Religion & Nature

Catalog description

This course critically examines the roles played by "religion" and "nature," within the context of North American cultural and environmental history. It will examine the contested ways in which religion and nature are understood, drawing on diverse sources and methodologies, and primary texts written by central figures in the field, both past and present. Specific topics include the origin and evolution of nature-religions and nature spirituality, religious naturalism, "greening of religions," and resistance to nature-inspired environmentalism. Students will gain a broad acquaintance with theoretical foundations, pivotal figures, social movements, etc.