Reading and Writing Nature

Course Description

The natural world surrounds and sustains us, yet the pace of modern life rarely invites us to slow down, look closely, and consider what that world means to us or how we might find the language to express it. This first-year seminar welcomes all nature lovers and invites students to deepen their connection to the natural world through reading, reflection, and creative writing. Texts assigned will offer topics and fresh perspectives on nature while also modeling the craft of nature writing.

Through journaling, poetry, and non-fiction, students will experiment with different forms of creative expression, giving and receiving supportive feedback as a community of developing writers. And because a course centered on the natural world should engage with it directly, some class sessions will move outside to explore the beauty of our campus as both subject and inspiration.