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Bohemienne dormante -- Henri Rousseau

“Think of the universe not as.a collection of objects, but as a communion of subjects.” — Thomas Berry

Instructor: Joan Connell

MW 10-11:20 via Zoom for discussions/creative collaboration

Join Monday’s class here Meeting ID: 924 4887 3203

Join Wednesday’s class here Meeting ID: 961 6422 6151

Consultations welcome. Text or call at any reasonable hour 425–922–4460

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RELIGION/ETHICS/NATURE

From the beginning of human history, storytelling has been central to our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. In every culture, creation and salvation narratives are reservoirs of cultural values. They tell the story of human origins, providing insights into who we are, why we exist, where we’re headed.

Science also has stories to tell. The most ancient narratives of the material world are written in the soils and sand, rocks and waters of our planetary home. Scientific narratives of evolution, of the beauty and symmetries of mathematics, of physics, biology, and astronomy are part of the evolutionary story. They can be glimpsed through the lenses of microscopes and telescopes, in the orbits of the planets, in the movements of the stars.

This seminar explores how narratives from religion, nature and science contribute to the slow but steady evolution of ecological ethics. It examines the ongoing expansion of our moral universe, as the focus of human consciousness evolves from the personal to the planetary. The great work we face at the dawn of the ecological era is to evolve the values and the ethics that guide our actions to save an imperiled Earth. Our readings raise all sorts of questions:

What are humans' ethical obligations to each other and to the species with whom we share this planet?
How does religion — for good or ill — function as a reservoir of virtues and values that guide our ethical choices on how we treat the Earth and each other?
Are ancient sacred narratives still relevant to the urgent crises we face? Which traditions might we learn from? Which ones should be challenged or re-interpreted?
How does science's unfolding story of the evolving universe complement religious narratives of our origins, virtues and values?

We will explore literary and theological dimensions of sacred literature from a variety of religious traditions within the context of the larger, unfolding story of evolution. We will pay special attention to the evolving theology of African-American Eco-womanism

When frames enlarge, the picture changes. When evolution is seen as a material, psychological , moral and spiritual process, it can serve as a master narrative-- a reservoir of virtue and values -- to guide our actions at this critical moment.

People often feel powerless and overwhelmed by the enormity of the climate crisis. By exploring the work of a diverse array of religion scholars, ethicists, theologians, scientists and cultural historians, this seminar offers an antidote to the apocalyptic narratives that often permeate our public conversation on climate. It offers reason to hope that a leading edge of enlightened young humans can show the way. The "great work" before us, as Thomas Berry described it, is to expand human consciousness, enlarge the focus of our concern from the personal to the planetary. Our best response to climate crisis is to evolve into an Earth-loving species rather than an Earth-destroying one.

Goals and Objectives

Explore creation/salvation narratives of a variety of religious traditions.

Explore science’s story of evolution. When climate crisis is viewed through a cosmological lens, it is possible to more fully understand humanity's role as an evolving species on a fragile planet in an evolving universe.
Ask big questions: Is it possible for humans to evolve away from evil and become a life-sustaining force for good?
Experience nature. Individual immersive experiences in forest settings heighten our sensitivity to the beauty and power of the natural world.

Assignments and deliverables

There are no quizzes or research papers in this seminar. It is an unfolding series of creative collaborations and group reflections on readings, intellectual exploration, individual experiences in nature. Attendance is required in twice-weekly Zoom sessions. All reading assignments/study questions are due before class on Mondays. All creative collaborations are due at midnight on Fridays.

Readings and study questions (50 percent)

Text: Dream of the Earth: Weekly chapter readings/study questions from cultural historian Thomas Berry’s landmark book on religion and ecology. Berry’s work serves as a compass and a beacon illuminating the evolving ethics of the ecological era. The book is available through the Associate Students Bookstore or Amazon. There is also a print copy on reserve at WWU Library.
Readings on Religion, Ethics and Nature : Weekly reading assignments -- some with study questions -- on creation/salvation narratives, religion, ethics, earth justice and environmental activism. All readings are due at class time on Mondays so we can discuss in seminar. See the Modules section of Canvas for details.

Creative Collaborations :

The Understory (50 percent)

The Understory:

Building on the Japanese tradition of "forest bathing," seminar participants spend at least 30 minutes weekly in a solitary exploration of the natural world. They then post a brief, free-form multimedia reflection on The Understory, a giant Google slide deck that serves as a collaborative record of our immersive nature experiences.

Bookshelf Collaboration:

Each of the 16 seminar students chooses a book to read from the Religion/Ethics/Nature Bookshelf and pairs up with a partner with whom they share insights on what they're reading. On Wednesdays, bookshelf teams discuss their learnings. In mid-October, weekly book briefings begin.

Remote classroom etiquette

This remote classroom is designed to be a creative, collaborative space. It also provides an opportunity to overcome the isolation of remote instruction, learn from each other and expand our collective understanding of narrative journalism.

This requires your undivided attention: Detach from electronic distractions during class time: Turn off your alerts. Turn on your video camera: eye contact is essential to remote learning. Put your pet in another room. Don't multi-task. Bring your whole, unmediated self to the remote learning experience.

Technology and Safety Tips

Canvas is optimized for Google Chrome; browsers like Safari and Firefox don't surface all of Canvas' online components. Best practice: Make Chrome your default browser.. Sign up for WWU G Suite for access to Google Drive, Docs, and other applications.
All WWU students now have access to Zoom Pro accounts! That means you have unlimited use of Zoom and no time limits on your meetings. This is a valuable tool for collaborating with your colleagues. Find out more here.
Avoid attending class via your phone. Best practice: Use a laptop or home computer.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we learn. Social distancing is both a practical reality and an ethical concern. Wear a mask and avoid indoor gatherings. Don't do anything that would put your own health at risk or the health of others.

Civility

Be kind to each other, courteous, transparent and inclusive in your interactions in class and online. Respect deadlines.

Grading

The default grade scale this quarter will be the standard letter grade. Students may opt for P/NP grading instead; in that case studentswho receive an A through D+, will receive a grade of EP (pass in exceptional circumstances). If D through F, a NP (no pass).If students want the P/NP option they must file their choice with the registrar (not your professor) by Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Academic Honesty

All the creative work you do in book reports and class collaborations should be original to. this course. Work should be executed according to Western Washington University's policies on academic integrity, civility and religious holidays.

Unexcused late assignments may be marked down. Failure to comply with university policies on classroom etiquette, academic integrity and civility may result in a lowered or failing grade.