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- Level Foundation
- Duration 15 hours
- Course by Yale University
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Offered by
About
At first glance the fields of religion and ecology may seem and unlikely pairing, but a deeper consideration reveals the two have a great deal to contribute to one another and are indeed inextricably linked. Religions recognize the unity and interdependence of humans with nature. Ecological sciences affirm this deep interconnection with the natural world. This partnership can inspire work for the wellbeing of the Earth community There is a need for broader literacy and deeper knowledge of the world’s religions and their ecological contributions. This specialization, starting with this course, contributes such a perspective. Each course celebrates the vitality of religiously-informed action for the Earth and recognizes the longstanding contributions of Indigenous peoples in offering visions and practices for ecological flourishing. This course is part one of the "Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community" series of classes that focuses on the ecological dimensions of religious traditions throughout the world. The course you are about to begin is designed as a gateway to the other classes. It describes the nature of religion as well as the emergence of the field of ecology. In addition, it highlights concerns for forestry issues, the climate emergency, global ethics, and environmental justice. This course is for lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology, environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation, those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, and religion leaders and laity who wish to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental projects.Modules
Overview of the Course: Introduction to Religions and Ecology
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2
Videos
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3
Readings
2
Videos
- Land Acknowledgement - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Course Introduction - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker
3
Readings
- Welcome letter from Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim
- How this course is organized
- Disclaimer
Get to know your Instructors and the Environmental Context
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2
Videos
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3
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
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1
Discussions
- Introduction
2
Videos
- Personal Introduction - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Personal Introduction - John Grim
3
Readings
- Learn more about your Instructors
- (Optional) Religion and Ecology Conferences and Book Series, 1996-1998
- Pre-video introduction: "The Promise of Planetary Health"
Lesson 2.1 - The Harvard Conferences and the founding of the Forum on Religion and Ecology
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1
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5
Readings
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2
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1
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- Tu Weiming, “Imagining a New Mindset”
5
Readings
- Pre-video introduction: "Religion and a New Environmental Ethic"
- Our Journey into Religion and Ecology
- Culminating Conferences at American Museum of Natural History and United Nations
- Pre-video introduction: "Welcome to the Anthropocene"
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 2.2 - The Problems and Promise of Religions for Environmentalism
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3
Videos
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2
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
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1
Assignment
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Assignment
- Module 2: The Emergence of the Field of Religion and Ecology
1
Discussions
- Module 2: The Emergence of the Field of Religion and Ecology
3
Videos
- Lecture - Religion and Spirituality - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - What is Religion? - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - Problems and Promise of Religion - John Grim
2
Readings
- Characteristics, Persistence, and Diversity of Religions
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 3.1 - Religion as Symbolic Systems and Symbolic Knowing
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1
Videos
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4
Readings
1
Videos
- Lecture - Defining Religion - Mary Evelyn Tucker
4
Readings
- The Nature of Religion: Symbolic Systems and Symbolic Knowing
- Dimensions of Religions
- Glossary of Terms
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 3.2 - Religious Ecology and Religious Cosmology
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2
Videos
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2
Readings
2
Videos
- Lecture - Defining Religious Ecology - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - Symbolic Structures - John Grim
2
Readings
- Defining Religious Ecology
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 3.3 - Religious Ecology: Orienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming
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2
Videos
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2
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
Assignment
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Assignment
- Module 3: Religious Ecology - Orienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming
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Discussions
- Module 3: Religious Ecology - Orienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming
2
Videos
- Lecture - Orienting and Grounding - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - Nurturing and Transforming - John Grim
2
Readings
- Orienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 4.1 - From Animism to Monotheism - From Purpose to Ambivalence
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1
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2
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1
Videos
- Lecture - From Animism to Monotheism and From Purpose to Ambivalence - John Grim
2
Readings
- Views of Nature in the West
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 4.2 - From Holism to Rationalism - From Romanticism to Transcendentalism
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1
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2
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1
Videos
- Lecture - From Holism to Rationalism and From Romanticism to Transcendentalism - Mary Evelyn Tucker
2
Readings
- From Holism to Rationalism
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 4.3 - From Anthropocentric to Anthropocosmic Thought
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1
Videos
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4
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Module 4: Views of Nature in the West
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Discussions
- Module 4: Views of Nature in the West
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Videos
- Journey of the Universe
4
Readings
- From Anthropocentric to Anthropocosmic Thought
- Image tour of the Cat’s Eye Nebula and Whirlpool Galaxy
- Journey of the Universe website and resources
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 5.1 - Forms of Ecology; Emergence of the Field of Ecology
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1
Videos
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4
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1
Videos
- Lecture - Emergence of the Field of Ecology - John Grim
4
Readings
- (Optional) Forms of Ecology
- Glossary of Ecology Terms
- (Optional) Global Environmental Histories
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 5.2 - The Development of the Ecological Movement in the United States
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2
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8
Readings
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2
Videos
- Lecture - From Holism to Biometrics - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - Forms of Ecology - Mary Evelyn Tucker
8
Readings
- (Optional) Development of Ecology in the United States
- John Muir (1838-1914)
- Aldo Leopold (1887-1948)
- Leopold’s Land Ethic
- (Optional) Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics in the American Environmental Movement
- Rachel Carson and The Sense of Wonder
- (Optional) Rachel Carson Papers
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Section 5.3 - Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics
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5
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5
Readings
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1
Discussion
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1
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Assignment
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Assignment
- Module 5: Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics
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- Module 5: Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics
5
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- Lecture - Envisioning Ecology: Perspectives in Ecological Science
- Lecture - Envisioning Ecology: From Climax States to Food Chains
- Lecture - Envisioning Ecology: Ecosystems and New Ecology
- Lecture - Envisioning Ecology: Organic Homeostasis versus Discordant Harmony
- Thomas Lovejoy, “Ethics, Values, and Religious Perspectives on Biological Diversity.” Interviewed by Mary Evelyn Tucker
5
Readings
- Envisioning Ecology
- Pre-video introduction: “Introduction to Systems Ecology”
- Pre-video introduction: “Ethics, Values, and Religious Perspectives on Biological Diversity”
- (Optional) From Climax State to New Ecology
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 6.1 - Engaged Religious Environmentalism: From Global to Local
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4
Readings
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1
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4
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- Selected Perspectives on Nature in the World Religions; The Force of Religious Environmentalism
- Global Religious Environmental Engagement
- Engaged Projects, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 6.2 - Protecting Forests
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4
Videos
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7
Readings
4
Videos
- Jane Goodall introduces the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
- (Optional) Learn more about Jane Goodall and her work
- Victoria Tauli-Corpuz on the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
- Guest Lecture - Problematizing Ideas of “Purity” and “Timelessness” in the Conservation Narratives of Sacred Groves - Lily Zeng
7
Readings
- Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
- (Optional) Learn more about Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
- (Optional) Faiths for Forests Declaration
- Buddhist Ordination of Trees in Southeast Asia
- Indian Chipko Movement of Hugging Trees to Protect Them
- Restoring Sacred Groves in Southwest China
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Lesson 6.3 - The Challenge of the Climate Emergency
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5
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1
Discussion
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3
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Assignment
- Module 6: Emergence of the Moral Force of Religion and Ecology
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Discussions
- Module 6: Emergence of the Moral Force of Religion and Ecology
5
Readings
- Pre-video introduction: “Youth Leader Martinez speaks at the United Nations”
- Pre-video introduction: “Religion and Climate Change”
- Climate Action Resources, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
- Religious Leadership on the Global Climate Crisis
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Section 7.1 - Global Ethics
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3
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3
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3
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- Lecture - Interreligious Dialogue - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - The Parliament of the World’s Religions - Mary Evelyn Tucker
- Lecture - The Earth Charter - A Discussion with Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim
3
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- (Optional) Building on Interreligious Dialogue: Toward a Global Ethics
- The Earth Charter
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Section 7.2 - Environmental Justice
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7
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2
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7
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- An Introduction to Environmental Justice
- Environmental Justice and the United Church of Christ
- (Optional) What is environmental justice?
- Pre-video introduction: “Pollution is Segregated”
- Landmark Statements on Environmental Justice
- Ecojustice Resource Hub, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Section 7.3 - Challenges Ahead: Creating Ecological Cultures
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4
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Discussion
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- Module 7: Building on Interreligious Dialogue: Global Ethics and Environmental Justice
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- Module 7: Building on Interreligious Dialogue: Global Ethics and Environmental Justice
4
Readings
- Creating Ecological Cultures
- Pre-video introduction: “The Arctic: the Consequences of Human Folly”
- Pre-video introduction: “Pay it Forward - Envisioning Next Steps with Our Leaders of Tomorrow”
- (Optional) Ways to Learn More
Course Conclusion (and What's Next)
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1
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- Lecture - Course Conclusion - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker
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- Concluding Thoughts
Auto Summary
Discover the profound connection between spirituality and the environment with "Introduction to Religions & Ecology," a captivating course offered by Coursera in the Health & Fitness domain. This foundational course explores the intertwined relationship between religious traditions and ecological sciences, highlighting how they collectively inspire efforts toward the wellbeing of the Earth community. Guided by expert instructors, this course is the first in the "Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community" series. It delves into the essence of religion and the development of ecology, addressing critical issues such as forestry, climate change, global ethics, and environmental justice. Special emphasis is placed on the significant contributions of Indigenous peoples and their visions for ecological flourishing. Over approximately 900 minutes of engaging content, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dimensions of various religious traditions worldwide. This course is ideal for lifelong learners curious about the intersection of religion and ecology, environmental professionals seeking to enhance their environmental protection efforts, members of non-profits and NGOs focused on ecological justice, and religious leaders interested in contributing to interfaith environmental initiatives. Available through a Starter subscription, this course offers a rich and insightful foundation for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation through the lens of diverse religious perspectives. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to restoring the Earth community through informed and inspired action.
Mary Evelyn Tucker
John Grim