Nature and Ecology Writing

Overview 

Nature and Ecology Writing is an introduction to writing about the natural world. Do you think about ecological issues and how these can be tackled in a piece of writing? As well as tapping into the bigger environmental picture, students will explore and record the micro world of nature on their own beloved patches. Writers will be guided to express their fascinations, joys and griefs that spring from the Natural world. This online course would also compliment our nature-based Ecology, Science and Conservation or Natural History Illustration courses.

Programme 

During this course, learners will study the following:

• Unit 1 Nature writers throughout history (poetry, prose and diarists)
• Unit 2 Places in Nature – folklore, myth and 21st Century settings.
• Unit 3 Nature on our own doorstep – our very own kingdoms.
• Unit 4 Environmental writing – what is ‘Eco writing’?
• Unit 5 Joy and grief - responding to our changing environments.
• Unit 6 The Five Kingdoms of Nature – includes poetry and illustration.

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify and evaluate various approaches to writing about the natural world through close observation.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the various styles and stances of eco writing and nature writing.
3. Demonstrate an ability to develop and produce a piece of eco writing or nature writing.
4. Have an overview who current Nature and Ecology writers are and the outlets for Nature-based and Environmental writing.

Assessments 

• Portfolio - 70% 
• Written Assignment - 30%

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need? 

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
  
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.