Spirit of the Land – Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta – Camrose, Alberta – Fall 2013
The Spirit of the Land class explores the relationship between land, community and individuals. An orientation toward the integrated nature of existence on our shared planet is essential to address the multiple challenges we are facing globally.
A key aspect of this class is sharing our experiences and our passion for justice. We have archived this course and promote engagement with any aspect of our past, present and future iterations of the course. Click the CLASS ARCHIVE links below for audio and visual files of our guest speakers or visit our participation page to join us as a blog contributer or commenter.
Spirit of the Land, Spirit of the Class (Sept. 5)
Contemplation & Ecological Transformation
Video: “The Magic Canoe“
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Gratitude & Finitude (Sept. 12) ~ w/ visit to Craig Wentland’s garden
(begin @ community BBQ; then @ Craig’s at 6:15 pm)
Humility as a Foundation for a Land Ethic
Readings:
“The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv (p. 1–40)
“Become an Urban Homesteader” by Kelly Coyne & Erik Knutzen (p. 102-105)
Video: “Sacred Economics” by Charles Eisenstein
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Outer & Inner Challenges (Sept. 19) ~ with special Guest Colin Milang
Identifying the Threats Facing Land & Community
Readings:
“Bringing it to the Table” by Wendell Berrry (p. 1-48)
“Thinking like an Island” by Michael Ablemann (p. 115-121, Hope Beneath our Feet)
Video: “Dirt: the Movie” Documentary
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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The Struggle for Transformation (Sept. 26) ~ with special Guest Janice Makokis
Courage: Mapping the Roots of Idle No More
Reading:
“Indigenous Mind” by Kaylynn Sullivan Twotrees (p. 170- 174, Hope Beneath our Feet)
Video: “Gently Whispering the Circle Back” by Beth MacKenzie
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Forest & Permaculture Gardening (Sept. 28) ~ with Takota Coen
At the Coen family farm, Alberta
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The Transformation of Farming (Oct. 3)
Finding Courage to Chart a New Path
~ with special Guest Don Ruzika
Readings:
Bringing it to the Table by Wendell Berrry (p. 67-80; 105-128)
“Eden is a Conversation” by Barry Lopez (p. 209-212, Hope Beneath our Feet)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Ethics, Ethos, Mythos: Merton, Potlatch and Technology (Oct. 10)
Different Ways of Being in the World
~ with special Guest Daniel Bogert-O-Brien
Readings:
“Fostering Light in Dark Times” by Vivienne Simon (p. 213-216, HBoF)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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The Nature Principle (Oct. 17)
Human Restoration in Body, Land and Spirit
Reading:
“The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv (p. 43-88)
“Body as Place” by Nalla Walla (p. 150-157, HBoF)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Oct. 24 – No Class (Reading week)
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A Changing Spirituality (Oct. 31)
Ecological Healing in the Christian Tradition
~ with special Guest Carmelle Mohr
Reading:
“Making Known the Sacred” by Carmelle Mohr
“Earth Rights” by Vandana Shiva (p. 166-169, HBoF)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Spirit of the Land Conference (Nov. 1 – 2)
Building a Community Land Ethic
Click here to reach the CONFERENCE ARCHIVE
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(Nov. 7)
An Elder’s Reflection on Land & Community
with special Guest Roy Louis
Reading:
“The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv (p. 89-119)
“The Grandmothers Speak” by Ann Rosencranz & Jyoti (p. 260-264)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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No Class (Nov. 14)
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How Communities are Transforming (Nov. 21)
Local connections to food & land
with Leah Johnson presenting Permaculture in Cuba
Readings:
“The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv (p. 120-153)
“In the Climate Era the Personal is Political” by Tzeborah Berman (p. 197-200, HBoF)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Spiritual Disciplines (Nov. 28)
Learning to Listen to Land, Self and Others
with Lorne Green presenting on Indian Residential Schools
Readings:
Bringing it to the Table by Wendell Berrry (p. 213-234)
“Coping with Realities” by Linda Buzzell (p. 201-206, HBoF)
Click here to reach the CLASS ARCHIVE
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Last Class (Dec. 5)
Celebration and Final Presentations!
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