Nature Writing

This class explores the art and practice of nonfiction writing about nature and science. Students will seek to understand how close observation, scientific inquiry, and narrative skills work together in acclaimed pieces of writing grounded in the natural world. Through curated readings, discussions, short writing assignments, and workshops, students will learn key techniques they can use to make even difficult concepts accessible and appropriate for mainstream or literary publications. By learning how to focus a topic, structure an argument, and develop a distinctive authorial voice, students will devise, draft, and polish a sustained piece of science-oriented nature writing with future publication in mind.