The Courses

Scroll down to find out more about each course, or, if you already know you want to register, these links will take you directly to the individual courses on Coursera.

These courses explore the ecological dimensions of the world’s religions. They draw on a rich variety of lectures, videos, readings, and interviews with scholars, religious leaders, and environmental practitioners from around the world. Highlighted are religious ideas and practices inspiring ecojustice movements in response to the challenges of the climate emergency, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

While Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim have taught these courses at Yale University, they have been adapted for learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

There are 6 courses in the series. You may choose to take just one, and they may be taken in any order, but we do recommend that the introductory course be taken first to provide context for navigating the other courses.

The Courses are FREE to audit

If you wish to receive a completion certificate, Coursera charges a nominal fee.

To receive the courses for free, follow these step by step instructions.

Introduction to Religions and Ecology

At first glance the fields of religion and ecology may seem and unlikely pairing, but a deeper consideration reveals the two have a great deal to contribute to one another and are indeed inextricably linked. Religions recognize the unity and interdependence of humans with nature. Ecological sciences affirm this deep interconnection with the natural world. This partnership can inspire work for the wellbeing of the Earth community . There is a need for broader literacy and deeper knowledge of the world’s religions and their ecological contributions. This series, starting with this course, contributes such a perspective. Each course celebrates the vitality of religiously-informed action for the Earth and recognizes the longstanding contributions of Indigenous peoples in offering visions and practices for ecological flourishing.

This course is part one of the “Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community” series of classes that focuses on the ecological dimensions of religious traditions throughout the world. This course is designed as a gateway to the other classes. It describes the nature of religion as well as the emergence of the field of ecology. In addition, it highlights concerns for forestry issues, the climate emergency, global ethics, and environmental justice. These courses are for lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology, environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation, those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, and religion leaders and laity who wish to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental projects.

This course contains many lectures on a wide variety of topics by Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, and others, and includes an original interview with Thomas Lovejoy.