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EN3202   Literature and Ecology

Academic year(s): 2019-2020

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 11.00 am Thu and 11.00 am Fri

The module will provide an introduction to the history of nature writing and ecocritical literature, from the transcendentalists to the present day. Students will gain an awareness of the growing importance of ecocritical writing as well as the tradition and impact of nature writing and regional writing on literature. Students will become familiar with the essentials of ecocritical thinking and of writing as ecology. In addition to gaining a basic appreciation of the Transcendentalist philosophy of nature, students will be introduced to a number of important trends or movements within ecocritical writing, including naturalist, regional, eco-feminist and indigenous traditions, as well as considering the implications of ecocritical writing for a wider field, including other critical approaches, economics, history and creative writing. Ecocriticism is a growth field in both literary and cultural criticism and ecocritical perspectives are perceived as more important as this field continues to advance. By adding ecocritical perspectives to their range of possible approaches, students will have new instruments which can be applied in a number of fields, including literary, cultural, political and philosophical analysis. (Group E)

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass EN2003 and pass EN2004

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture and 1 seminar, and 2 optional consultative hours.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor J Burnside
Module teaching staff: Prof John Burnside (JB44)
Module coordinator email jb44@st-andrews.ac.uk