REL 243 - Nature - Religion - and Ecology

WR 115  or designated placement.

WR 115Q  as required.

Course Description: Explores how different religious traditions and the cultures influenced by them view nature and the place of humankind within the natural environment. Native, Asian, and Western traditions are examined, as are contemporary eco-spiritual thinkers and movements. Class discussion for the students to apply the material in current social and personal contexts will be an integral part of the course. Fulfills cultural literacy requirement within the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Describe other ways of viewing ecological “reality” and explain the degree to which these world views are culturally derived. (ILO: Communication)
• CLO#2: Translate ideas from one culture into existing or potential applications in our own primarily Judeo-Christian path.
• CLO#3: Explain the relation of religions to other academic subjects such as art, science, history, and literature.
• CLO#4: Explain the most essential ideas from each tradition.
• CLO#5: Determine which religious concepts and practices are particularly well suited to peoples of certain climatic and geographical situations.