https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/G_BATRSPC303After finishing this course, the student:will have knowledge of ethics of the world religions in the field of environmental ethics. will understand and be able to apply their knowledge of general ethics to religious ethics and will also be able to define the limitations of traditional ethics in religious communities (Aim: general ethics). will understand religious ethical approaches to ethical theories of conservation, preservation, guardianship, holism, deep ecology, and justice, as well as the ethical use of nature in ritual performance (Aim: environmental ethics). the student is able to critically evaluate various religious approaches to nature, discovering both evident and hidden issues within the debate. S/he is able to adapt her/his application of religious ethics to ecology (Aim: contextual orientation). the student is able to thoughtfully participate in discussion regarding religious ethics and ecology.This class considers various ethical aspects of humanity’s spiritual and religious interaction with non-human nature as well as the environment’s impact on the human experience of religion and spirituality. It broaches the topic from religious studies perspectives, but enters into dialogue with ethical specialists from other disciplines and practitioners from the field. What, if anything, can religious studies contribute to our understanding of environmental ethics? Thinking outside of the box is encouraged and world religions are investigated.This class is a reading/lecture course. The method consists of lectures, classroom discussion, weekly workgroups, the preparation of an individual project, presentation of individual projects. and video content. A final project will be completed at the end of the course.Project, classroom discussion, and group participation (60%); Papers (40%)Most literature can be downloaded from Canvas. When possible e-books have been used and can be obtained from the VU library using your vu net id and password. Websites of interest can also be found on Canvas. Additional items may be placed on Canvas each week. Please check there for readings before attending class.Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. Engels Paperback 9781571313560 Druk: 1 augustus 2015 408 pagina's. It is absolutely essential to have this book and to bring it with you to class.NATIVE AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY FOR A MODERN WORLD Doug Good Feather and Doug Red Hail Pineda, Think Indigineous, Hay House Inc,.Apr 13, 2021 | 176 Pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 | ISBN 9781401956165Use of AI: Using AI is permitted in this class as an informative first step to gather information and ideas. It is not an academic first source, and therefore students will still need to read their materials, interact with them, and footnote where they are informed in their arguments. Descriptive only papers will not receive a passing grade. Students must include a statement of how they used AI and on what dates. Any use of AI without reference will be considered academic dishonesty, and any suspicion of AI use without adequate referencing will be sent to the examination commission for consideration.