Academics at ESF: Undergraduate Minors
Environmental Writing and Rhetoric Minor
Contact: Jacob Gedetsis
The Writing Program at ESF is a space where artistic and humanistic insights can find
creative ways to address our ecological crisis. The Environmental Writing minor creates
a path to develop the expertise of environmentally-minded humanists and artists to
make sense of, represent, and respond holistically to the natural world. Students
in the minor engage in audience-centered approaches to writing, reading, and communicating
across genres and contexts. They develop skills in environmental storytelling, digital
literacies, and presentation to better prepare them to be active participants in academic,
professional, and civic life. Why add this minor? Our students find that there are
often multiple skill sets that careers demand of them and increasing one’s exposure
to, and practice of, writing can help with job placement and security. The minor also
provides the ability to flex already existing interests in the creative world, all
while exploring how writing functions in public spheres. Whether you love to read
or write, the minor provides an opportunity to engage with wide-ranging composition
skills, including criticism, creative writing, journalism, publishing, editing, and
tutoring.
Prerequisites (6 Credits)
EWP 190: Writing and the Environment
EWP 290: Research Writing and Humanities (also offered in the summer; covers General
Education Humanities)
Or equivalent courses from AP or transfer credit
Coursework (12 credits total):
- EWP 300: Survey of Environmental Writing
- EWP 311: Urban Environmental Literature
- EWP 350: Eco-Cinema: Perspectives and Practices
- EWP 390: Literature of Nature
- EWP 394: Art of Storytelling
- EWP 407: Writing for Environmental & Science Professionals
- EWP 420: Advance Public Presentation Skills
- EWP 490: Contemporary Literature of Nature
- EWP 494: Creative Non-Fiction in the Sciences
- EWP 495: Environmental Journalism
Directed Electives (3 Credits)
- EWP 401 Capstone Experience (with permission of instructor) or
Additional relevant 300 and 400-level courses (from ESF or SU) may be acceptable.