Environmental Humanities in the Field

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/L_AAMPALG030

Course Objective

After completing this course, studentshave acquired in-depth understanding of a specific ecological question by approaching it in a transdisciplinary manner and is aware of the added value of field work in approaching complex ecological questions.are able to analyze key questions in the environmental humanities with the help of integrated perspectives, methods, or concepts, from the humanities, natural or social sciences and societal contexts.are able to explain concepts, perspectives, and theories from the (environmental) humanities to facilitate transdisciplinary cooperation and to develop suitable means of communication.are capable of taking an active role in transdisciplinarity as a process, and to reflect on this role.

Course Content

In this course students will engage with a specific ecological topic (such as food, energy, extinction, the urban-rural dvide, emotions) to develop transdisciplinary understanding. This topic will be chosen together with the students beforehand and therefore changes each year. Students will develop a means to intervene in the current discourse on the topic chosen for the course in a format that aligns with the transdisciplinary aims of this course. This format will be co-designed by the students as part of the course. They will therefore also be actively involved in the planning and organization of the field work and the invitation of experts and stakeholders to facilitate transdisciplinary exchange beyond the humanities and academia.

Teaching Methods

Seminars, excursions

Method of Assessment

This course is graded with a pass/fail grade. Assessment will take into account regular active participation demonstrating the attainment of the course aims. This will include preparatory research, an active role in the design and organization of the course and in the final intervention. Students will write a journal documenting and reflecting on their role and their individual learning process in the transdisciplinary project.

Literature

To be announced on Canvas, partly co-chosen by students

Target Audience

This is a core course in the track Environmental Humanities in the RMA Humanities. Other students need to contact the course coordinator.