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Second Year Seminar (ENV 294)[T 4:20pm-5:50pm]

McGowan South Room 206

Instructor: Dr. Anthony Paul Smith (anthonypaul.smith@gmail.com)

Room: Room 129, Munroe Hall (2312 North Clifton Avenue)Phone: 773-325-3259 (room)773-931-9570 (cell)

Office hours: 2:00pm-3:00pm M/W or by appointment

Course DescriptionThe purpose of this course is to advance ecological literacy. The seminar

presents the study of the environmental to students in a philosophical,cultural, and historical context, and in addition makes them aware ofsome foundational ideas of the discipline through a selection of new

and classic literature.

We will be reading and critically assessing selections from a recentAnthology of American Environmental Writing entitled American Earth.We will examine why the piece has been influential and will admire itsmerits. Additional we will question whether each piece we readillustrates perspectives that now seem outmoded, unhelpful, or biasedin a particular way. In addition, you will be asked to provide additionalcritical perspectives where these are apparent.

Grade SummaryYour grade is based on three criteria: Discussion leadership (20%),informed participation (40%), and 9 mini-essays (40%). Student'sperformance in this class will be evaluated based upon classroomcontribution, and good performance will depend upon a close and criticalreading of the assigned texts.A series of topics will be assigned each week. I will introduce the topicand provide background information, including where useful biographicaldetails on the author. That topic will form the core of the discussion forthe week after. I will call for one (or two) student(s) to lead in thediscussion on the readings. Leading the discussion will involve providing

1. A summary of the article,

2. A assessment of the influence of the piece and a critique using theassessment tool3. Preparing a series of questions that might provoke debate.

Discussants will also comment on their assessment of the piece.

All attendees (including those not officially registered for the course) mustread the texts closely. With a small class size it is vital that everyonecontributes. Please avail yourself of an opportunity to talk with me beforepresenting, if you require any help with the material. Remember whenreading the material if a term, concept or name is unfamiliar to you look itup in the library or on the web (or ask).

For each article/chapter selected each student is expected toprovide a mini-essay (470 words, giving an overview and

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reflection on the readings). I will collect these at the end of eachclass session

The final paper is due via Desire2Learn (click the Dropbox tab) or byemail by the end of the day (11:59PM) on Tuesday, March 13th. The

paper is to be submitted electronically only. Late papers will not beaccepted except for extreme situations. Cheating/plagiarism will be dealtwith as the serious infractions that they are, possibly leading to failure;see the Student Handbook for details.

Attendanceis important and is taken by collecting your mini-essays.

Cell Phone and Laptop PolicyWhile I understand the addiction to cell phones, especially smart phones,the material we are studying is very difficult and therefore requires yourundivided attention. If you are caught using your phone during a lectureyou will be given one warning (either verbally or by email). If you arecaught a second time or more you will face a reduction of five points for

each offense from your highest scoring piece of coursework. Please turnall cell phones off during the lecture. If I can do it, so can you.

Laptops are acceptable in the class, but for note taking only. If you appearnot to be paying attention because youre distracted by something non-lecture related on your laptop then I will ask you to read the last line ofnotes you have just written. If you cant then you will be given a warning(either verbally or by email). If you are caught a second time or more youwill face a reduction of five points for each offense from your highestscoring piece of coursework.

Required Text: Bill McKibben (ed),American Earth: Environmental

Writings Since Thoreau (The Library of America)

Outline of Course and Reading ScheduleReadings listed are to be read for that class period. If the reading is listedunder September 14th, it is to be read prior to the September 14 th sessionof class. To help guide your reading, I will provide two study question perreading assignment (via email) which you should come to class as

prepared as possible to answer; writing out answers beforehand is notrequired but is encouraged.The schedule and procedures for this courseare subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances; changeswill be announced in class.

January 10th Thoreau, pp. 2-36; Snyder pp. 473-479; Crumb, pp.591-494; Merwin, 716-717, Oliver, 737-738

January 17th Whitman, pp. 62-70; Marsh, pp. 71-80; Abram, pp. 815-834; Solnit, pp. 971-998

January 24th Muir, pp. 85-112; Pinchot, pp. 173-180; Zahniser, pp.392-394; McKibben, pp. 718-724

January 31st Leopold, pp. 266-294; Dick, pp. 451-453

February 7th Jeffers, pp. 251-253; Berry, pp. 505-530; Pollan, pp.948-960

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February 14th Eiseley, pp. 337-347; Dillard, pp. 531-549; Kingsolver,pp. 939- 947

February 21st White, pp. 405-412; Ehrlich, pp. 434-437; Hardin, 438-450

February 28th Jacobs, pp. 359-365; Carson, pp. 366-376; Cronon, pp.632-658

March 6th Chvez, pp. 690-695; Gore, pp. 855-859; Quammen,874-897

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