ENVS 399 Outline 2016/17 Fall Voluntary Simplicity

COURSE NUMBER:

ENVS 399

COURSE TITLE:

Special Topics in Environmental Studies - 2016/17 Fall - The Study of Voluntary Simplicity

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr Joanne Moyer

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A course on a topic of figure of special interest to a member of the environmental studies faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.

Prerequisites: ENVS 300; some topics may have more specific prerequisites

2016/17 Fall

Voluntary Simplicity has a long history as a personal and community response to societal problems ranging from poverty and inequality to problematic cultural influences and environmental degradation. This course examines the concept, theory, and practice of Voluntary Simplicity as an alternative value system and lifeway. The course explores Voluntary Simplicity’s historical roots and contemporary expressions, emphasizing its contribution to environmental sustainability, social justice, community vitality, and personal well-being.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Mark A. Burch. 2000. Stepping Lightly: Simplicity for the People and the Planet. Gabriola Island: New Catalyst Books.
Doris Janzen Longacre, and Valerie Weaver-Zercher (Ed.) 2010. Living More with Less. Scottsdale: Herald Press.
Other Readings as assigned (see page 4), posted on Moodle. See page 8 for bibliography.

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:

Participation	10%
Practice of Simplicity	20%
Historical Profile	20%
Group Project and Presentation	20%
Class Project	10%
Take Home Exam	20%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To enable to students to:

Understand the history, context, and theory of the voluntary simplicity movement.
Engage with and critically reflect on voluntary simplicity practice.
Consider the implications and applications of voluntary simplicity in addressing local and global issues, such as economic equity, environmental sustainability, community building, and quality of life.
Develop and improve their writing and oral presentation skills, and their ability to work in groups.
Apply voluntary simplicity principles in their own lives and communities.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Course Introduction
Voluntary Simplicity: Definitions and Roots
Progress and Consumption
Religion and Spirituality: Christianity
Religion and Spirituality: Eastern Religions
Mindfulness - Guest: Chris Peet
Personal Simplicity
Community
Work and Livelihood
Economy
Environment
Technology and Transportation
Equity and Non-violence
Resisting Consumption: Activism and Social Transformation
Conclusion

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.