INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR RECREATION (RCPT 230)

NATURE WRITERS ASSIGNMENT

Write a 5-7 page paper comparing and contrasting each of the following writings:

            Václav Havel – The Quiver of a Shrub in California

            Barry Lopez – The Stone Horse
            SueEllen Campbell – Misery

            Diane Ackerman – The Moon by Whale Light

AND TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:
            Leslie Roberts – The Entire Earth and Sky

            John Hales – Love, War, and Deer Hunting

            Sandi Wisenberg – Plain Scared

            John McPhee – Pieces of the Frame

            Lucy Wilson Sherman – Learning from Goats

DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE ARTICLES!!!!!!

Here are some questions to consider while you are structuring your discussion. 

You DO NOT have to answer all of the questions nor do I want your paper just to be a series of answers.  This should be YOUR reaction to the readings and what you think is important.

Quiver of a Shrub in California:

·         Are humans superior to all living things?

·         What happens to our long-term health and survival when we don’t respect nature?

The Stone Horse

·         Why would people take pleasure in destroying ancient sites?

·         Have you ever come upon something unexpected and wonderful in nature?
 

Misery

·         How do our expectations influence our satisfaction or dissatisfaction with recreation experiences?

·         Does misery raise the consciousness?  Are you a better person for doing something difficult?

The Moon by Whale Light

·         Why do we have such an affinity for whales?

·         Are whales better off or worse off because of people?

General Points:

·         Which author do you think has the best understanding of nature? Why?

·         Who do you most agree/disagree with? Why?

·         Did you find any of the writings particularly inspiring?

This paper should be typed and properly formatted (12 point Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, double spaced, no errors).  It is worth 50 points and is due January 28.