Kindly note:
This is an ESL friendly class, CEFR  level — C1, C2 (Advanced)
Please feel free to write me via Outschool email with questions.
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HOW TO WRITE THE NATURE ESSAY: RESPOND TO THE BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL WORLD
4 Focus Essays Discussed in classes
 additional essays sent for background reading
4 Essay writing opportunities with instant written feedback
No Prerequisites 
No books to purchase
Small intimate class size (limited to 6 learners)
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"THERE IS NO NEED FOR A FAR AWAY FAIRYLAND, FOR THE EARTH IS A MYSTERY BEFORE US." William T. Davis

This class will teach learners the basics to composing great nature essays while introducing them to the work of a myriad of extraordinary nature writers from Henry David Thoreau to Robert Macfarlane, Jean-Henri Fabre to Rachel Carson, William Henry Hudson to Henry Beston. The history of nature writing, beginning with Gilbert White and moving to the great nature writers of the present such as Robin Wall Kimmerer and Helen MacDonald, will be explored as a means of understanding the possibilities for transformative nature writing in the 21st century.

Each of the four sessions of HOW TO WRITE THE NATURE ESSAY  will feature:

*Discussion of key nature writers and their writing style/goals
*Focus essay on a key nature essay
*Interactive activities throughout each session will expand learners’ abilities in description, sentence structure, organization and tapping one’s creative sensibilities. 
*Four separate writing assignments allowing learners to expand on their own nature writing skills 
*Extender essays to give learners the opportunity to read and experience further a greater number of essays and styles

The four classes of HOW TO WRITE THE NATURE ESSAY WILL explain precisely what nature writing is, it’s essential place in literary world and  importance to the world at large. We will explore what identifies great nature writing and it’s overall purpose as well expanding on the storied history of nature writing and precisely why nature writing is perhaps one of the most essential genres of writing necessary today.

Nature authors considered or referenced in this class will include:

Gilbert White, The Natural History of Selbourne
Henry David Thoreau, Walking, Walden
Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, Under the Sea Wind, The Sea Around Us, The Edge of the Sea

Robin Wall Kimmerer, Gathering Moss, Braiding Sweetgrass
Jean Henri Fabre, The Insect World of J. Henri Fabre
William Henry Hudson, A Traveler in Little Things
Richard Jefferies, The Story of My Heart
Robert Macfarlane, Understory, Landmarks, The Old Ways
Helen MacDonald, H is for Hawk
Jacquetta Hawks, A Land
Henry Beston, The Outermost House, Northern Farm
Richard Powers, The Overstory
J.A. Baker, The Peregrine
Jonathan Drori, Around the World in 80 Trees
Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees
Sir Francis Younghusband, Life in the Stars
Nan Shepherd, The Living Mountain
John Burroughs, The Life of the Fields
Maurice Maeterlinck, The Life of the Bee

HOMEWORK RESPONSE
Every homework and writing assignment receives an immediate,  nuanced and fully detailed written response from me.

NO PREREQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS
Please note: Although my own Spar Lit Sr., The Elegant Essay, How to Write the Personal Essay are excellent preparation for How to Write the Nature Essay,  there are no prerequisites for this class.

LIMITED TO 6 STUDENTS 
HOW TO WRITE THE NATURE ESSAY: RESPOND TO THE BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL WORLD  is limited to 6 students so all learners have a voice in the classroom.  Learners have both the benefit of a small class and the interaction with like-minded students.

NO BOOK PURCHASES NECESSARY FOR THIS CLASS
All materials will be sent to learners in pdf. over the classroom page.