Course Description:

For the past three hundred years or so, science has viewed the universe as essentially non-living at its foundations. A non-living view of the universe has led to rampant materialism and global environmental degradation. To transform our planetary crises we need to move past a paradigm of separation and exploitation and learn to live sustainably on the Earth, in harmony with one another, and in communion with the living universe. This course will explore humanity’s journey to look beyond our many differences, and galvanize our efforts in building a promising future. This foundational course explores three, major questions:

• Where are we? Are we living within a living system—or a non-living system?
• Who are we? What is the nature of our identity?
• Where are we going? As we awaken into aliveness and a more spacious view of our identity, how does that inform our evolutionary journey?

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• understand a broad survey across both science and wisdom traditions and their respective views of the universe, bringing critical thinking into this exploration;
• see the shift from a non-living to a living universe represents an integral aspect of the “Great Transition” underway in the world;
• recognize the new skill sets and capacities required for our changing world, and see more clearly the true gifts and great talents that we can each bring to this time of transition;
• explore a topic or theme of your choice with emphasis on the implications of a living or non-living view of the universe; and,
• see the key resources needed to deepen your own inquiry into the universe.

Faculty:

Dr. Duane Elgin specialises in speaking and consulting on: 1) global trends and the dynamics of great transition for the human journey; 2) sustainable ways of living, both personal and collective; 3) social media for social change; and 4) the meeting of science and spirituality. Since 2010, he has been the executive director of the “Great Transition Stories” project that offers new narratives to guide us toward a sustainable and meaningful future. He has written a number of books including “The Living Universe,” and “Voluntary Simplicity.” He has an MBA from Wharton (1968) and an MA in economic history from the University of Pennsylvania (1969).

Course Contact Information:

Course content is delivered by faculty. With the exception of “lite” versions, courses are led by a Course Facilitator (CF) who is available to answer questions, offer additional assistance, and assess the final creative assignments for academic credit. For questions regarding facilitation you may contact our Director of Course Facilitation at facilitator @ ubiquityuniversity.org. (Sorry! Direct email link not provided due to spam bots.)