The ‘Anthropocene’, Earth’s new(est) geological epoch irrevocably influenced by humans and their actions, is here. But how to approach literature and literary studies in an age defined by climate crisis, habitat loss, decline in insect and other species populations, microplastic pollution etc.? How to investigate the relationship of humans to their non-human environments—‘nature’—in light of these phenomena? This seminar equips you with key concepts of the (comparatively young) field of ecocriticism to analyse, interpret, and discuss literary representations of a selection of literary texts of various genres (poetry, nature writing, fiction, short story) as well as contemporary theory and criticism. We will probe the potential, and the limits, of literary representations that aim to decentre the human and take into account the more-than-human world.
This course requires weekly reading and active (in class) participation. Most readings will be made available online. Please buy (in any edition, preferably printed): George Saunders (2013), Fox 8. You will also be asked to purchase a novel to discuss in the new year (tbc.)
- Dozent/in: Esther-Marie Schilling