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COURSES
EXPLORING DEEP ECOLOGY
A NINE -SESSION COURSE FOR THE WORKPLACE, HOME OR CENTER OF FAITH
Purpose:
- To clarify earth-related values through discussion about deep ecology and related topics..
- To discover how personal values affect the way we view and treat the earth.
- To explore what it means to take personal responsibility for the earth.
Topics Covered
DEEP ECOLOGY: Human beings are one of many species, everything is interconnected, and sustainability should replace economic growth as our long-term goal. How do these underlying assumptions differ from current assumptions of our society? Readings: "Deep Ecology" by Tanya Kucak, "Thinking Like A Mountain" by Aldo Leopold, excerpt from "As Above, So Below" by Ronald Miller, excerpt from "Deep Ecology and Lifestyle" by Arne Naess.WILD NATURE: Among the giants of the American conservation movement are naturalists who were grounded by an intimate experience in the natural world. This session included readings by Rachel Carlson, John Muir and Henry David Thoreau. –all authors of classis works that continue their influence in to the present time.
NATIVE AMERICAN WISDOM: Most Americans are far removed from the earth in their daily lives. What can be learned from the rich heritage of Native Americans and their relationship with Mother Earth? Readings: quotations from Black Elk and Chief Seattle, excerpts from Profiles in Wisdom edited by Steven McFadden, excerpt from "A Native American Perspective" by Winona LaDuke, "Sharing One Skin" by Jeanette Armstrong.
THE GAIA HYPOTHESIS: In some ways, the earth functions like a living organism, reflecting the interdependence of life and earth's compensating mechanisms. How do the biological and physical worlds interact to create a self-regulating process? Readings: "The Gaia Hypothesis" from Mother Earth News, "The Gaia Hypothesis" from The Green Reader, "The Reenchantment of the World," by Morris Berman.
THE UNIVERSE STORY: Every human culture has an account of how things came to be in the beginning. Such an account helped people in each culture decide what was good and bad, what was to be avoided and what was to be pursued. Recent scientific discoveries offer us new insights into how the universe came to be. Readings by Dick Roy (co-founder of NWEI), Brian Swimme, Fr. Tom Berry, and Sr. Miriam MacGillis.
ECOPSYCHOLOGY: In modern society, we have lost our intimate relationship with the earth. What are the psychological implications? Readings: "The Greening of Psychology" by Theodore Roszak, excerpts from "Profiles in Wisdom," edited by Steve McFadden, excerpt from "When the Earth Hurts, Who Responds?" by Sarah A. Conn, excerpt from "The Earth in Mind" by David Orr.
SIMPLICITY: With conveniences of modern life come distractions. How can simplicity bring satisfaction in a society where materialism and technology are paramount? Readings: excerpt from Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, excerpt from Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin, "The Green Triangle" by Ernest Callenbach.
BIOREGIONALISM: Each person lives in a unique geographical area with natural boundaries. Will a deeper understanding of our bioregion enable us to better care for the earth? Readings: definitions of "bioregion," "Bioregions" by Peter Berg, "Reinhabitation" by Gary Snyder, "Homeplace" by Scott Russell Sanders, a bioregional quiz.
"We
need to build the movement. If we do, we will not fail. Changing U.S.
energy and climate policies has proven extremely difficult in the face
of powerful industry opposition. That is why a powerful popular movement
for change is so essential."
-Gus Speth (Dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, in Red Sky at Morning)