Writing as a Naturalist (Fall Offering)
Course Description:
Writing as a Naturalist is all about writing based on observation of the natural world and should appeal to anyone interested in the outdoors – especially students drawn to life and earth sciences, agriculture, natural resources, and environmental studies. Unlike most classes at Rutgers, students in this course spend a good deal of homework time outside, recording by hand (in their own hard-copy field journal) observations of the flora and fauna they encounter in local natural areas.
Students will use their journal entries – which will also include research and reflections on the natural and human history of the terrain they explore – to fuel three major projects: an observational essay, a nature video, and an in-depth illustrated naturalist-writing composition. We’ll be inspired by the work of well-known nature writers and also discuss the challenge of climate change from a realistic, solutions-focused perspective. Students do not need to purchase a textbook as our readings – open source, library, and instructor-supplied materials – will be available through Canvas and on the Web.