FRS 001K — Sec. 001 — (1 unit) — CRN 76137 — R 2:10-3:00pm — 25 Wellman
Environmental Narratives

Instructor: Julie Sze, Department of American Studies, College of Letters and Science

Description: This course looks at genetic, environmental and technological issues through the prism of pollution narratives. How can narratives and stories complement scientific, technical and policy approaches to environmental topics? We will look at fiction, plays, film and creatively written non-fiction accounts of environmental, political and systemic conflict.

Readings include:
Margaret Atwood Oryx and Crake
Ruth Ozeki All Over Creation
Kia Corthorn Splash Hatch on the E Going Down
Sandra Steingraber Having Faith
Kim Todd Tinkering With Eden: A Natural History of Exotic Species in America
Ernest Callenbach Ecotopia

Films include: The Day After Tomorrow and Blue Vinyl

The goals of the seminar are to promote critical thinking and student understanding of environmental, social and political conflict and to develop student skills in writing, oral presentation and discussion.

Students will be asked to view two films, one outside of class.

Format: Students will be asked to write a weekly journal entry about something they came across which deals with some aspect of genetics, environment or technology. Grading: Every week, two students will present on their journal entry to the class, and explain how it is tied to the themes of the seminar (1/3). Students will be asked to attend one public hearing, talk, or seminar of their choosing dealing with genetics, environment or technology and to interpret the narratives and voices embedded in the event (1/3). Students will also be evaluated on their participation and in-class discussion (1/3).

About the Instructor: Professor Sze is a member of the faculty in the American Studies Program. Her research focuses on the culture and politics of environmental justice activism, race and urban environmentalism, and risk & health. Sze’s research and teaching interests are in Environmental Justice, Race and Science, the Politics of the Urban Environment, Health & Risk, Social Movements and Community Activism.