Course

Living in a Living Universe – for Changemakers

Where are we? Are we living within a living system—or a non-living system? Who are we if we assume we live in a living universe? And where are we going? A non-living view of the universe has led to rampant materialism and global environmental degradation. To transform our planetary crises, we need to learn to live sustainably on the Earth and in communion with the living universe. These are the major questions explored in this course.

0 out of 171 steps completed0%
171 Lessons
Express your interest

Course Description

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 if  we assume we live in a living universe? 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?

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Provide 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.
  • See the key resources needed to deepen your own inquiry into the universe  

Your Instructor – Dr. Duane Elgin

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 offer 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).

Trimester Price List
Registration Type Standard PRICE
LITE $50
Immersive $250
Academic Undergraduate $300
Academic Master $600
Academic Doctoral $900

Module 1 - Welcome and Introduction

Module 2 - Beginning the Journey

Module 3 - The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1)

Module 4 - The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2)

Module 5 - The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3)

Module 6 - The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1)

Module 7 - The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2)

Creative Assignment

Module 8 - The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions

Module 9 - Who Are We?

Module 10 - Where Is the Universe Going?

Module 11 - The World in Great Transition (Part 1)

Module 12 - The World in Great Transition (Part 2)

Module 13 - Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe

Module 14 - Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe

Module 15 - Review and Integration - Bringing Closure and Moving On