Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Narratives of Nature
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CLP09123
Module leader: Emily Alder
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

On this module you will learn about how literature and film represent the so-called ‘natural? or non-human world and how they interrogate the environmental problems caused by human activities – as well as how creative texts can explore possible social and scientific solutions. You will examine some of the key concepts and debates relating to sustainability and environmental literature and film. Global challenges of environmental degradation, resource extraction, biodiversity, climate change, and social and economic justice will be probed through ecocritical lenses. You will critically analyse a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, including poetry, film, novels, and essays for their narrative representation and critiques of such themes and issues, and for the ways of thinking they might offer about how people relate to the natural world and engage with environmentalism and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Articulate a well-informed understanding of different meanings or concepts of 'nature' and how they have been culturally and historically constructed.

LO2: Describe and discuss a range of topical and historical environmental and sustainability issues.

LO3: Evaluate a range of theoretical and critical responses to environmental and sustainability problems.

LO4: Critically analyse how environmental issues and representations of nature are reflected in, and shaped by, fiction and non-fiction literature and film.

LO5: Reflect on your learning during the module and demonstrate how that learning relates to the module’s set texts and assessments.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Emily Alder
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 170 Guided independent study
Face To Face Lecture 20 LECTURE
Face To Face Tutorial 10 TUTORIAL
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 70 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 3000 This assessment is a portfolio made up of a reflective essay plus one or two pieces of work of your choice which may be written or audio visual (such as an essay, creative non-fiction, podcast, or video essay) on topics drawn from the module content and set texts. The portfolio is submitted in Week 15.
Discussion/Participation 30 2~3~4 12 HOURS= 50 minutes In a group of 3-5 students, you will plan and facilitate tutorial discussion on a particular environmental topic and module set text. Working as a team, you will research your topic, which you will briefly introduce to your tutorial group before facilitating learning activities you have devised for the remainder of the tutorial. This assessment develops your skills in research, team-work, critical thinking, and communication. Group discussion facilitation will take place in tutorials between Week 3 and Week 12.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CLP09123 Narratives of Nature (2025/26)
 

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