Cultures of Nature

Code

LIBA2004

School

Liberal Arts

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module provides a survey of how different human cultures at different points in history and across the globe have understood their relationship to non-human nature. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we will consider the religious and philosophical ideas through which those relationships were shaped, and the artifacts and other creative products through which those ideas have been expressed and questioned. In doing so, we consider points of continuity as well as meaningful differences in the ways in which different societies understand their roles and responsibilities to the Earth, and look for opportunities for constructive conversations regarding the challenges currently facing our shared planet.

In addition to looking at specific contexts, the module will spotlight key areas in our lives today in which our interactions with the natural world are of particular concern.

Topics covered may include:  

• The ideas of ‘nature’ inherent to hunter-gatherer, agricultural, industrial and post-industrial societies 
• Philosophical and religious conceptions of the ‘natural’ and the ‘supernatural’. 
• Historical, contemporary and global perspectives on environmental ethics
• Studies of the representation of the natural world in visual and literary arts 
• Engagements with the non-human in work, leisure, politics, education, and health

The assessments for this module are designed both to build on the alternative assessments undertaken by Liberal Arts students on their core Liberal Arts modules in Levels 1. The scope and possibilities of form, genre, and medium are designed to allow students to mobilise their learning in ways that reflect the diversity of their individual strengths and interests as learners. Assessment formats might include, but are not limited to: 

• Essay  
• Critical commentary on literary or visual artworks
• A resource for a non-academic audience
• An original piece of literary or visual creative work, submitted with commentary (scale and scope to be agreed with module convenor)

Target Students

Only available to Liberal Arts students and Exchange students.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 30% Coursework 1: 1,500 words or agreed equivalent (see Summary of Content)
• 70% Coursework 2: 2,500 words or agreed equivalent (see Summary of Content)

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Throughout this module, students will:

• develop a thorough appreciation of the diverse ways in which the natural world and human relationship with their environment has been conceptualised and represented across disciplines and cultures.

• understand the wide-ranging implications of these conceptualisations of nature and human relationships with their environment.

• think critically and respond creatively to traditions of thought and cultural conventions.

• engage with a range of resources from diverse disciplines.

• be supported to take ownership of their learning experiences.

• provide support and guidance to their peers.

• experience project management and self-directed time management.

Throughout this module, students will gain a knowledge and understanding of:

• the impact that longstanding traditions of conceptualising and representing the non-human world have on ongoing contemporary debates about how me might think and act ethically on an individual and social level with respect to the health of the biosphere.

• the opportunities and challenges that arise from diverse global ideas perspectives on environmental ethics.

• the complexities of the relationship between ideas and practices.

• how the arts and humanities have a crucial and critical role to play alongside sciences and technology in addressing the issues related to climate change, despeciation, etc.

Conveners

• Christopher Thornhill