This course considers the role creativity plays in addressing ecological collapse. Through the primary lens of ecopoetry and climate fiction, students explore how cultural works document planetary change and reflect our evolving relationships with animals, natural resources, weather, and the concept of "nature." Can the practice of writing itself change the way we see the world and integrate ideas? Together, we'll survey how creative expression opens pathways and challenges conventional approaches to scientific knowledge and communication. To quote the visionary bell hooks, "The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is - it's to imagine what is possible." We will venture outdoors for inspiration, visit land-based sculptures on campus, and engage with exhibits at the Cantor Arts Center. Students will gain a foundation in essential writing techniques while exploring diverse aesthetics and experiential perspectives. They will consider not only the stories they choose to tell but also the significance of the forms and materials they use. Journal prompts - including imitations, guided free-writes, and critical responses - encourage students to experiment with new ways of seeing, imagining, and problem-solving. They will develop three pieces of writing over the course of the quarter, refined with the support of workshop feedback. Undergraduate and Co-term students, regardless of major, are encouraged to apply; no prior experience is required.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course considers the role creativity plays in addressing ecological collapse. Through the primary lens of ecopoetry and climate fiction, students explore how cultural works document planetary change and reflect our evolving relationships with animals, natural resources, weather, and the concept of "nature." Can the practice of writing itself change the way we see the world and integrate ideas? Together, we'll survey how creative expression opens pathways and challenges conventional approaches to scientific knowledge and communication. To quote the visionary bell hooks, "The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is - it's to imagine what is possible." We will venture outdoors for inspiration, visit land-based sculptures on campus, and engage with exhibits at the Cantor Arts Center. Students will gain a foundation in essential writing techniques while exploring diverse aesthetics and experiential perspectives. They will consider not only the stories they choose to tell but also the significance of the forms and materials they use. Journal prompts - including imitations, guided free-writes, and critical responses - encourage students to experiment with new ways of seeing, imagining, and problem-solving. They will develop three pieces of writing over the course of the quarter, refined with the support of workshop feedback. Undergraduate and Co-term students, regardless of major, are encouraged to apply; no prior experience is required.
Offered in Autumn 2025 at Stanford University.