PROJECT NATURECONNECT
Institute of Global Education
........ECO 508 : Natural Attractions, Intelligences and Sanity (1 credit)
........Educating and counseling with 53 senses that build thoughtful web of life relationships
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ECO 508 : Natural Attractions, Intelligences and Sanity (1 credit)
Applied Ecopsychology/Integrated Ecology Michael J. Cohen <nature@interisland.net> September 30, 2000
COURSE DESCRIPTION (also see public description ) Discover how to help prevent contemporary society's nature-separated thinking from deteriorating personal growth and responsible relationships. Increase your effectiveness, marketability and global citizenship by learning about the process of educating and counseling with nature. Learn how to introduce a readily available natural systems thinking process into various aspects of society. PREREQUISITES
COURSE TOPICS *Thinking with nature's intelligence *Field observations *Why think like nature works? *People and nature as community *Producing public awarensss *Sensory connections *Subconscious nature *An ecology of spirit * The Web of Life *Seeking permission *Implimenting Natural Systems Thinking
-Optional Topics * Reconnecting with natural senses *The powers of natural senses *Students' projects
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course students will be able to access and teach, via the internet or locally, basic concepts and activities of the Natural Systems Thinking Process as described in the assigned text "Einstein's World" by Michael J. Cohen. ( This book is available by sending $15.00 to the IGE office, PO Box 1605, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. You may start the course anytime after receiving it and may form a study group to do it with if you want.) 1. To introduce the Natural Systems Thinking Process (NSTP) into any facet of society that seeks to build more responsible relationships with people and the environment. 2. To learn communal, interspecies ways of thinking critically that reconnect with and heed natural attractions within ourselves, others and natural areas. 3. To learn how to self-regulate by letting sensory nature connections nurture the balanced spirit, wisdom and unity of nature within and about us. 4. To scientifically learn how to let our natural connectedness regenerate and rejuvenate the hurt and abandoned parts of our inner nature. 5, To identify and follow 53 natural sensory attractions that enable us to thoughtfully let Earth teach. 6. To learn how to speak to Earth and let it teach us, to know nature as nature knows itself. 7. To distinguish the major conflicting characteristics of the old brain and new brain and know how to let tangible contact with nature re-balance them. 8. To network with others who personally or professionally
organize, facilitate and introduce the Natural Systems Thinking
Process (NSTP) to society.
BRIEF NEED STATEMENT We, and all of Nature, basically consist of attraction bonds. In us many register as biophilia, a conscious love of nature that our excessively nature disconnected culture deteriorates. To peacefully preserve species, human dignity and environments we need a readily available process that enables us to restore this love -for we don't fight to save what we don't love. This need is met by the scientific, nature reconnecting, ecopsychology process in "Einstein's World." Instructional programs for mid-career adults are effective, many times, only to the extent that the participants can individualize their studies for immediate application within the professional environment and culture. People are part of nature and vice versa. It is essential that a means be explored to help people see the need, rationale and processes that enables us think with the intelligence by which nature produces its perfection. This helps us relate in ways that connect our cultural roots, work "reality" with the natural senses that have been conquered into subconsciousness by contemporary society's nature disconnected stories.. Students who learn these process are advantaged within the marketplace that seeks people who can make a difference.
COURSE AUDIENCE Open as a core course to all graduate and undergraduate students
FACULTY-STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS
-Telephone Contacts The student will initiate an initial telephone conference with the instructor within one week of enrollment to clarify a plan of action for the course. This initial contact will help familiarize the student and instructor with one another, and permit the transmission of clear expectations for completion of course requirements. Periodic telephone interaction , as required, at student's expense, should be continued for the duration of the course.
-Email Communications Frequent email communications between student and instructor should be initiated and continued for the duration of the course when necessary.
-Alternative Communications Students may send communications and materials via postal service, as appropriate. On line discussion sessions are available via a course email list.
COURSE DELIVERY STYLE Students read the Einstein's World textbook and journal their reactions and experiences to seven or more statements in each chapter that they find attractive. They follow each attractive statement with a paragraph or two that explains its importance or value to them. The student carries out field observations directly related to the special area of study for the purpose of reflecting upon the chapter and its application within "real world" situations. The participant then creates a scholarly paper or papers which identify the findings from his or her reading and integrates and contrasts these findings with the observations from their personal and professional arena.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
-Required Textbook * Einstein's World: Educating and counseling with nature through a scientific integration of Economics, Nature and Psychology; Peace, Wellness and Spirit.
-Recommended Bibliography Students may select from the following general bibliographic materials, and the bibliographies they contain, as appropriate. See www.amazon.com for publication details and availability. * The Battle in Seattle, Janet Thomas, Fulcrum Press *Dancing Wu Li Masters, Gary Zukoff *The Monkey Wrench Gang, Edward Abby *Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions, Richard Erdoes *Voice of the Desert, Joseph Wood Krutch *The Soul Unearthed, Cass Adams, *My Name is Chellis, Chellis Glenndinning, *Ecopsychology, Theodore Roszac *The Web of Life, John Storer *Dream of the Earth, Thomas Berry *Earth in Mind, David Orr *Wilderness and the American Mind, Roderick Nash *The Quiet Crisis, Stewart Udall *Wisdom of the Body, Walter B. Connon *Ishi in Two Worlds, Theodora Kroeber *Education of Little Tree, Forest Carter *Magical Child, Joseph Chilton Pierce *Ishmael, Daniel Quinn *Summerhill, A.S. Neill *The Web of Life, Fritjov Capra *The Spell of the Sensuous, David Abram
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND SEQUENCE
-Assignment #1: Obtain a copy of Einstein's World . Optionally sign up on the Webstring egroup discussion list.
Assignment #2 Engage in the webstring attraction-connection process that the book describes as follows: 1. Read the Introduction for content. 2. Read it a second time and quote seven or more statements or concepts in this section that you find attractive. Follow each attractive statement with a paragraph or two that explains A.Why the statement is attractive to you. B. What natural attraction(s) "webstrings" in you the statement touches and how they relate to your experiences. C. Bypass statements that you do not find attractive (do not like or would contest.) 3. Read the quote by Albert Einstein in the Chapter introduction and explain how you think it relates to the statements you found attractive in this section. 4. Optional: To build and connect with a wider circle of friends, learning and support, sign up and send emails to webstrings@egroups.com. Respond to attractions you find in the emails you receive from other students on this interact list.
Assignment #3- 1. Read Chapter 1 in Einstein's World, for content. 2. Read the Chapter a second time and in a journal that may be requested by the instructor at the end or the course, write down seven or more statements or concepts in this section that you find attractive. Follow each attraction statement with a paragraph or two that explains A.Why the statement is attractive to you; what is its meaning and importance to you? B. What attraction ("sensory webstring") in you the statement touches and how it relates to your experiences. C. Bypass statements that you do not find attractive. 3. Read the opening quote by Albert Einstein in this Chapter and explain how you think it relates to the statements you found attractive in the Chapter. 4. Connect your reading and reaction experiences with those you have had from other books and relationships and see if and where they integrate. Optional: To build and connect with a wider circle of friends learning and support, sign up and send emails to webstrings@egroups.com. Respond to attractions you find in the emails you receive from other students on this interact list. 5. Within the next five days begin the next assignment Assignment # 4- Read Chapter 2 in Einstein's World, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter Assignment # 5- Read Chapter 3 in Einstein's World, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter. Assignment #6- Assignment #7- Read Chapter 5 in Einstein's World, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter. Incorporate evaluation procedures 1-5 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #8- Read Chapter 6 in Einstein's World, for content, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter. Incorporate evaluation procedures 1-5 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #9- Read Chapter 7 in Einstein's World, for content, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter. Incorporate evaluation procedures 1-5 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #10- Read Chapter 8 in Einstein's World, for content, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter. Incorporate evaluation procedures 1-5 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #11- Read Chapter 9 in Einstein's World, for content and apply 2-5 in Assignment #3 to this chapter. Incorporate evaluation procedures 1-5 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #12 - Familiarize yourself with references in the Appendices of Einstein's World. Complete Evaluation procedures 1-5 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #13- Complete Evaluation procedures 1-6 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below. Assignment #14- Complete Evaluation procedures 7-8 in the COURSE EVALUATION SECTION below.
SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING RESOURCES -Internet Resources *Guide to Internet Research http://users.southeast.net/~drgwen/index.html *Gateway to Academic Resources on Internet <http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gw/> *Research Guide on Internet http://www.lib.odu.edu/start/index.html
-Textbooks *Specialty Books 5833 Industrial Drive Athens, OH 45701 (800) 466-1365 (614) 594-2274 Fax (614) 593-3045. Email: order@specialty-books.com http://www.specialty-books.com *Amazon Books 549 South Dawson P.O. Box 81410 Seattle, WA 98108-1310 (800) 201-7575 (206) 694-2992. Fax (206) 694-2950. Email: orders@amazon.com http://www.amazon.com Books can be ordered directly from the Web site.
INDIVIDUALIZATION OF STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS The primary purpose of this course is to provide opportunities for students to carefully inspect the applicability of the theoretical literature within their own professional environment. This course allows the student to select a topic for study, identify the appropriate literature and professional arena within which the exploration will be undertaken.
COURSE EVALUATION For evaluation and in a final paper the student will 1. Consider where NSTP would make a contribution to real life situations locally and globally 2. Observe the effects from the thinking and activity process described in the course text. 3. Seek input from others as to any noticible effects on the student from the coursework. 4. Research the experiences of others who are engaged in NSTP. 5. Report the values of identifying natural senses through contact with natural systems. 6. Write a short paper that identifies the value of the attractions process utilized by the course to increase learning potentials. 7. Within the requirements for a course final paper found at http://www.ecopsych.com/eco500paper.html prepare a 3 page scholarly paper relative to participating in this course that integrates, validates and contributes concepts and ideas from the course. 8. Write a letter to an editor or leader about the value the student finds in NSTP
The instructor will evaluate the completeness and effectiveness
of the The instructor will reflect upon the following expectations
in evaluating *detail of presentations *richness and diversity of the material presented *clarity of references to the scholarly readings *focus and conceptual quality *richness and coherence in translation of academic theories and concepts *appropriateness of applications *quality of writing of the scholarly presentation
COURSE GRADING DETERMINANTS The course grade will be calculated according to the following formula: *annotated bibliography 20% *report on field observations 20% *scholarly paper 60%
COURSE COMPLETION TIMETABLE While the student is expected to carry out and complete all
assignments and
Day 1-5: Make telephone contact with the instructor for the purpose of establishing the plan of action and scheduling the timeline and mode of communications for the duration of the course. Secure a recommended bibliography from the instructor and begin to gather text and journal literature in support of the selected topic.
Day 6: Begin the COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND SEQUENCE described above.
TOPIC OUTLINE: Core Topic: The Natural Systems Thinking Process Part 1. Overview: explore your attractions in the Introduction and Chapter One of Einstein's World How to supportively relate peacefully in Earth's playground. How nature's intelligence is missing from the way we learn to think. Part 2 . The Great Webstring Mystery: explore your attractions in Chapter 2 of Einstein's World. Making the space needed to discover the unknown Part 3. Sensing Hidden Truths: explore your attractions in Chapter 3 of Einstein's World. Visualizing Nature's presence Part 4. The Intelligence of Sensory Fulfillment: explore your attractions in Chapter 4 of Einstein's World. Discovering reality through unadulterated contact with it. Part 5. The Sensory Web: explore your attractions in Chapter 5 of Einstein's World. Bringing webstrings into conscious thought Part 6. The Truth of Experience: explore your attractions in Chapter 6 of Einstein's World. Helping webstrings validate themselves Part 7. The Wisdom of Gaining Consent: explore your attractions in Chapter 7 of Einstein's World. Creating respectful relationships with nature Part 8. Attraction Distraction: explore your attractions in Chapter 8 of Einstein's World. Dealing with disconnection and prejudice Part 9. Sprit of the Strings: explore your attractions in Chapter 9 of Einstein's World. Unifying two mental worlds Part 10. References and Resources: explore your attractions to two references in Einstein's World. Making the space needed to discover the unknown
SPECIAL NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS
-Course Completion The grade of Incomplete may be given ONLY AFTER discussion with the instructor and only if there is an extremely good reason to give such a grade. An Incomplete will NOT be given because a student is "behind" in work, needs extra time, simply because s/he wants to delay the completion of the assignments. It is important that you turn in assignments within the parameters of the agreed timeline. However, there are often unforeseen circumstances will may befall any of us, therefore, I will be patient with you in the event of some personal crisis. Don't surprise me at the last minute, call me, email me, and we will work it out.
-Thoughts about Writing. Purchase a collegiate writing style manual. If you are unclear which is the appropriate manual, please contact me and we can discuss this important issue. All written work should adhere to the writing style and manuscript preparation guidelines described in your style manual. Pay extra special attention to the rules related to referencing and citation of the academic literature. In all circumstances, you will be expected to acknowledge th works of others which have informed the work you wish to submit as your own.
-Academic Integrity Academic dishonest in any of its forms, including cheating, plagiarism, misuse of the University web site, failure to comply with guidelines for the conduct of human or animal research, and all aspects of professional ethics, will not be tolerated. Any form of academic dishonesty is grounds for dismissal from the program.
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
Michael J. Cohen, Ed.D. Director, Project NatureConnect P. O. Box 1605 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA Tel: (360) 378-6313 Email: nature@interisland.net Website: www.ecopsych.com
Communications should take place during daytime working hours
in the western time zone or by appointment.
Project NatureConnect
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