Ecocomposition takes as its most fundamental premise the idea that learning to write well and becoming an engaged, environmentally conscious citizen go hand in hand. “Place” (or physical context) and “animality” (our bodies and our relationships with other species) are two of the essential paradigms of environmental expression.

This presentation will explore strategies for prompting student writing and class discussion vis-à-vis the environment, whether such work is happening indoors or outdoors, in urban places or wild spaces. In addition to discussing some basic concepts of ecocomposition during this conference session, I will talk about my process of designing a course on environmental writing for the University of Idaho’s new Semester in the Wild Program, which will be offered at the Taylor Ranch Research Station in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in central Idaho.

Speakers

Scott Slovic, Professor of Literature and Environment, University of Idaho