May 25 – 29, 2015 9:00 to 15:00
Creation Care in the City (WYT3671HF)
This course examines how religious and spiritual concerns interface with contemporary environmental issues. While introducing students to concerns and debates in environmental ethics and ecological theology, the course pays particular attention to the challenges posed within a Canadian post-industrial context such as Hamilton, Ontario. In recent years, a growing social and ecological awareness has been emerging in Hamilton, with A Rocha recently opening a ministry there, urban agriculture groups (e.g. Victory Gardens) sprouting up, and church involvement in the True City movement. This course proposes to interface with such groups, including guest presentations from these organizations as well as site visits.
Through such interaction, as well as readings, films, class discussions, and course assignments, a variety of Christian responses to our present ecological and social challenges will be probed, including biblical and theological notions of stewardship and creation care. As well Christian approaches to environmental racism, urban and community supported agriculture, and the nexus between the option for the poor and the option for the earth will be addressed. This course will be held at the John Perkins Centre, 1429 Main Street East, Hamilton, ON. Local transportation and billeting available for students beyond the commutable area. For information contact Thomas Power 416-946-3526.