From environmental disasters and ecological collapse to climate change denial and celebrations of nature and wilderness, we will explore the diverse ways humans imagine and write about the natural world and the consequences of such writing. We will study a variety of nonfiction texts, images, and videos about ecology, the environment, nature, wilderness, and sustainability as we consider what these terms mean. From the 19th century American transcendentalists to 20th century ecologists, and 21st century scientific, Indigenous, feminist, and anti-racist perspectives, we will analyze the many ways that humans use writing to argue for certain ways of seeing and interacting with our planet and the creatures that inhabit it. Through weekly reading, written reflections, and discussion, students will hone their deep reading, research, and writing skills. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.