WRITING IN NATURE: EXPLORING SANTA BARBARA'S COASTS, VALLEYS, AND SEA

Course Description

In this hands-on course students will not only learn about nature writing by reading and writing, but by immersing themselves in the natural world with three field trips to unique Santa Barbara-area ecosystems led by CCS Biology Professor and ecologist, Claudia Tyler. First, students will learn the methods of nature writing, including close observation and nature journaling, by visiting the dramatic coastal bluffs and tidal pools at Coal Oil Point and write nature poems based on their experience. Next, students will take an overnight trip to Sedgwick Reserve to spend time among the valley oaks and contribute their stories of that place to an interactive map of the reserve. Finally, students will write imaginative eco-fiction inspired by a day trip to Santa Cruz Island.

In the classroom, CCS Writing & Literature Professor Kara Mae Brown will lead students in readings and discussions of works by classic and contemporary nature writers, learning some of the history and theory of place-based writing, and considering the role of nature writing in a time of climate and ecological crisis. Students will participate in workshops of the poems, short essays, and short stories that they produce out of their field experiences.

While this class does not require previous experience in nature writing, this class was designed for students who are passionate about exploring and writing about the natural world.

There are three required field trips for this course. Students should only register if they are committed to the following field trips:

Friday, April 11, 9 AM - 3 PM - Coal Oil Point Reserve

Friday, May 2, 1 PM - Saturday, May 3, 1 PM - Sedgwick Reserve

Friday, May 23, 7:30 AM - 6 PM - Santa Cruz Island