Course Description:
This course explores environmental literary theory and  examples of environmentally minded (so-called "green") literature.  We will looks at how texts shape, challenge, and reflect human relationships with the natural world. Students will engage with foundational and contemporary theories in environmental criticism, including ecocriticism, ecofeminism, deep ecology, and posthumanism, while analyzing literary works that exemplify and interrogate these ideas. Through the study of novels, poetry, essays, and other genres, the course investigates themes such as environmental justice, sustainability, the Anthropocene, and the ethics of interspecies relationships.

By bridging theory and practice, the course encourages students to critically assess how literature can inspire ecological awareness and activism, fostering a deeper understanding of both the literary imagination and environmental challenges. Assignments include close readings, theoretical applications, and creative projects that connect textual analysis with real-world ecological concerns.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop a critical understanding of key theories in environmental literary studies.
2. Analyze literary texts through the lens of environmental themes and concerns.
3. Explore the cultural, ethical, and political implications of "green" literature.
4. Reflect on the role of storytelling in shaping ecological consciousness and action.