Courses in Literature of the Natural World
High Mountain Institute
Key Information
Campus location
Leadville, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
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Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
Sep 2023
Scholarships
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Introduction
Students in Literature of the Natural World examine humankind's changing relationship to nature from the early Western frontier to the present day and the role literature plays in creating and reflecting this relationship. While reading Norman Maclean's elegiac novella, "A River Runs Through It," students explore how humans use experiences in nature to cope with loss. Next, they look at gender in the American West through short stories by Annie Proulx, Maile Meloy, and Mary Austin. Students hone their literary analysis skills by dissecting the interplay between identity and nature in Leslie Marmon Silko's challenging novel Ceremony. Lastly, they investigate wanderers' literature and consider the difference between wandering by choice and forced wandering. Students compose two analytical essays, various poems, and a portfolio including erasure poems, research poems, and a choice of another creative piece. They also complete short in-class writing assignments daily. Writing-skills practice and grammar instruction guide students to expand their understanding of the mechanics of the English language. Multiple revisions allow students to refine their work and reflect on their development as writers. Finally, student-centred discussion formats challenge them to manage productive discussions in class without teacher intervention.