ER05: Ecology and Ethics Short Title: Full Title: Module Code: Valid From: Administrator: Module Coordinator: Description: Ecology and Ethics Ecology and Ethics ER05 NFQ Level: 9 ECTS Credits: 7.5 Dr. Cathriona Russell This Module will introduce students to the key positions (anthropo-centrism, eco-centrism, theo-centrism), concepts (sustainability, stewardship, development, animal ethics) and policy issues (on population, biodiversity, climate change, food biotechnology) in environmental ethics and their theological and ethical evaluation. Students will be expected to develop their research and presentation skills through participation in tutorials, the delivery of a student seminar and one written assignment. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to MO1 characterise and critique contrasting approaches in environmental ethics and theology MO2 employ descriptive and analytical skills in undertaking research in order to identify what is morally relevant to an environmental issue MO3 integrate and evaluate empirical evidence from ethical and theological perspectives MO4 give working definitions of key concepts in environmental theology: sustainability stewardship, anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, theocentrism MO5 outline and evaluate key themes in environmental ethics: population, biodiversity, animal ethics and development. Pre-requisite Learning Module Recommendations This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section None Requirements This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section None Indicative Context Introduction to key positions and starting points in environmental ethics; theological responses to the environmental ‘crisis’; case history: Spotted Owl in the Pacific North West; method and concepts in theological ethics (e.g. the Common Good and Subsidiarity); case study: The Tragedy of the Commons versus Population, Food and Freedom; key themes in environmental ethics (sustainability, stewardship, biodiversity, climate change); key policy issues (autonomy, food ER05: Ecology and Ethics biotechnology, intellectual property rights and animal ethics); and theology as a critical resource in environmental ethics Assessment Breakdown Essay % 60% Linked to Module Outcome: MO1, MO2, MO4 Case Studies / Student Seminar Linked to Module Outcome: MO3, MO5 Coursework Breakdown Type Description Workload Type Lecture Independent Learning Library Assignment 40% Outcome addressed % of Total Assessment Date Full-Time Hours per semester Description Lecturing input Self-directed reading and revision Self and tutor-directed reading of course material Researching, structuring information, writing up Hours Total Workload Resources Essential Book Resources Berry, R.J. Environmental Stewardship, New York: T&T Clark, 2006. Edwards, Denis, Jesus the Wisdom of God: An ecological theology, New York: Orbis, 1995. Hardin G. The tragedy of the commons. Science 1968;162:1243–1248 http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/162/3859/1243.pdf Harrison P. Subduing the Earth: Genesis 1, early modern science, and the exploitation of nature. Journal of Religion 1999; 79:86–109. Keller, David (ed) Environmental Ethics, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. Lund V, Olsson AS. Animal Agriculture: Symbiosis, Culture or Ethical Conflict? Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 2006. 19:47–56. Pannenberg W. Problems between science and theology in the course of their modern history. Zygon 2006. 41(1):105–112. Peterson A. In and of the world? Christian theological anthropology and environmental ethics. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 2000:12:237–261. Rasmussen, Larry L. Earth Community, Earth Ethics, New York: Orbis, 1997. Sen A. Why we should preserve the spotted owl. London Review of Books, 2004. ER05: Ecology and Ethics http://www.lrb.co.uk/v26/n03/sen_01_.html Development as Freedom. Oxford: University Press, 1999. pp 204–226. Warner KD. Are Life Patents Ethical? Conflicts between Catholic Social Teaching and Agricultural Biotechnology's Patent Regime. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 2001; 14:301–319. White L. The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis. In: Gottlieb RS, editor. The Sacred Earth: religion, nature and environment. London: Routledge, 1996:184–193 or Science March 1967 or http://www.zbi.ee/~kalevi/lwhite.htm Essential Article/Paper Resources Other Resources Module Managers & Teachers Module Coordinators Semester Semester One Semester Two Module Teachers Staff Member Staff Member Staff Number Staff Number ER05: Ecology and Ethics