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
2026/7, 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
Face To Face Lecture 20 The weekly lecture time is spent examining the primary literary texts and films in context of key concepts from ecocriticism and the environmental humanities, and in context of historical and contemporary, topical ecological problems and environmental issues ranging from the social to the scientific. These sessions are interactive and will help provide you with core information and skills for preparing your assessments.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 The earlier weeks of tutorial time will be used to deepen your engagement with the texts and to help prepare you for the first assessment. After the first 2-3 weeks, groups of students will lead discussion to undertake the group-led facilitation assessment.
Online Guided independent study 170 Most of the credit-bearing hours for this module are spent in guided independent study. With the support of assigned reading materials, Moodle study resources, a weekly syllabus, and study skills taught during contact hours, you will manage your independent study time to complete assigned readings and viewings for each week in advance of classes, make notes and annotate texts, do additional recommended reading and research, and plan and produce assessments including working with your team for the group-lead tutorial facilitation assessment. Week 7 is a reading week with no scheduled teaching taking place but it is expected you will take the opportunity to use this week to reflect on and consolidate your learning to date. The module leader may further suggest materials that will support your learning and preparation for any upcoming assessments.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Discussion/Participation 30 1~2~3~4 Week 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. Group-led facilitation will take place in tutorials between Week 3 and Week 12. This assessment is designed to be inclusive and adaptable by encouraging you to work with the interests and strengths of the group members with no requirement for everyone to undertake the same tasks to make an equitable contribution, and becoming a supportive space in which to develop key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management.
Portfolio 70 1~2~3~4~5 Week 14 , 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 14. The portfolio is designed to be inclusive by enabling you to choose from a range of options of format and medium for your portfolio pieces to suit your learning style, interests, and strengths; the only compulsory piece, the reflective overview, may be either written or a spoken recording. If you need any further assessment accommodations documented in a learning profile please discuss them with your module leader.
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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