collection of old ones under a new umbrella, or something else altogether? This course will explore the multivalent and capacious area of study known as “environmental humanities,” ultimately aiming to draw some conclusions about its defining features, methods, and goals. We will explore EH from both historical and thematic perspectives, taking up such topics such as the difference(s) between ecocriticism and environmental humanities, indigenous epistemologies, race and EH, plant- and animal others, environmental grief, and more. Students actively participating in this course can expect to come away with foundational knowledge of the academic discipline now known as “environmental humanities” and will be able to explain its contours to others.