ENGW1912W: Wild Words: Science and Nature Writing in New Zealand

In this Freshman Seminar, which meets both LE theme and WI requirements, we will explore writing about science and nature in a variety of forms, from field journals and science interpretation to audio/video essays, profiles, and creative works inspired by the natural world. These varied writing assignments will allow students to develop the core writing skills of brainstorming, drafting, and revising as well as communicating ideas in different modes for different audiences. Useful for writers, science students, and those engaged with environment issues, and curious adventurers, the class begins after spring break and extends into May with a two-week immersion experience in New Zealand.An island nation of fiords and volcanoes that has followed a unique evolutionary path, New Zealand is the ideal place to read and write about the natural world. Populated by flightless birds and outsize insects, it has no native land mammals except bats. The country, also called Aotearoa, "The Land of the Long White Cloud," is at the forefront of many scientific debates and challenges, including evolution on islands, the impacts and control of native species, climate change, and reintroduction biology. We will explore Wellington, the capital city, as well as Dunedin, the "Wildlife Capital of New Zealand," a city rich in Maori and Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and literary tradition. We will meet with scientists and conservationists working on issues that face both New Zealand and the entire planet. In addition, we will take trips to Matui/Somes Island, a predator-free scientific reserve, the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), and the Otago Peninsula, home of colonies of little blue penguins and royal albatross.

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