In this intensive, practice-driven writing course, students learn how to craft ethical, human-centered environmental stories by working directly with LEAF, an urban-farm nonprofit in Fremont, CA whose gardens function as community classrooms, research sites, and vital community third spaces. Through hands-on field reporting, virtual and in-person interviews, site visits, and collaboration with community stakeholders students will develop the skills needed to listen closely, build trust with community partners, and translate complex environmental issues into compelling creative nonfiction. Each student will produce two publishable pieces of environmental writing - one short-form (EARTHSYS 800-1000 words) and one long-form (1500-1750 words) - that highlight LEAF's programs, people, and community impact, with iterative feedback from stakeholders throughout the writing process. Limited class size, with preference to Environmental Communication and Journalism MA students. Admission by application only (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRA_ALDI30Mya0koWvKmORkSt2F_my2770GNyWrtJkSK3PQg/viewform?usp=dialog). Meets Earth Systems WIM requirement. (Graduate students enroll in EARTHSYS EARTHSYS 277M/ COMM 277M for 4 units; Undergraduates enroll in EARTHSYS 177M for 5 units.)
4-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WIM
In this intensive, practice-driven writing course, students learn how to craft ethical, human-centered environmental stories by working directly with LEAF, an urban-farm nonprofit in Fremont, CA whose gardens function as community classrooms, research sites, and vital community third spaces. Through hands-on field reporting, virtual and in-person interviews, site visits, and collaboration with community stakeholders students will develop the skills needed to listen closely, build trust with community partners, and translate complex environmental issues into compelling creative nonfiction. Each student will produce two publishable pieces of environmental writing - one short-form (800-1000 words) and one long-form (1500-1750 words) - that highlight LEAF's programs, people, and community impact, with iterative feedback from stakeholders throughout the writing process. Limited class size, with preference to Environmental Communication and Journalism MA students. Admission by application only (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRA_ALDI30Mya0koWvKmORkSt2F_my2770GNyWrtJkSK3PQg/viewform?usp=dialog). Meets Earth Systems WIM requirement. (Graduate students enroll in EARTHSYS 277M/ COMM 277M for 4 units; Undergraduates enroll in 177M for 5 units.)
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.