This course is an introduction to the qualitative research method known as "ecocriticism." Although the term "ecocriticism" most often refers to literary criticism concerned with the relationship between literature and the environment, here we will be defining it broadly as "a form of critical inquiry that asks how scholars and critics of literature, language, and communication can contribute to the tasks of protecting biological diversity, minimizing human health risks, and using resources sustainably." This means not only that we will be exploring the interdisciplinary landscape between literary criticism, rhetorical criticism, and communication studies but also that what "ecocriticism" is will remain an open question throughout the course. At the very least, it is clear that ecocriticism is a broadly humanistic research method, which means that we will not be discussing quantitative research methods nor will we be examining qualitative research methods derived from the social sciences, such as ethnography. Furthermore, while scientific and technical communication will have a prominent place in our discussions, it will not dominate them, given that environmental literature and communication are multidisciplinary endeavors. This course is intended for graduate students in English, Communication Studies, and Rhetoric and Scientific and Technical Communication and assumes some prior knowledge of literary/rhetorical theory and/or critical methods.