This course focuses on the understanding and analysis of humanity's relationship to its environment, as revealed through particular genres, such as the short story, essay, diary, and poetry. Students will review the major texts in the literature of nature and look at the ethical and philosophical relationship between humans and nature over the centuries, focusing primarily on North America.
Meets MnTC Goal 6 and Goal 9
Course Effective Dates: 11/5/10 – Present
Outline of Major Content Areas
As noted on course syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Analyze written works for quality of writing and ethical stance.
Demonstrate critical thinking.
Make connections between authors and their writings
View texts through different critical and ethical perspectives.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies Goal 06 — Humanities/Fine Arts
Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 09 — Ethical/Civic Resp
Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
