PAX 351 FALL, 2011 - Division of Lifelong Learningdll.umaine.edu/info/welcomepage/Media/Syllabus/PAX351-990-Syllabus.pdfPAX 351 FALL, 2011 THIS SACRED EARTH (Ecology &Spirituality)

PAX 351 FALL, 2011 THIS SACRED EARTH (Ecology &Spirituality) Instructor: Hugh Curran Office Hours: By appointment (Monday & Tuesday afternoon) Office: 213 East Annex, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469 Peace Studies: 207-581-1167 or Faculty Office: 207-581-2636 E-mail: [email protected] Technical help: 1-877-947-4357 or 581-3199 E-mail: [email protected] The UMA Augusta Bookstore 800 number is: 1-800-621-0083 The Fax number of the UMA Augusta Bookstore is: 1-800-243-7338 The UM Orono Bookstore number is: 1-207- 581-1700 or e-mail at [email protected] In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of pluralism, the University of Maine shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans status in employment, education Students will be required to turn in all assignments on time. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

This Sacred Earth edited by Roger Gottlieb

The Way of the Earth by T.C.McLuhan

Supplemental: See under the posted Icon: "Sacred Earth Readings"—Articles include: World as Lover, World as Self;--------The Rebirth of Nature;----------- Wicca; Spirit & Nature;----------Intelligence in Nature;-----------Seeing God Everywhere.

RECOMMENDED READING: Earth Ethics by The Earth Council www.earthcharter.org (An ethical framework for sustainable development and sustainable living); The Earth Speaks, by Steve Van Matre & Bill Weiler; A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold

COURSE OBJECTIVE: This course is designed as an introduction to the spiritual dimensions in ecology including “deep ecology”, “ecotheology” and “ecofeminism”. Students will also be introduced to "readings" from Native American, African, Asian and Australian Aboriginal literature as well as some Celtic source material. The main texts include T.C.McLuhan's "The Way of the Earth" & Gottlieb's "Sacred Earth". The intent of the course is to provide perspectives on the spirituality of nature by notable writers, poets, theologians, historians and philosophers.

Students are required to: Submit journal lessons weekly and add a paragraph (200-300 words) that reviews one or more other students journals. It is not necessary to criticize or give praise. Anecdotes, brief stories, or news items that relate to the issues being addressed are welcome. Be sure to quote the name of the student(s) and the journal passage you are commenting on. In terms of your own journals the questions are based on the readings and your responses to the questions would normally be 1 1/2 to 2 pages in length. If you would rather submit your lesson in an essay form that would also be acceptable. In writing your journal you may

quote short passages or phrases in the texts or you may paraphrase the readings and then include your own personal comments. Although your answers are to be based primarily on the readings your personal views are important so include them where it seems most appropriate. Please explore & clarify each question as much as possible. Assume that your reader has little understanding of the material being covered.

You are expected to: 1] post your writing assignment BY THE WEEKEND (SATURDAY EVENING). This gives other students an opportunity to read over and respond to your journals. You will receive feedback from me or from a teaching assistant, but due to the number of students this feedback will be intermittent. If you make a personal request for feedback you can send a note to my mailbox & I'll respond as soon as possible. If you feel the need to receive more immediate feedback you can write to my mailbox at any time and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible. You can also e-mail me and arrange a meeting to discuss any matters relating to the course on any Monday afternoon (if you are within driving distance of Orono). You can also arrange to speak on the phone to me. I can be reached at 207-581-2636 on Mondays & Tuesdays. If I am not there please leave a message with your name & phone number & I will return your call ASAP.

2] Some of the readings and the questions may seem repetitive but they are meant to reinforce the underlying principles of spirituality in ecology. When you send the journals please send them to the respective folders. For example, to send your bio and journal to lesson 1, click on the Lesson 1 folder, then click “message” and then “new message”. Type in your responses or “paste” them into your journal and then click “send”. Do not send e-mail ATTACHMENTS! Sometimes they are unopenable by my computer.

3]Although this course is not a "classroom" course we will be making a hybrid course in which two classes will be held in classrooms for those who live within commuting distance. Dates & times will be forthcoming. In general they will be held near the beginning & near the end of the course. Extra credit will be given for those who will be participating in these classes. Please keep in mind that you are expected to give the equivalent amount of time as you would in attending a class plus & the usual study time. Including video lectures, readings, journal entries & responses to other students you should expect to devote about six to seven hours per lesson per week to the course.

Besides the journals you are expected to submit one research (critical) paper (3000-4000 words minimum). It is due by the end of the last lesson of the semester. The paper should deal with a topic related to the course. You are asked to confer with me by the end of the Spring Break on a topic you would like to examine and submit an outline or paragraph description of the topic idea. I can help with suggestions. Please note that a critical and objective paper means that the material for the paper is well researched and depends on authoritative sources rather than on personal opinion. Be sure to use spell check and to edit carefully, Your thesis statement should be clear and articulately argued. Please cite at least TEN SOURCES for the paper to include a minimum of five source books on your topic (each text in the course can count as one) while five or more can be from the Internet or from the posted "Sacred Earth Readings". Cite all paraphrases and quotations and be sure to include a bibliography. Examples of former student papers are in a folder named “Sample Papers” and these are not only informative but can give you a clearer idea as to what is expected in a paper. At least fifty per cent of the paper should deal with the ethical/spiritual/moral questions being addressed in this course.

PODCASTS & AUDIO CHAT: These new features are meant to enhance communication. If you have Skype or AOL that permits audio chat then an appropriate date can be set up to discuss issues or problems relating to the course. Podcasts will also be made available periodically to help clarify problems that some students may be having in common.

VIDEO LECTURES: If you have downloaded video capability you can watch five video lectures that are available when you open your PAX 351 icon. More lectures will be added during the semester. Check with one of the HELP staff at 1-877-947-4357 if you are having difficulty seeing or hearing the video. Although it is recommended that you view the video lectures it is not required. The talks are general and do not necessarily reflect the questions in the syllabus.

TEXTS: Although most of the lessons will be concerned with “The Sacred Earth” there are four lessons relating to “The Way of the Earth”. This book has reading requirements that are more extensive than earlier assignments, but they are easier reading since they are presented in a narrative form. In “The Sacred Earth” pages 572-653 do not have syllabus questions so they could be considered supplementary to the required reading or included as research paper sources.

GRADING POLICY Journals (1st set)----------20% Reactions to students-------10% Journals (2nd Set)----------20% Reactions to students—------10% Mid-Term Exam---------------20% Critical Paper--------------20%

Lesson 1, August 31: Assignment: Brief Biography: (You can post the following in the "Bio" folder). Please post a photo of yourself. This helps all of us “to put a face to the name” on the journals. Then tell us about yourself. Feel free to expand on the following questions & to give as much background as seems relevant. Are you a traditional or non-traditional student? What year are you in and what is your major? What kind of life experiences and interests have you had that made you interested in taking this course? Are you working part-time or full-time? If you are employed will your work impact on this course? What courses have you taken that are similar to this one? Are there any other issues you are facing, such as family responsibilities, chronic illnesses, disabilities, etc, that might influence your responses to assignments. Any other information about your background that is relevant could be added. If you feel any of your responses are too personal for other students to read you are welcome to send such information to my mailbox. Reading Assignment: Read over Part One in THIS SACRED EARTH (2nd Edition-p. 2-62) & watch the 2nd video lecture. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the concluding question: A] The author gives various definitions of "religion" in the introduction. Summarize his definitions of "religions" and what he means by "paradigm religions". B] Give an overview (based on the eight areas discussed) of the environmental crises we are facing & explain what is meant by "the frightening dimension of globalization" and the "new global institutions"? Are there signs that could be considered "good news"? C] Discuss some of the views held in common by the following writers: Thoreau says "In Wildness is the preservation of the World" while Emerson states that "most persons do not see the sun" & John Muir observes that "Nature's object…might possibly be first of all the happiness of

each one of them [animals and plants]…". D] What does Luther Standing Bear mean by "the Old Indian still sits upon the earth [and]...can see more clearly into the mysteries of life..." & what is meant by the "Indian point of view"1? E] What is meant by Linda Hogan's "the kill hole" & how can we understand the significance of what happened to Isihi, the last Yana man? What does Hogan mean by “caretaking” and “stewardship”? F] In “Fanetorens”, a Native American myth is told & illustrated concerning how the world is created? How did North America get formed & how is it that good & evil are explained. G] What was most helpful in this week's reading? Relate this to Video Lecture 1 where Muir, Hazlett, Emerson & Thoreau are discussed. Were there any insights offered concerning these writers that were not evident in the readings? H] Review one other student's journal & comment or expand ( in one paragraph) on any idea that appeals to you in the journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes or use relevant material from the internet, etc.

Lesson 2, September 7: Reading Assignment: P. 63-123 in THIS SACRED EARTH (2nd Edition). Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (I & J) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding.A] Who was Gilgamesh and Enkidu and how did they, at the dawn of civilization in Sumeria (present day Iraq), begin a process that humans "have never ceased re-enacting". [see 2nd video lecture for further discussion on this subject] Who was Huwawa and what was the significance of "cutting off the demon's

head"? B] What is meant in the Tao Te Ching that you should "give yourself without expecting anything in return" & "respect where you dwell". Relate that to “the empty space in the center of the wheel...enables it to be used”. C] Explain the two attitudes being expressed in the Bible concerning Nature? Is there a consistent view in Job when it is said that we should "ask the beasts, and they will teach you or speak to the earth, it will teach you". D] In terms of ecology can you see any significance in Genesis when Adam & Eve exhibit fear of the Lord God by hiding? E] In Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah & Psalms indicate some of the admonitions for protection of the environment and how effective or ineffective they have been? F] Was there ever a time that the earth observed “shlemut, wholeness & peace”? How was “peace” expressed by Maimonides & Moses Cordovero who wanted to “extend acts of love toward everything”? G] What did the Bal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidim, say about the environment & was the “Musar” movement & the “Haskalah” consistent with Hasidim? H] How is the “pursuit of seamless justice “tzedek” achieved & how does that interact with “a covenantal trust” & “good shomrin”? (p 105-107) I] Do you see a continuity or discontinuity between the Sumerian & Biblical views towards nature? J] Review two or more student's journal & comment or expand (in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds) on any idea that appeals to you in other students journals. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes or use relevant material from the internet, etc.

Lesson 3, September 14: Reading Assignment: Read pages 124-174 in This Sacred Earth (2nd Edition) & the Jataka Tales posted in "Sacred Earth Readings". Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (I & J) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences

where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding.A] What are the qualities of caves that make them attractive to Buddhists & why are bats a keystone species? What is their role in ecology & in the monk-bat-cave ecosystem. B] Explain the life force and the breath of life which is known as “ea" & how Hawaiians "perceive the seen" differently than Westerners. C] In the Buddhist tradition what are the Jataka tales, the precepts (Vinaya), the Metta Sutta, Satyahraha & Ahimsa? D] What is the traditional Hindu view concerning water, air, killing, polluting & relate that to: Dharma, Bishnois & the Chipko movement? E] What are Islam's ethical values based upon & how do they perceive humans in relation to ownership of the earth? F] Discuss African views of the universe in terms of the three tier creation & the use of circles as symbols of continuity. G] In the article, “Central African Voices…” what does Richard Peterson mean by “both/and relations between humans and the environment” & how does “social ecologist Murray Bookchin” explain Western tendencies? H] Discuss the meaning of “African life-centeredness” compared to “biocentered” & how “African ecology” contributes a corrective to our Western dualism? I] Discuss what was most relevant to you in this week's lesson. In Video Lecture 3 what aspects relates to the readings in this lesson. J] Review one other student's journal & comment or expand (in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds) on any idea that appeals to you in the journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes in addition to relevant material from the internet, etc.

Lesson 4, September 21 : Reading Assignment: Read pages 175-209 in This Sacred Earth (2nd Edition). Writing Assignment:You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (I &

J) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding. A] In the article: "An Aboriginal Perspective..." what is the importance attached to the oral tradition & "if creation and creature are interdependent it follows that it is not faithful to speak of ownership". Relate this to the "circle of life" & "the sacred hoop". B] In the article Biodiversity and Tradition in Malaysia explain the role of women and their function as “Priestess” & the “swidden agricultural system”? What is meant by “there is no compromise with adat? C] How does Lea Bill-Rippling Water… explain the principles & phases in healing from Cree tradition. D] How would you explain the implications of Lynn White’s assertion that "scientific knowledge means technological power over nature [which] can scarcely be dated before about 1850". Yet the Western tradition of science began much earlier. What were its implications? E] Nash, quoting Leopold, says that "philosophy and religion have not yet heard" of including nature in an expanded morality.' Explain this. Why and how did Western society "find a dualistic ethical system that discriminated so sharply between people and the environment." F] Explain the meaning of "animism" and "metempsychosis" and the ethical view of nature that is implied in their meaning. How similar were St. Francis’ views on "spiritual democracy" & how did that reflect a spiritual egalitarianism that was akin to “animism”? G] Discuss how public "ownership” is exemplified in our national parks, nature preserves & co-operative movements. Relate this to the new "commons" and to “spiritual egalitarianism”. H] In Video Lecture 3 indigenous cultures, archaeology & human migrations, etc were discussed. In what way did this talk interact with the readings. I] Review two or more students journal & comment or expand in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds)) on any topic that you have not

already responded to in your journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes.

Lesson 5, September 28, Reading Assignment: Read pages 210-271 in THIS SACRED EARTH (2nd Edition). Writing Assignment:You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (H & I) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding. A] Explain the meaning of stewardship, responsibility, & Jesus as a model, from the Baptist point of view & relate that to their policy on ecology? B] According to the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC)"god blesses the world and calls it good", yet the Church also says, the "world is good [but] it is not God". What is meant by this? C] On p. 211 explain what is meant by “Churches have often mistaken domination for dominion and acquiesced to…exploitation” & how that relates to the “Evangelical Declaration on the Environment”. D] What does Patriarch Bartholomew of the Greek Orthodox Church mean by a “more satisfactory ecological ethic”? E] Discuss the apologetic, the sacramental and the eschatological approaches & relate that to “Protestant Theology” & “deep ecology”. F] Does Cobb believe that all Christianity, or just Protestant Christianity, has been anthropocentric. What is a "theology for the liberation of life"? How does Cobb (p 259) distinguish between a “deep ecology” view and his own views as a Protestant process theologian”? G] Sallie McFague discusses “the suffering of creation” in the “Body of Cosmic Christ"? What does she mean by this and what does she mean by “salvation is the direction of creation and creation is the place of salvation" & “the entire cosmos is the habitat of God”? H] Explain, in your view, how we

can develop respect for animals when we are, to some extent, complicit in their suffering? I] Review two or more students journals & comment or expand in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds)) on a topic that interests you but has not been covered in your own answers. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes or other relevant material.

Please note that the next four lessons will deal with T.C. McLuhan’s THE WAY OF THE EARTH

Lesson 6, October 5, Reading Assignment: Read Page 18-113 in The Way of the Earth. Writing Assignment::You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer FIVE TOTAL including the TWO concluding questions (J & K). A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding A] What is meant by the “primacy of the earth & give some examples from Alchemy, Zen Buddhism & the Vedas. B]In the “Li Chi” how is a human defined & how is it that “Indigenous peoples live in a “landscape that inhabits them” ?(p 25). C] What is meant by the “umbilical connection” & “the way of the labyrinth…the spiral…double spiral” & “land is life”? (p 42) D] Connect the meaning of “the dreaming”,“dreaming track” & “the Butheram” & “aboriginal reciprocal thinking” (p 55) & relate them to corroborees, Uluru & “sacred sites”. E] What is the “umbilical cord of the soul”, the “chain of the Law”, “Aboriginal Law”? G] How do "mountains & human spirit" connect in the "dream time” relate them to the Walpiri people and their “dream time paintings” H] What is the “spiritual flow” & how is Aboriginal life “akin to the Eastern religions”? How can the “thief act as judge”? (p 103-105) How do “the whites” policy-makers continue to misunderstand Aboriginals? [NOTE: In the 2nd

half of Video Lecture 3 there is a brief discussion on Aborigines.] I] What is the influence of diseases on indigenous peoples in America & Australia? J]In Video Lecture 4 discuss Joanna Macy & the ecological "self" & "harmony with nature" vs the historical separation from nature & explain how you agree or disagree with the philosophical view of nature being expressed. K] Review one or more student's journal(s) & comment or expand (in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds) on any idea that appeals to you in the journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes in addition to relevant material from the internet, etc.

RESEARCH PAPER TOPIC: You are asked to e-mail me a paragraph description of a topic idea. A list of suggested topics will be posted to give you some choices or you can propose your own. I would like to arrange to see each student or to speak with them by phone or by I Chat or Skype.

October 13-Mid-Term Exam: THIS IS A REVIEW EXAM WHICH GENERALLY TAKES ABOUT 7 HOURS TO COMPLETE AND WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF ONE JOURNAL LESSON ASSIGNMENT. YOU WILL HAVE 72 HOURS TO RETURN IT. BUT IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU NEED MORE TIME YOU CAN CONFER WITH ME AND AN EXTENSION OF 24 HOURS WILL BE GRANTED.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17: HYBRID CLASS, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm : to take place in the classroom of DPC 113 (Donald Corbett Hall) We will meet for discussion of issues relating to PAX 350. Questions concerning "research paper" topics will be included. Attendance is not required although extra credit is given for

attendance so all students who are within commuting distance are encouraged to come.

Lesson 7, October 19: Reading Assignment: Read page 113-274 in THE WAY OF THE EARTH. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned & to answer FIVE questions in total including the TWO concluding questions (I & J). A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding A] Discuss Japanese philosophy's relations to ecological awareness & how that in turn relates to Ainu life. Who are the Kamui & where do they reside? [view video lecture 3 for further information] B] Discuss some of the poetry and literature of nature in Japanese life, in such figures as Basho, Ekken, Ryokan, Yanagi, Soseki and Fukuoka. C] Explain the significance of mountains such as Mt. Fuji & how Dogen's Zen philosophy reflects the Japanese relationship to nature? D] Briefly discuss the ecological significance of Gaia, Delphi, Zeus, Pan, the Muses, Apollo & Sappho? E] What is the meaning of mountains among the Greeks & explain how “the whole world is a woof of ‘organic umbilical cords’ ”. F] Who was Kazantzakis and why was Crete so important to him. Relate that to the Greeks their homeland is not considered separate from the self. G] Who was Heraclitus (500 BC) and why is his "impermanent" philosophy so relevant to the 21st century. What is the meaning of his oft-quoted phrase "you cannot step into the same river twice". H]Briefly discuss the sacred aspects of mountains & the need to relate to them in terms of Oneness (ie empathy & feeling of identity with). I]Sum up your views re: "we ought to live sacrificing, singing and dancing" as stated by the Athenian & "nature is sufficient in all for all" by Hippocrates (p 272-274). J] Review one other student's journal & comment or expand (in one or more

paragraphs (100-150 wds) on any idea that appeals to you in the journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes in addition to relevant material from the internet, etc.

Lesson 8, October 26: Reading Assignment: page 278-403 in THE WAY OF THE EARTH. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned & to answer FIVE questions in total including the TWO concluding questions (I & J). A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding A] What is the meaning of "Asase Yaa among the Ashanti? Give some other names for the "all powerful one". how is the earth spirit in relation to the spirit of the burying of the placenta B] Among the Igbo the "Earth is thought of as a living being…[and is called] Ana, the earth spirit.". Describe some of her traits & the implications of "When Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe.C] How was the earth sanctified& what was implied in the hand-washing ceremony among the Sudanese? (p 286) D] What is the meaning of the name Gikuyu (Kikuyu) & how is reverence shown for the land & for the silences "so as to become attuned" (p 296). Relate this to the significance of the Myrrh, the Baobab & the Bo-tree (p 299) . E] Contrast the question addressed by Kenneth Kaunda (p 309) with Dirago Diop's poem "Breath" (The Dead are not Dead) & compare that to how Kofi Awoonor or Ngotha & Howland's viewed the land. (p 318-322) F] What kind of "miracles took place before our eyes" in Camara Laye's book: "The Dark Child" & what is the significance of "the fine careless rapture" (p 343-345) & the words that there is Kamata, "there is one God".G] In South America who are the Kogi. and what do they believe & what is their "cosmic perspective"? Relate that to the “mamas” who are the “younger brothers” & “only one single word reaches upward”? H] Briefly discuss & give examples of

Audrey Shenandoah's contention that among the "English...Nature seems [to be] that which is separate from human beings" & relate that to Cree & Inuit experience with the James Bay project in Quebec. (p 394-396) I] What did Black Hawk mean by “land cannot be sold” & N. Scott Momaday's use of the term "reciprocal appropriation". Relate this to George Tinker's phrase: "Indian people look at the land as generative" & the "great law of peace" (p.400) J] Review one or more student's journal(s) & comment or expand (in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds) on any idea that appeals to you in the journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes in addition to relevant material from the internet, etc.

Lesson 9, November 2: Reading Assignment: page 406-480 in The Way of the Earth. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned & to answer FIVE questions in total including the TWO concluding questions (I & J). A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your understanding A] What is the meaning of the "sacred stones" & Wakan Tanka & how this relates to "Mythic Beginning" in Arthur Amiotte's phrase "microcosmic reflection of the macrocosm"; the "Center of the World" & sacred "templum". B] What does Black Elk mean by seeing with the "eye of the heart" and the "center of the heart" & could this "eye" be found in the "night chant of the Navajo" & "the Navajo Way" (410-412)? C] What were Sweet Medicine's warnings & prophecies & how is this related to the phrase "you ask me to plow the earth" & how did the dreamer prophet Smoholla express this? D] Explain the Northern Cheyenne spiritual leader, Bill Tallbull’s views concerning "sacred places" & relate that to John Trudell's talk, "Survival Gathering" (p 423) & doing only "for the love of our people". E] Why was the

cedar tree considered such a perfect tree by the Haida people of British Columbia & explain what is meant by "out of the silences of meditation come purity...". Compare this to the meaning of the Kachina among the Hopi? (p 427-429). F] Give a brief overview of a Cheyenne creation myth & compare this to "Mitakuyu Oyasin" & who do these relatives include? G] Why is the mountain top especially sacred to Pueblo Indians & how do the Stoney Indians' views differ or share similarity to the mountains they live near in Alberta. H] Discuss what was most relevant in this reading assignment & how did the themes discussed help to develop your own views on these topics.J] Review one or more student's journal(s) & comment or expand (in one or more paragraphs (100-150 wds) on any idea that appeals to you in the journal. You can use personal experiences & anecdotes in addition to relevant material from the internet, etc.

The next three readings involve supplemental readings found in folders called "Sacred Earth Readings". You may wish to print out the pages that are particularly relevant to the questions.

Lesson 10, November 9: Reading Assignment: The following questions are drawn from “Wicca”: Chapters 2, 7 & 9 in “Wicca Craft”. Writing Assignment:You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well as the concluding question: A] Explain and compare “Sabbats”, the “four major Sabbats”, the "four lesser Sabbats" & what Christianized symbols & foods were retained? B] How was Beltane (Beltaine) & Lammas (ie Lughnasadh) celebrated & how does Lugh & Samhain (Oct 31-Haloween) relate to the New Year in Celtic tradition (ie celebration of the dead) C] Discuss the “winter solstice sabbat (Yule)”,the use of mistletoe, “wassailing [of] the apple tree” & relate these to "the history of herbs” & the earliest printed books on this subject? D] Discuss the lunar cycle & why is it associated with planting herbs

& explain the herbs which are of particular interest to you. E] What plants and herbs are associated with “fairy folk”? In the folder: chapter 9, “The Magick of Trees” explain & give examples of ancient heroes & deities that were associated with trees? F] What is “Yggdrasil” and how is it associated with the gods & compare this to qualities that made the apple tree the “tree of immortality”? G] Discuss some sacred trees and groves and their characteristics & the tree known as the “oracle tree”, the symbol of peace & the "witch” derived tree? H] What was new or different in the Wicca material compared to other readings so far?

Lesson 11, November 16: Reading Assignment: Click on the icon and then click on “Spirit & Nature-Democracy”. Writing Assignment You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well as the final question: A] Explain what Ronald Engel means by "liberal democracy is an expression of the worldview of modernity, and the modern worlview is the root of the ecological crisis"? (p 69) B] What does Engel mean that "liberal democracy is a philosophy for the pursuit of private happiness, not for public citizenship" & explain the meaning of his quote of Vaclav Havel that "the only possible place to begin is with myself (p 70-71) C] Havel concludes that "our hope lies with those "who dare 'to cry out the word of truth and to stand behind it." (p 79) Explain the implications of this sentence. In “Intelligence in Nature”, Jeremy Narby asks an Estonian healer “about nature’s intelligence” how did she respond? (p 3-4) D] In the chapter on “Brainy Birds” what questions does he address concerning Macaws and their diets & what observations does he make about the “clay lick”? E] What examples are used to show that pigeons can discriminate as well as university students (p15) and what lessons does he draw regarding the growth of “new neurons” in the nine thousand species of song birds? F] What are “icaros” or “shaman songs” (p 22) & what is meant by “agnostic

visions”? G] Explain the following phrases: the Shawi consider that “a stone has its own soul”; that “plants and animals are related to humans”; that “they [plants & animals] are humans in their own world” & that “we are all hybrid beings”. (p 32-39)] In what way do the two readings in this lesson complement each other and/or in what way do both articles critique modern attitudes toward the environment?

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21: HYBRID CLASS, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm to take place in the classroom of Neville Hall 327. We will meet for discussion of issues relating to PAX 351. Attendance is not required although extra credit is given for attendance so all students who are within commuting distance are encouraged to come.

• THANKSGIVING BREAK, NOVEMBER 23-29

Lesson 12, November 30: From “Sacred Earth Readings”. Reading Assignment: Click on the icon and then click on “Seeing God Everywhere”. Writing Assignment ”You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well as the last one: A] In “Seeing God Everywhere explain how Seyyed Nasr regards religion and spirituality & distinguish these terms from “scientism…[and]…secular ethics”. B] Explain what Nasr means by "the only actions in which nearly everybody participates at the present moment...causes the destruction of the natural environment (p75). Do you agree or disagree. Explain. (p 75) C] Explain Nasr’s views that "from a metaphysical point of view a ritual always re-establishes balance with the cosmic order" (p 81)What does he mean by “true poetry” (p 83). D] How is “the cat in divinis inseparable from the Divine Reality” how is “everything in the universe [singing] the praise of Him”? What is the “pontifical function” and the “absolutization of the human state”?

(p 85-90) E] Explain Nasr’s use of “dharma” and “rta” and how those terms relate to “mysteries”? Describe the “incredible harmony [that] pervades the jungle…”. E] Nasr says that “modern science is not simply an objective knowledge of nature but is based on a particular philosophy and…domination over nature” & “holding to a world-view, which is false in its very foundations.” He says we must “ask the question and wake up from our trance”. Explain what he means (p 94-98). F] In Seeing God Everywhere (The Underlying Order), Kathleen Raine discusses Maya (illusion) & William Blake’s “Visions” & “sat-chit-ananda”. What does she mean by the following expressions: who is “the true man” & what is “space in mind”; G] What does she mean by: "we each contain the whole”; “the greater can produce the less” & “the human quality of the natural world”(p179-182)? H] Explain what Kathleen Raine means by “the unity of this Being-of Being itself-is not that of a mechanism but of a consciousness.” (p 189-190). Do you see a connection between Raine's views & Nasr's views? Explain.

Lesson 13: December 7: You are also asked in this lesson to answer the following questions: Do you feel there were too many readings and/or lessons/journals and, if so, what would you suggest deleting or adding? Do you feel there was not enough material or too much material to cover? Did you prefer the readings in "The Way of the Earth" or in "This Sacred Earth" or did you see them as complementary? What was your overall impression of the two books? Would you prefer to have or not have the readings that were posted in the Sacred Earth Readings"? Was the mid-term too long or about right or too brief? Were you given enough topic suggestions in the Research paper? Were you given enough time to write the paper? What other recommendations would you suggest in order to improve the course. In what particular way was the course helpful to you personally?

Lesson 14: December 14: The exam week is being given over to completing your research paper which is due by December 20. The research paper can be posted in the folder marked "Research Papers".