Seven Generations from Now

“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
– Washington State Department of Ecology

While a themed course in composition may feel a bit limiting to begin with, a wide range of scholarship is crucial to sustainability studies. The varieties of interests and majors in this class will serve to strengthen our discussions and deepen our understanding of sustainability.

Students from last semester researched some of these topics:
Eco-fashion
BP's "green" marketing campaign
Elephant conservation
Wild Mustang preservation
Sustainable food systems
Hybrid vehicles
Emotions in Great Apes
Radicalism in the Environmental Movement
Overfishing
California Desert Protection Act
Greenwashing
Green business strategies
Things Fall Apart and the Sustainability of African Tradition
"Selling" Climate Change
The Benefits of Building Green
Small Town Alabama and Sustainability
Sustainable Art
...and many, many more. No two students had the same idea!

Writing and rhetoric cannot be separated from place and environment. So, perhaps it is best to begin at home. What are the places you identify with? The Iroquois Indians anticipate the impact of their decisions seven generations into the future. What will the places you come from look like seven generations from now? How about your chosen field of study? Can the practices in your field be sustained at this rate?

Senegalese ecologist Baba Dioum says that “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught.” When considering research topics, think about the things you love and wish to conserve. That's a good place to begin.

For our first CR, we've asked you to bring a picture of a place that defines nature for you. In 500-600 words, describe this place and why it resonates with you. You may decide the place is beautiful, or sad, or invigorating, or hilarious. You might tell the story of that place, or discuss what the future of that place might be. The possibilities of this are open to you, so have at it. CR #1 is due on Monday, January 14. Please single space your CR and attach your photograph with a paper clip.

Before you begin, figure out your ecological footprint here. Surprised at what you find?