A
third course, “The Worldview of Thomas Berry: The Flourishing of the Earth Community,” examines the insights of the late cultural historian
Thomas Berry (1914-2009). Berry, who called for a “new story” that would situate humans in a dynamic evolving universe, provided a basis for a broader appreciation of ecology and a more comprehensive environmental ethics.
For those wishing to complete the specialization for a certificate, the series culminates with
a capstone course that encourages students to integrate their learning in a final project. This project could involve natural and social sciences (ecological problem-solving or policymaking), environmental humanities (arts and literature), or education (curriculum planning).
“As environmental and social issues press upon us, the question is how we can align our ecological work with the dynamic forces of ecosystems arising out of an immense evolutionary process,” Tucker said. “This alignment has the potential for evoking the energy for change in areas such as restoration ecology for example.”