Exploring Nature through Jon Krakauer’s Works
Course Overview:
This course will examine the portrayal of nature in Jon Krakauer’s literary works, focusing on the intersection of humanity and the natural world. Through close readings, discussions, and analyses, students will explore themes of adventure, survival, environmentalism, and the transformative power of wilderness.
Goal: By engaging with Krakauer’s texts, students can deepen their appreciation for the natural world while critically examining the complexities of human interaction with it. This course encourages interdisciplinary thinking, incorporating elements of literature, environmental studies, and outdoor adventure narratives.
Reading Skills: [include later]
Week 1: Introduction to Jon Krakauer and Environmental Literature [Add other authors]
- Overview of Environmental Literature and its Themes – Bring in other authors [Sigurd Olson]
- Reading: Selections from Krakauer’s essays or interviews on nature and adventure
- From Outdoors Magazine
Week 2-4: Into the Wild
- Reading: Into the Wild
- Themes: Wilderness as a place of spiritual awakening, the allure of adventure, the dangers of idealism, the ethics of exploration
- Discussion: Chris McCandless’ journey and its significance in understanding humanity’s relationship with nature
Week 5-7: Choice Read & Nature Writing Workshop
- Choice Readings: Wild, Into Thin Air, Eiger Dreams, Under the Banner of Heaven, etc.
- Discussions
Nature Writing Workshop
- Creative Writing Exercise: Students will engage in nature writing inspired by Krakauer’s works, focusing on personal experiences with the natural world or environmental advocacy themes
- Peer Review and Discussion: Sharing and providing feedback on each other’s nature writing pieces
Choice Reads
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
- Themes: The allure of extreme environments, the human desire to conquer nature, the ethics of adventure tourism, survival and morality in high-risk situations
- Discussion: Krakauer’s personal experiences on Everest and their reflections on human ambition and vulnerability
Eiger Dreams: Ventures Among Men and Mountains
- Themes: The psychology of risk-taking, the camaraderie of mountaineering, the pursuit of adrenaline in the natural world
- Discussion: How Krakauer’s short stories expand our understanding of humanity’s relationship with nature beyond his longer narratives
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
- Themes: The impact of religion on the environment, the clash between religious beliefs and environmental ethics, the role of fundamentalism in shaping attitudes towards nature
- Discussion: Exploring the complexities of religious extremism and its implications for environmental stewardship
Wild
- Themes: Self-discovery, resilience & survival, nature & solitude, empowerment, etc.
- Discussion: Exploring the role of nature in personal forgiveness and growth/transformation.
Week 8: Wilderness Essays and Environmental Journalism
- Reading: Selections from Krakauer’s essays and environmental journalism pieces
- Themes: Environmental activism, conservation efforts, the portrayal of nature in contemporary media
- Discussion: Analyzing Krakauer’s journalistic style and its effectiveness in advocating for environmental causes
Week 9: Conclusion and Reflection
- Recap of key themes and insights gained throughout the course
- Final Discussion: Reflecting on the significance of Krakauer’s works in understanding humanity’s relationship with nature and the implications for environmental stewardship
Potential Assessments:
- Participation in class discussions and activities
- Critical analysis essays on selected readings ??
- Creative nature writing assignments
- Multigenre Piece
- Final project: Research paper or presentation exploring a theme or topic related to nature in Krakauer’s works