ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES AND THE ANTHROPOCENE: AN INTRODUCTION MOD.1

Academic year
2026/2027 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES AND THE ANTHROPOCENE: AN INTRODUCTION MOD.1
Course code
LMH520 (AF:742447 AR:442511)
Teaching language
English
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6 out of 12 of ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES AND THE ANTHROPOCENE: AN INTRODUCTION
Degree level
Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
Academic Discipline
PHIL-02/B
Period
1st Semester
Course year
1
Where
VENEZIA
Moodle
Go to Moodle page
Serving as a core component of the Master’s program in Environmental Humanities, this course is designed in close coordination with Module 2 (taught by Prof. Bassi). Together, the two modules offer a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Humanities, with a dedicated focus on the cultural, historical, and epistemological dimensions of the Anthropocene.

The primary goal of this module is to enable students to position themselves within the broader field of environmental humanities.
Key Learning Outcomes:
-Reflective Practice: Developed self-awareness regarding individual and cohort-wide motivations for engaging with the environmental humanities.
-Conceptual Foundations: Enhanced familiarity with the core theoretical and applied tenets of the field, with a particular focus on its intersection with sustainability science.
-Curricular Autonomy: Increased capacity to navigate the field and purposefully design individualized academic pathways (e.g., through strategic study planning).
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, students are expected to bring curiosity, an open mind, and a strong readiness to actively contribute to class discussions, collaborative exercises, and co-creative activities.
Designed as a co-creative endeavor, this course maps the diverse bodies of knowledge and practice shaping the environmental humanities' capacity to drive transformative sustainability and socio-ecological regeneration. Combining interactive, co-creative sessions with foundational lecture-based teaching, the module guides students in positioning themselves within the field based on their individual motivations, values, and sensibilities.
Required and optional readings will be made available via Moodle during the first week of class. Throughout the semester, students are encouraged to contribute additional relevant resources that support and enrich our shared learning goals.
Final assessment consists of a written exam and an individual essay—which may adopt a creative, art-based format—organized in coordination with Module 2 (taught by Prof. Bassi). In addition to formal evaluation, students will participate in collaborative workshops throughout the semester aimed at drafting and refining their study plans.
written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The grades range from 18 to 30
The course combines interactive, co-creative sessions with foundational lecture-based instruction. Several sessions will be held jointly with Prof. Bassi, creating an integrated space for cross-disciplinary dialogue between the program’s two core modules.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development

Goal 6: clean water and sanitation
Goal 14: life below water
Goal 15: life on land
Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 20/09/2026