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Humans/Animals/Nature: Ecocritical Approaches to Contemporary Culture
DozentIn: Dr. phil. Anja Höing, M.Ed.
Veranstaltungstyp: Seminar
Ort: 22/105
Zeiten: Mo. 10:00 - 12:00 (wöchentlich)
Beschreibung: Ecocriticism is one of the youngest literary theories. Originally launched in the 1990s as a theoretical toolbox to approach “the relationship between literature and the physical environment” (Glotfelty xviii), Ecocriticism by now has developed into a profoundly interdisciplinary school of thought bringing together voices from philosophy, cultural studies, literary criticism, and biology. Primarily concerned with human/nature-relations and the representation of all things non-human in contemporary (but also historical) cultural contexts, Ecocriticism has become both the academic voice of the environmental movement and a scholarly discipline in its own right.
In this seminar, we will do close readings of key texts of ecocritical theory and of the closely related field ‘Animal Studies’. We will follow the development of Ecocriticism from its birth as a new critical approach to nature writing to its current position as an umbrella concept incorporating a host of post-humanist cultural theories. In addition to extensive readings in preparation for each session, students are also expected to participate in course projects that approach different aspects of contemporary culture in the light of Ecocriticism or Animal Studies.
Make sure to read the following introductory texts to gain some basic knowledge about Ecocriticism before the term starts:
- “Ecocriticism” in Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory, 239 – 261. [These page numbers refer to the 3rd edition, but you will also find the chapter in the 2nd edition]
- “Ecocriticism: Literature Goes Green” in Ann B. Dobie. Theory into Practice, 230 – 252.
The reading materials for each session are either accessible in the University Library or will be made available on Stud.IP. Further material will be distributed in class and/ or made available online. Check Stud-IP for updates, announcements, and changes!
Requirements:
- Diligent preparation
- Active participation
- Participation in a course project and presentation of the project
- Term paper
(Details on requirements will be announced in the first session)
