Religion and Ecology 2002
Chris Yeager
St. Francis High School,
Louisville, KY

Delusion is seeing all things from the perspective of the self. Enlightenment is seeing the self from the perspective of the myriad things of the universe
-- Dogen, Genjo koan,
in Shobogenzo, 77


This course explores the major religious traditions and how they shape attitudes and practices concerning the environment and the human/nature relationship. We will examine how religious beliefs concerning the environment have been expressed in theory and practice. In light of the current environmental challenges (global warming, population, sustainability) how can the world’s religions contribute to the survival of the various natural communities that make up the planet Earth?


Course Goals
By the end of the course a student should be able to:

1. Have a greater understanding of major religious perspectives, both historical and contemporary, on the human/nature relationship.

2. Recognize religious or ethical underpinnings within the contemporary environmental movement.

3. Critically analyze current environmental issues.


Class Attendance and Participation
Active and thoughtful participation is required. Be prepared to discuss the readings and listen and learn from each other.

Critical Reflection Papers on the Readings

Critical reflection papers on selected readings will be assigned when we finish discussing each religious tradition. Questions to guide your papers will be provided. The papers will be marked with a + or - rather than with a grade. If all reflection papers are received on time, and marked +, your grade for this requirement is an A. One minus is a B, two is a C, three a C-, more than three will be an NC.

Quarter and Final Examinations

Both of these assessments of your performance will be essays. We will develop the essay questions together in class a few days before each exam.
Research Paper
Each student will write a 4–6 page typed paper based on your research project. The topic must be approved by the teacher. Topic proposals (no more than a paragraph) are due October 2. The research paper is due December 11.

The project must include:

n Historical, economic, social, political aspects
n How religious symbolism is utilized
n Research beyond the printed word

Your research MUST include more than library research. In other words, you must, interview someone directly involved with your topic, view a film, visit an organization related to the topic, etc. If you have trouble figuring out how to do this, talk to me. You will be given class time during the semester to help you fulfill this component.

Possible Research Topics

environmental racism
genetic engineering cases
whaling controversies
analyze a particular group/movement (the Green political party, Sea Shepherd
Society, Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, etc.)
analyze the Johannesburg Summit
population issues
animal rights
the goddess movement and nature



Self-Assessment
Where you come from, where you stand, what’s it to you?

Answer the question, assess your performance this semester, and propose a final grade based on that performance. This one-page assignment is due the last day of class.

Evaluation

Class Attendance and Participation 15%
Reading Response Papers 15%
Quarter Examination 20%
Final Examination 25%
Research Paper 20%
Self-Assessment 5%



Reading Material


“Religion and Ecology: Can the Climate Change?” Daedalus: Journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Fall 2001.

Nicholas Black Elk. Black Elk Speaks. University of Nebraska Press. 2000.

Rosemary Radford Ruether ed. Women Healing Earth: Third World Women on Ecology, Feminism and Religion. Orbis Books. 2000.

Lynn White, Jr. “The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis.” Science 155. 10 March 1967. 1204.

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