Constructing Nature: Readings From The American Experience

Constructing Nature starts from the premise that nature is more than a biological organism or a physical location. Instead, this book views nature as a cultural and social construction or concept.

A reader on nature that presents substantial, complex readings within the context of American culture. Assignment sequences have been provided to help readers learn to write on a single subject from a variety of perspectives. The reading selections are organized chronologically and focus exclusively on the concept of nature in America. Readers thus can see how nature has been viewed historically, from the time of the exploration of the new world to the present day. A major section on the current environment movement allows readers to connect their work with what is happening in the world right now.