ENV 975b () / 2025-2026

Western Lands and Communities Field Clinic: Research to Practice

Credits: 3 Spring 2026: Time and location TBA

Course Application Instructions:Due to the logistics of field trip planning, application review begins on January 2nd, with decisions sent on a rolling basis soon after. Project topics do not have to focus on northern New Mexico, but should have at least some strong connection to the geographical/historical/ecological focus of the course. And you should make clear how the location of the trip relates to and directly benefits your project. Write an email (yourself, not cheating with AI) with the subject “Field Course Application” to Justin Farrell (justin.farrell@yale.edu). In fewer than 400 words, include the following information: (1) Name, degree program, year, specialization. (2) What is your writing project, and why does it excite you? (3) Where would you ideally like to publish it? (4) How does this project-based course align with your future professional goals? (5) This course requires engaging with communities whose values, beliefs, or politics may differ dramatically from your own. How do you approach that kind of work as a researcher or writer? (6) Separately, attach a one-page sample of your ongoing writing project, or if you do not have one, an rough outline of your proposed project.
 
This project-based course is for students working in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, or conservation management in Western U.S. landscapes. Its centerpiece is a mandatory field trip to northern New Mexico during the second week of spring break, focused on experiential learning, research, and writing. The course may count toward the MEM capstone. Students will complete a self-driven writing project aimed at publication, with work before and after the trip. Past projects have included scholarly articles, thesis chapters, book manuscripts, op-eds, documentaries, podcast scripts, creative nonfiction essays, among others. The course emphasizes narrative craft for both scholarly and public audiences. By semester’s end, students will submit their project to an appropriate publication outlet. Enrollment is capped because of the trip, and requires an application. No disciplinary preference is given; priority goes to students with ongoing projects or well-formed new ideas.
 
Trip Details: The YSE Dean’s office generously covers trip costs. All students are required to participate for the full length of the trip. Bulk flights are already booked and admitted students are required to fly with the group on March 15th. 
 

 
Limited to twelve