
Literary Studies for a Sustainable Future: An Introductory Course with Social Justice and Ecocriticism Intersections
Lisette H.A, Espinoza Vazquez, Northern Essex Community College
Copyright Year:
Publisher: ROTEL
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
CC BY-NC-SA
Reviews





I was amazed at the breadth of this book and all of the texts that are incorporated into it. read more
I was amazed at the breadth of this book and all of the texts that are incorporated into it.
Everything was correctly labeled, categorized, and explained, especially the terms. All of the authors and works referenced were represented faithfully.
This was one of the greatest strengths of this book. It shows how texts across cultures and time can be read together and in conversation with each other through various critical lenses.
The author states that the book was aimed at a sophomore level, and the course was particularly designed for a community college. I think the prose and careful use of theory and primary sources reflects this objective. Students will easily be able to access and follow each chapter.
Yes. I was not sure how the text would be able to incorporate such a wide range of genres and authors, but it really does find a way to fit each primary work into the frames. I loved the way that stories were put in conversation with each other, included assignments like the one where you read Volpone by Ben Johnson alongside Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Crow." The book was consistent in the way it offered a refreshing, in-depth comparative approach to texts.
Headings were clear. Links were easy to navigate.
Everything made sense from start to finish. I felt like the book was very balanced.
The use of images and various interactive quizzes was effective. Videos worked fine. Everything was linked and cited clearly.
No grammatical issues.
This book was centered around cultural understanding and very carefully approaches each issue. It felt like an invitation to explore and learn.
I was really impressed with the blend of texts. I've been teaching Global Literature, Renaissance/Shakespeare, and many other introductory literature courses for over 15 years. I have never seen a book quite like this one. I've used the Bedford Anthology of World Literature, pieced together my own blend of novels and primary sources, and I've also used Norton's. The way this book blends so many of the goals of the Introduction to Literary Studies Course with the Comparative/World Lit. objectives was impressive. I'm excited to explore this one further.
Table of Contents
- Welcome, Students and Educators!
- Author's Biography
- Textbox Guide
- Guiding Principles & Outcomes
- How to Approach Literature for Success
- Ecocriticism
- Icebreaker Questions to Begin this Course
- Book’s General Highlights
- Part 1: Sustainability in Sumerian & Indigenous Oral Traditions
- A Preview of Part One
- A Review of Key Concepts and Terms in Introduction of Part One
- Chapter One: On How the Ancient Hymn Intersects with Gender & Inequality
- Chapter One: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Two: On Indigenous Storytelling Traditions & Sustainability
- Chapter Two: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Three: On the Epic with Sustainable Communities & Climate Action Intersections
- Chapter Three: Assignments and Readings
- The Epic of Gilgamesh
- The Popol Vuh
- Part 2: Ecocriticism in Folklore & Dramatic Satire
- A Preview of Part Two
- Chapter Four: Greek and Roman Folklore: How Do Fables Intersect with Sustainability Goals Life on Land and Quality Education?
- Chapter Four: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Five: On Mythology As Adaptation and Gender & Justice Intersections
- Chapter Five: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Six: On Arabian Nights & Gender Equality Intersections
- Chapter Six: Assignments and Readings
- The Arabian Nights Entertainments
- Part 3: UNSDG Intersections with Poetry & Shakespeare
- Chapter Seven: Sustainability Intersections & Early Modern English Theater
- Chapter Seven: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Eight: Lyrical Poetry & Poetic Fragments of Greek Poet Sappho & Intersections with Reducing Inequality, Gender Equality, Sustainable Communities, & Decent Work
- Chapter Eight: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Nine On Late Medieval European Revisionism & Gender Equality
- Chapter Nine: Assignments and Readings
- Chapter Ten The Conclusion of an Introduction to Literary Studies with Sustainability Intersections
- Chapter Ten: Assignments and Readings
- Bibliography
Ancillary Material
Submit ancillary resourceAbout the Book
Literary Studies for a Sustainable Future: An Introductory Course with Social Justice and Ecocriticism Intersections is a university literature textbook that offers a sampling of the vast array of storytelling and literary traditions from around the world. Led by course outcomes, the book’s readings, activities, and assignments aim to establish a 21st century framework. Novice literary scholars establish correlations between local and regional literature with those from distant lands on relevant concerns and topics, like those outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through songs and folklore, film clips, poetry, myth, storytelling, and satirical theater, its chapters feature key literary texts and terms to present literature as vital community-sustaining cultural expressions. Learners witness the roles literature have on climate, ecology, and social justice challenges.
About the Contributors
Author
Lisette H.A. Espinoza Vazquez is an Associate Professor of English, Literature, and Spanish in the Dept. of English and Global Studies Program at Northern Essex Community College with IVE and COIL collaborations.