“ENGL 103 B18: Scheherazade’s Daughters: Storytelling and Eco-culture”
Introduction
ENGL 103 B18, titled “Scheherazade’s Daughters: Storytelling and Eco-culture,” is a course that delves into the intersection of storytelling, culture, and the environment. In this course, students explore the power of narrative to shape our understanding of ecological issues. Over the course of the semester, students are invited to embark on a captivating journey through the world of eco-culture and storytelling, uncovering the significance of these narratives in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Part I: The Power of Storytelling
The Tradition of Storytelling
Storytelling is a fundamental part of human culture and has played a crucial role in shaping societies and beliefs for centuries. In this course, students will examine the tradition of storytelling across various cultures, from oral traditions to written narratives. They will also explore the role of myths and legends in transmitting knowledge .
Narratives of the Environment
The course introduces students to narratives that focus on the environment and the human-nature relationship. Through literature, poetry, and folklore, they will analyze how authors use storytelling to raise awareness of ecological issues, advocate for conservation, and encourage sustainable practices.
Part II: Scheherazade’s Daughters
Scheherazade and Her Legacy
The figure of Scheherazade serves as a central point of reference throughout the course. Students will explore the character of Scheherazade, her storytelling prowess, and her role in preserving her life through storytelling. They will also consider how her legacy has inspired modern eco-culture and activism.
Eco-feminism and Eco-culture
Eco-feminism, which emphasizes the connections between the exploitation of women and the exploitation of nature, is another significant theme in the course. Students will examine how eco-feminist writers have used storytelling to shed light on the intersection of gender, environment, and culture.
Part III: Eco-Culture and Its Narratives
Indigenous Perspectives on Nature
The course delves into the indigenous worldviews and storytelling traditions that have nurtured a profound connection to the environment. Students will learn how indigenous cultures have, for centuries, conveyed wisdom about sustainable living and their spiritual ties to nature through storytelling.
Eco-literature and the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene, marked by significant human impact on the environment, has sparked a new wave of storytelling. Through the study of eco-literature, students will explore how contemporary authors address climate change, pollution, and the repercussions of human activity on the planet. They will analyze the various storytelling techniques employed to communicate these complex issues to a broad audience.
Part IV: Environmental Activism and Advocacy
Environmental Storytelling and Advocacy
Students will investigate the relationship between environmental storytelling and activism. They will analyze how narratives can be used to mobilize communities, influence policy, and foster a sense of environmental stewardship. Case studies of environmental activists who have harnessed the power of storytelling will be examined.
Eco-cultural Revival
The course concludes by exploring the idea of eco-cultural revival and its role in preserving and celebrating cultural diversity and ecological knowledge.
Conclusion
ENGL 103 B18: Scheherazade’s Daughters
Storytelling and Eco-culture is a captivating journey through the world of narrative and its role in shaping our understanding of the environment and culture. This course equips students with the tools to critically assess how storytelling influences our perception of the environment.
By examining the legacy of Scheherazade and the intersection of eco-feminism, indigenous perspectives, eco-literature, and environmental activism. As they navigate the rich narratives presented in this course, students will emerge with a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between storytelling, culture, and the environment.