This course is part of the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

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Mary Evelyn Tucker +1 more instructor

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Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community SpecializationYale University

About this Course

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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.

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Coursera Labs

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Course 1 of 5 in the

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Beginner Level

No Prerequisite Knowledge Required

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Religious:
What environmental activities are going on in my own religious tradition? What opportunities are there for interreligious engagement?
Environmental actors/researchers
Policymakers

Skills you will gain

environment
conservation
Religion
Ecology

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 1 of 5 in the

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Beginner Level

No Prerequisite Knowledge Required

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.72/5 (19 Ratings)

Mary Evelyn Tucker

Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar

Yale School of the Environment

35,844 Learners

13 Courses

John Grim

Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar

Yale School of the Environment

35,844 Learners

13 Courses

Offered by

Yale University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

MODULE 1: Course Introduction

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 13 min), 5 readings

4 videos

Land Acknowledgement - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker1mCourse Introduction - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker2mPersonal Introduction - Mary Evelyn Tucker5mPersonal Introduction - John Grim3m

5 readings

Welcome letter from Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim2mHow this course is organized1mLearn more about your Instructors 5m(Optional) Religion and Ecology Conferences and Book Series, 1996-1998Pre-video introduction: "The Promise of Planetary Health"1m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

MODULE 2: The Emergence of the Field of Religion and Ecology

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 16 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

Tu Weiming, “Imagining a New Mindset”6mLecture - Religion and Spirituality - Mary Evelyn Tucker2mLecture - What is Religion? - Mary Evelyn Tucker4mLecture - Problems and Promise of Religion - John Grim1m

7 readings

Pre-video introduction: "Religion and a New Environmental Ethic"1mOur Journey into Religion and Ecology32mCulminating Conferences at American Museum of Natural History and United Nations2mPre-video introduction: "Welcome to the Anthropocene"1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreCharacteristics, Persistence, and Diversity of Religions28m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 2: The Emergence of the Field of Religion and Ecology10m

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

MODULE 3: Religious Ecology: Orienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 31 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

Lecture - Defining Religion - Mary Evelyn Tucker7mLecture - Defining Religious Ecology - Mary Evelyn Tucker2mLecture - Symbolic Structures - John Grim5mLecture - Orienting and Grounding - Mary Evelyn Tucker7mLecture - Nurturing and Transforming - John Grim8m

8 readings

The Nature of Religion: Symbolic Systems and Symbolic Knowing19mDimensions of Religions5mGlossary of Terms5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreDefining Religious Ecology9m (Optional) Ways to Learn MoreOrienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming13m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 3: Religious Ecology - Orienting, Grounding, Nurturing, Transforming10m

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

MODULE 4: Views of Nature in the West

We explore views of nature in the West by first examining the transition from the Animism of the early Mediterranean world to the Monotheism of the later Abrahamic traditions. We then consider the legacies of Enlightenment rationalism and the ways in which the Romantic and Transcendentalist movements responded through their emphasis on emotion, intuition, and spirituality in the natural world. We conclude by exploring how modern science offers a new story for understanding nature within an expanding and evolving universe.

3 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 74 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Lecture - From Animism to Monotheism and From Purpose to Ambivalence - John Grim11mLecture - From Holism to Rationalism and From Romanticism to Transcendentalism - Mary Evelyn Tucker6mJourney of the Universe56m

8 readings

Views of Nature in the West25m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreFrom Holism to Rationalism10m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreFrom Anthropocentric to Anthropocosmic Thought16mImage tour of the Cat’s Eye Nebula and Whirlpool Galaxy10mJourney of the Universe website and resources5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 4: Views of Nature in the West10m

Week5

Week 5

3 hours to complete

MODULE 5: Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 58 min), 17 readings, 1 quiz

8 videos

Lecture - Emergence of the Field of Ecology - John Grim7mLecture - From Holism to Biometrics - Mary Evelyn Tucker6mLecture - Forms of Ecology - Mary Evelyn Tucker 14mLecture - Envisioning Ecology: Perspectives in Ecological Science2mLecture - Envisioning Ecology: From Climax States to Food Chains5mLecture - Envisioning Ecology: Ecosystems and New Ecology6mLecture - Envisioning Ecology: Organic Homeostasis versus Discordant Harmony5mThomas Lovejoy, “Ethics, Values, and Religious Perspectives on Biological Diversity.” Interviewed by Mary Evelyn Tucker8m

17 readings

(Optional) Forms of EcologyGlossary of Ecology Terms5m(Optional) Global Environmental Histories(Optional) Ways to Learn More(Optional) Development of Ecology in the United StatesJohn Muir (1838-1914)23mAldo Leopold (1887-1948)11mLeopold’s Land Ethic15m(Optional) Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics in the American Environmental MovementRachel Carson and The Sense of Wonder6m(Optional) Rachel Carson Papers(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreEnvisioning Ecology1mPre-video introduction: “Introduction to Systems Ecology”1mPre-video introduction: “Ethics, Values, and Religious Perspectives on Biological Diversity”1m(Optional) From Climax State to New Ecology14m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 5: Ecology, Conservation, and Ethics10m

Week6

Week 6

3 hours to complete

MODULE 6: Emergence of the Moral Force of Religion and Ecology

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 32 min), 16 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

Jane Goodall introduces the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative3m(Optional) Learn more about Jane Goodall and her work12mVictoria Tauli-Corpuz on the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative9mGuest Lecture - Problematizing Ideas of “Purity” and “Timelessness” in the Conservation Narratives of Sacred Groves - Lily Zeng5m

16 readings

Selected Perspectives on Nature in the World Religions; The Force of Religious Environmentalism15mGlobal Religious Environmental Engagement10mEngaged Projects, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology10m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreInterfaith Rainforest Initiative5m(Optional) Learn more about Victoria Tauli-Corpuz(Optional) Faiths for Forests DeclarationBuddhist Ordination of Trees in Southeast Asia4mIndian Chipko Movement of Hugging Trees to Protect Them9mRestoring Sacred Groves in Southwest China1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Youth Leader Martinez speaks at the United Nations”1mPre-video introduction: “Religion and Climate Change”1mClimate Action Resources, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology10mReligious Leadership on the Global Climate Crisis1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 6: Emergence of the Moral Force of Religion and Ecology10m

Week7

Week 7

2 hours to complete

MODULE 7: Building on Interreligious Dialogue: Global Ethics and Environmental Justice

We examine how interreligious dialogue and environmental movements gave rise to the Earth Charter, the first comprehensive global ethic integrating ecology, justice, and peace. We then consider the emergence of the environmental justice movement and its implications for marginalized communities around the world. This includes an exploration of the Ecojustice Hub on the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology. To conclude, we consider our shared challenges ahead and the prospect of creating ecological cultures.

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 25 min), 14 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Lecture - Interreligious Dialogue - Mary Evelyn Tucker4mLecture - The Parliament of the World’s Religions - Mary Evelyn Tucker2mLecture - The Earth Charter - A Discussion with Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim17m

14 readings

(Optional) Building on Interreligious Dialogue: Toward a Global EthicsThe Earth Charter20m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreAn Introduction to Environmental Justice1mEnvironmental Justice and the United Church of Christ6m(Optional) What is environmental justice?Pre-video introduction: “Pollution is Segregated”1mLandmark Statements on Environmental Justice9mEcojustice Resource Hub, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology10m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreCreating Ecological Cultures16mPre-video introduction: “The Arctic: the Consequences of Human Folly”1mPre-video introduction: “Pay it Forward - Envisioning Next Steps with Our Leaders of Tomorrow”1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 7: Building on Interreligious Dialogue: Global Ethics and Environmental Justice10m

Week8

Week 8

7 minutes to complete

MODULE 8: Course Conclusion

7 minutes to complete

1 video (Total 2 min), 1 reading

Reviews

4.9

17 reviews

5 stars
89.74%
4 stars
7.69%
3 stars
2.56%

TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO RELIGIONS & ECOLOGY

by AAJan 8, 2023

An important station and must-take course to start your journey in religions & ecology.

by JLSep 19, 2022

Rich in enlightening content and a plethora of insights. Clear and accessible. Empowering and hope-bringing.

by MHMar 6, 2022

I loved the content of the course. I am falling in love with this field of study, Religions and Ecology and I hope that this course will continue to inspire many people.

by RMJan 27, 2022

Fantastic. I will certainly complete the Specialization. :-)

View all reviews

About the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Why do religions matter when we talk about environmental problems and solutions?

The environmental crisis is not simply a political, economic, or technological problem; it is a moral and spiritual call to long-term change. Religious narratives resonate with large numbers of people —85% of the world’s population belong to religious communities. Religions have educational institutions around the world that can inspire people for an ecologically just future. Religious structures and sacred spaces provide a symbolic and practical context for aligning humans with nature. Religions have financial assets that can be used for transformative change, such as divestment and reinvestment. To whom will these courses appeal? 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, especially where minority communities are adversely affected Those involved in education -- College and high school students looking for a broader view of religion and spirituality, teachers developing curriculum, Those involved in the world’s religions -- Religious leaders and laity who want to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental issues; Religious communities interested in building engaging projects, such as the restoration of local bioregions.

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Introduction to Religions & Ecology

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