ELA 342 - Humans & Nature

Based on a wide selection of exemplary writings from diverse times, cultures, and academic disciplines, the course examines the relationship between humans and nature. By reading, discussing, analyzing, and critiquing the readings, students will learn how different disciplines and cultures approach such issues. They will develop critical reading and writing skills while exploring how assumptions, questions, and methods shape disciplinary approaches, cultural understanding, and human behavior. Instructors from various disciplines will teach the multiple sections and may participate in each others’ classes as appropriate, thus introducing students to a range of UMM’s programs and professors. This survey of a variety of approaches to the single topic of human interactions with nature will establish a shared foundation on which students can build their learning in other discipline-specific core courses and in their majors.

Prerequisites: ENG 101 Composition, ELA 101 Recreation & Wellness, ELA 112 Community & Place and Scientific Inquiry core requirement, or junior standing and permission of instructor.

Course Typically Offered Every Fall & Spring

Credits: 3