Date and time: August 8, 2024 at 2:45–4:00 PM ET

Are you a non-literary type who has never attended a book club? Or a bookworm who is obsessed with Cli-Fi? Somewhere in between? Everyone is welcome to attend this interdisciplinary short course in climate fiction (“Cli-Fi”) and address the question: How can fiction help to stimulate new thinking and conversations about our planetary predicament? 

A broad overview will be provided of environmental, post-apocalyptic, science fiction, solarpunk, hopepunk, graphic novels and climate fiction, which are all swiftly changing as writers respond to the climate crisis and as climate impacts (fires, floods, storms, sea-level rise) become observable in our real lives. We focus on the qualities of teachable novels, and support design of assignments, courses, campus book clubs, or whatever application works on your campus or just for your reading pleasure. The course is relevant for faculty in all academic disciplines, as well as counselors, librarians, and sustainability coordinators interested in engaging with students and faculty.

The course will take place over 5 monthly meetings, with the last session for those who wish to design an assignment or course of their own. The first session, a webinar open to all, will provide an overview of this genre which is changing the landscape of literary fiction. Participants will then read one book a month from a curated book list of the most teachable novels that integrate science, economics, engineering, psychology, into humanities, communication, and storytelling to imagine a new future. A monthly discussion allows participants to meet new colleagues from other institutions and share ideas and interpretations as well as hear from guest speakers. 

Participants will: 

• Gain an overview of the genres of climate fiction;
• Learn speed reading techniques to share with students and how to create time to read more;
• Practice discussion techniques including Literature Circles pedagogy with other sustainability champions;
• Engage with faculty from a variety of disciplines including science, humanities, and social sciences;
• Integrate imagination and the envisioning of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

What makes this the “Ultimate” Cli Fi Book club is the participants. Getting to read amazing books with smart people from a variety of disciplines, as well as campus librarians, counselors, and sustainability coordinators, is Krista’s idea of a good time. Join us!