Religion 124 - Ecology and Religion

Have Western religions estranged us from the natural world? How does the environment shape religious thought and practice? This course explores religion in both the ancient world and in our present time, in order to uncover a history of entanglement, and tension, with the world’s places, plants, and animals. From revelations on top of mountains to animal sacrifice, religious practice cannot be separated from the natural environment. We will study the following themes: defining religion and nature; cosmology; spirituality and materiality; sacred and secular space; anthropocentrism (the preeminence of humans over other living beings); animal and vegetal life. 

Fall semester. Visiting Assistant Professor Westermayer.

Pending Faculty Approval

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: There will be an emphasis on written work, in-class writing, readings, independent research, oral presentations, and group work.