Reading the Book of Nature
FYSEMR 52S
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Nature is made up of a dizzying variety of organisms, environments, and their interactions, but amidst this chaos, patterns exist that provide the viewer knowledge of their surroundings…if they know how to see the patterns staring them in the face. In this seminar, students will learn ways to see patterns in rocks, water, plants, air, stars and animals, and begin to discern what those patterns can tell us about how nature works.
Moss on a tree trunk can tell you which direction to walk. The speed of cricket chirping can be a remarkably accurate thermometer. The color of water can indicate which tree species are growing uphill. You can keep your calendar from the position of the stars or the birds singing in the trees. Students will learn many of these patterns that have been collected by different cultures throughout human history and will come to understand the mechanisms creating those patterns. But just as important, students will learn and practice skills for observing nature’s patterns on their own, and discerning what those patterns can tell them about their local surroundings.
Because one must be in nature to observe it, class sessions will be held exclusively outdoors (rain or shine) where we will learn common patterns in the natural world and practice identifying new patterns and their meanings. Supplemental readings will come from texts by ecologists, survivalists, and indigenous peoples, but the primary text for this seminar will be the bark, mosses, dirt, and bird songs (among others) of the natural world.
NOTE: Class sessions will be held exclusively outdoors regardless of weather. Students must have a willingness to spend multiple hours at a time outdoors (rain or shine). Appropriate accommodations will be made for students with mobility concerns.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
