This is a 2-hour, 2-credit reading seminar in which students and instructor read four environmental books for in-depth, contextualized understanding of environmental trends and human ecological relations.

Two books are read in common, most likely Cronon’s Nature's Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West and Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Two additional books, one a history, one fictional (or collection of stories) are chosen from a list.

Prior to each class session students write and submit a “principle of transition” derived from the week’s assigned readings. It can take the form of a general causal pattern or a “do something,” that is, a practical implication of the readings. The principle should orient to 21st century transformation with rigorous sustainability as the goal.

One of the two chosen books is presented in class, one is presented one-on-one to the instructor. A 3-page write-up of each book is submitted at the end of the semester (guidelines provided).