The course engages the evolving and often contradictory ways in which North Americans have come to understand and debate; and abuse and bond with the natural realm. The course takes an inter-disciplinary approach relevant to students studying English literature; biology; history; anthropology; and cultural studies. The texts to be studied include personal and academic essays; poetry and literary prose from various eras; television and cinema; newspaper articles and supplements; and multi-media advertising. Writers of note include: William Woodsworth; H.D. Thoreau; John Muir; Aldo Leopold; Gary Snyder; Wendell Berry; Alden Nowlan; Jan Zwicky. Critical involvement with these texts will include short quizzes and written and oral assignments. Students will also be required to write about their own experiences with and interpretations of the natural realm. The overall aims of the course are to enlarge your critical awareness of various historic and current views of nature; become aware of pivotal changes in our relationships with nature; and to sharpen your personal observational and interpretive skills in regard to the natural world. Additionally; the course continues to focus on developing writing skills: grammar; composition; structure; thesis; critical debate; depth of argument; close reading; and increased awareness of style in the use of written language. This is not a creative writing course. Prerequisite: Full year of 200-level English