103. Religion and Ecology

How does religion shape human understanding of, and participation in, ecological  systems? This course samples widely from a range of religious traditions to come to a better understanding of the diverse ways that  people have developed for interacting with animals, plants, water and the land, and how those behaviors work in tandem  with systems of knowledge and practice. The class has a substantial  focus on environmental ethics, and thinks hard about how different religious systems might contribute   to either or both environmental degradation and solutions to environmental problems. Traditions sampled may include Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Daoism, Judaism, Buddhism, Native American religions and Wicca/ Neo-Paganism. Also offered as Asian Studies 105 and Environmental Studies 103.