Psychology 420 - Religion and Environmentalism in South Asia

Institution:

Colgate University

Subject:

Description:

E. Kent Religious thought in South Asia is replete with images of sacred rivers, trees, mountains, stones, animals, plants, stars, and planets. From the extraordinarily strict vegetarian diet of Jainism, to the daily tending of Tulsi plants, regarded as the incarnation of a Hindu goddess, many Indic religious practices and rituals demonstrate reverence for the earth and nature. And yet, virtually all the countries of South Asia, from Tibet to Sri Lanka, are facing environmental crises of monumental proportions. Is it possible to transform people's religious reverence for elements of nature into concrete action to protect and conserve natural resources Religion is one of the most powerful motivating forces in the world today; it is also among the most divisive. Can and should activists seek to enlist religious sentiments in the service of environmental projects The course begins by examining the environmental history of South Asia paying particular attention to how the landscape and environment have shaped religious thought, and how religion has shaped people's relationship to the land. Students investigate several religious traditions found in South Asia, which may include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, tribal religions, Christianity, and Islam. Through case studies, students examine how religious leaders have responded to various ecological crises to generate support for particular environmental projects and campaigns.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.colgate.edu

Phone Number:

(315) 228-1000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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