SSCI 320 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY

COURSE NUMBER:

SSCI 320

COURSE TITLE:

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:

Voluntary Simplicity has a long history as a personal and community response to societal concerns 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.

Prerequisites: 3 credits of ENVS200, GEOG 210, 310 or 321, ECON2xx, POLI2xx, SOCI2xx, PSYC2xx, SSCI 210

Same as ENVS 320.

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	15%
Class Project	10%
Take-Home Exam	25%

	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
Religion and Spirituality
Mindfulness - Guest: Chris Peet
Personal Simplicity - Self-Sufficiency "field trip"
Community Guest: Rosalie Gelderman
Work and Livelihood - field trip
Economy and Environment - Guest: Gerda Kits
Technology and Transportation - Guests: Amy Feaver, Rem Kooistra
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.