Group III: Special Topics I

“I am the Lorax,” says Dr. Seuss’s eco-ambassador, “I speak for the trees.” And literary studies scholars and students, practitioners of “ecocriticism,” have increasingly joined him, finding in literary texts not just representations of the nonhuman natural world but also positions from which to advocate on its behalf. But speaking for the trees, as the Lorax discovers, can be a dispiriting enterprise, as, engrossed in our books or on our screens, we not only fail to curtail environmental destruction but often unwittingly participate in it. This course will take a more active approach to environmental engagement. Focusing particularly on forests, we will not only analyze representations of literary trees in traditional fairy and folk tales as well as contemporary fiction, poetry, film, and essay, we will venture outside of the classroom to engage with literal trees, on campus and in the larger Kingston community. Activities include campus tree tours, forest bathing, and work with local organizations like “Little Forests Kingston.” This course is intended to broaden and deepen our learning experience by offering multiple modes of engagement, both with trees and with the people who interact with them. As such, this course may be useful for those hoping to go on to employ their English degrees in non-profit or community organizations, sectors in which the communications skills in which we are trained are considered particularly valuable.  Students should be ready to go outside, in all weather.