Ecocriticism in Aotearoa

Abstract

It is common to think of English as a cultural subject rather than an environmental one. Traditionally teachers of English have been hailed as 'the preachers of culture' (Matthieson 1975) with a mission to develop both personal and national identity. Despite a shift towards explicit teaching of literacy as the main concern of English, a focus on the personal and cultural mission of English is still deeply important to teachers and remains within curriculum guidance in New Zealand (and other English speaking countries such as England and the US).