NES 6767 - Natural History of Religion

(crosslisted) JWST 6767, RELST 6767

Spring. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Co-meets with JWST 4767/NES 4767/RELST 4767.

K. Haines-Eitzen.

How does nature and the environment shape religious traditions? And what impacts do religious thought and practice have on the environment? These two questions are at the heart of this seminar in which we will explore the many relationships between religion and the environment throughout history and in our present time. Water, weather, trees, stones, fire, mountains, deserts, and animals are some of the ecological features we will discuss in connection with religious traditions across time and space. Readings will include scriptural texts from world religions, archival sources like historical newspapers and documents, and ancient and modern poetry and fiction in dialogue with writings by eco-critics, environmental historians, and naturalists. Material culture will also be important for our work together.