K.H. Interview Questions

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Ken indicated that he would like to be interviewed about the L&E specialization. Coming up with questions has been a bit of a challenge because the web site has such a robust FAQ! So, here are some potential interview questions for him. Anything you'd like to revise or add?

1. Why don't you begin with a description of the genesis of the Literature and the Environment Specialization? How did your own research lead you to this path?
2. The specialization's online FAQ differentiates between ecocriticism and previous types of criticism that dealt with issues like Nature by arguing that ecocrit is more concerned with damaged or ruined landscapes than with an ideal pastoral past. Can you elaborate on this distinction? For instance, how does ecocriticism approach texts which deal with Nature, but which aren't concerned with environmental destruction? Or do eco-critics argue that all environmentally oriented texts are ultimately about destruction? (based upon a suggestion from Ryan)
3. The FAQ takes up the issue of whether environmental criticism is activism. Can you talk a bit about if/how the specialization might foster activism in the UCSB community?
4. What are some of the things you would like to see happen in the future with the USLE?
5. What would you recommend to students who would like to become more involved in the discourse of eco-criticism? For instance, aside from the activities at UCSB, are there particular listservs or journals that you would suggest?
6. I understand you have a new book coming out soon. Would you like to say a few words about it?

I decided to excise these two as they aren't as tightly focused on the specialization:

1. The FAQ on the specialization website draws many comparisons to other theoretical movements, such as race and gender criticism. Can you speak a bit about the intersections or productive differences you see between Environmental Studies and these other areas of study?
2. The ACGCC's Colloquium on Global Ecologies ties in nicely with the new specialization. Do you foresee the work of the L&E tying into the other centers in the future? If so, how?

--MarthineSatris 20:47, 24 January 2008 (PST)