THE ENVIRONMENT: RELIGION & ETHICS

AGROECOL/ILS/RELIGST 304

Plants play an important role in just about every aspect of our lives and culture, including religion. Learn about the ways plants are used and understood in religions including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and indigenous and pagan traditions. Apply theories from across the humanities to interpret plants and ecological themes in religious practices, works of art, literature, architecture, and gardens. Define important societal questions, collect and analyze evidence using primary sources, present original conclusions, and contribute to ongoing discussions about the relationship of people and plants. Think critically about the similarities and differences between your own use and understanding of plants and those of larger global communities.

RELIGST 400

Topics may include religion in specific societies or regions; religion in the arts; contemporary themes in religion.

RELIGST 101

Foundational and thematic approaches in the academic study of religion applied across global religious systems.

ENVIRST 113

What do we really mean when we use the word, environment, in interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, and how important is it to have our environment be meaningful? Considers five popular understandings, while also offering a global perspective on environmental humanities. Introduction to key American texts (Carson, Kimmerer, Leopold, etc.) and key concepts (like sustainability and the Anthropocene), along with core skills from fields like philosophy, ethics, literature, fine arts, history, politics and anthropology. Cases in environmental experience and expression range from Wisconsin to Asia, and across biotic and abiotic environments. Through discussions and assignments, answer fundamental questions about science, nature, environmental problems and crisis, and how to relate to others in our world as human beings.

RELIGST 475

Explores health issues and practices in religious communities and their interaction with public health concerns and programs in U.S. and international contexts.