“I wish to speak a word for Nature, for absolute freedom and wildness, as contrasted with a freedom and culture merely civil.” When Henry David Thoreau spoke these words in 1851, the lines drawn between nature and culture had never seemed clearer. For Thoreau, an industrial, urban America did not represent “progress,” but rather a tragic end to all that America and its landscape promised. Thoreau argued that it was in Nature, not in the increasingly crowded manufacturing centers, that freedom and democracy survived. But how were these quintessential American ideals – and with them, independence of mind and spirit – to be protected if nature became a mere commodity, a set of resources to feed the maw of industry? This was a question that deeply concerned Thoreau, leading him to declare that “in Wildness is the preservation of the World.” It is in these words that many find the beginnings of American environmentalism, and indeed, Thoreau was but the first of many writers who looked to nature for inspiration and hope.

As environmental issues take on increasing visibility in national and global debates, this is a perfect time to evoke Thoreau and evaluate the relationship between nature and culture. The 2008 Idaho Humanities Council summer institute for teachers will include daily presentations by scholars and presenters immersing teachers of all disciplines in the study of environmental writing. 

Participating teachers will examine several classic texts, tracing the history of American environmental thought from the early nineteenth-century through today. Many of the authors directly link a healthy environment with a strong democracy, so a key component of the institute will be demonstrating the connection between environmental literature and civic engagement.  As nature is the focus of this institute, in addition to classroom academic lectures, there will be outdoor experiential sessions as well as academic ones – it makes little sense to talk about nature without having time to be in it.  The texts to be studied include:  Henry David Thoreau’s Walden led by Dr. William Johnson, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston; Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring led by Dr. Lisa Brady, Boise State University, Boise; Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It led by Dr. James Hepworth, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston; Wendell Berry’s Unsettling of America led by Dr. Gary Holthaus, Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society, North Dakota; and Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire.

Special afternoon and evening events, some of which will be open to the public, will include presentations related to the environmental literature theme.  Rochelle Johnson, College of Idaho, will discuss a project she undertook with her writing students titled Rediscovering Indian Creek, centering on a local creek that had been paved over in the 1950s.  Greg Keeler, Montana State University, will present an evening performance of songs about the environment, environmentalists, anti-environmentalists, and other issues.

Successful applicants will receive lodging and meals, texts, and the opportunity to apply for optional college credit.  In addition to receiving the primary texts, teachers also will receive a photocopied compilation of related essays and articles recommended by the presenting scholars.  Teachers will be selected before May 1 and sent texts to read in advance of the institute.

Teachers interested in more information about the institute should contact the Idaho Humanities Council at (208) 345-5346. The application deadline is April 1, 2008.  For other questions, teachers may contact IHC Fiscal Officer Cindy Wang at (208) 345-5346, or cindy@idahohumanities.org.

‘A Word for Nature’
Exploring Environmental Literature
2008 Summer Teacher Institute – July 13-19, 2008
Application Procedures

To apply, please send a typed letter to the Idaho Humanities Council in which you respond to the following questions (listing and numbering each question).  A selection committee will review each application.  Committee members carefully will consider the applicant’s responses to each question, and the commitment of the applicant to learning and implementing new ideas and materials in their own classrooms and in their school and district.  Consideration will also be given to balance selected applicants according to geographical distribution, gender, teaching discipline, and prior attendance at IHC institutes.  If you have attended other IHC institutes in the past, please do not assume in the application that readers of your application know who you are.  

Questions: (please list the questions and respond to each in narrative form)

Your letter should include: • home address, home phone number, home email address • school name, school address, school phone, school fax and school email

Please note to which address you’d like notification and other materials sent

1. Why do you want to participate in IHC’s ‘A Word for Nature’:  Exploring Environmental Literature institute?

2. How long have you been teaching?  List your current teaching assignment (grade, subject matter).  Please be specific about the content of your classes.   3. How would you imagine using material from the institute in your classroom? How would you share it with colleagues?

4. If not selected for the 2008 institute, will you remain interested in attending other institutes and/or workshops on other humanities topics? What areas of the humanities interest you most? (Your response will help us define future institutes.)

5.  Have you attended any previous summer institutes or workshops sponsored by the Idaho Humanities Council? Please list them.

Email your application by April 1, 2008 to cindy@idahohumanities.org, or by mail to: Idaho Humanities Council 217 W. State St. Boise, Idaho  83702 Phone: 208-345-5346; Fax: 208-345-5347

Selection will be made and all applicants notified in writing by May 1, 2008.