WILDERNESS LITERATURE
The Aesthetics of Wilderness
Assignment: Sand County Almanac, World of Wonders, Wilderness Letter
Leopold writes that we begin “in nature, as in art: with the pretty”. For this assignment, consider the role of wilderness in defining the self using Sand County Almanac, World of Wonders, and Wallace Stegner’s Wilderness Letter. Your focus should be on how this aesthetic idea shape Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s view of not only the wilderness but her self. In order to do this, you should define Leopold’s claim using evidence from Sand County Almanac as well as Stegner’s Letter, using these ideas to build a conversation with at least three essays in World of Wonders.
OR
Wonder is an essential element in Aimee Nez collection. How does this concept relate to Leopold and what does wonder in wild things show Aimee about herself? Using at least three essays in WoW build a direct conversation with Leopold while answering this question. For extra credit, incorporate at least two works from Black Nature (indicated as part of your thesis) into this essay.
Essays are 5-7 pages, double spaced, should use MLA formatting, and include a Works Cited page. Additional criteria may be provided, but students should look to the guidelines for Essay Grades on the syllabus.
