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
- Welcome and Introduction – Course Learning Ressources
- Welcome and Introduction – Introduction
- Welcome and Introduction – What It Means to Live in a Living Universe
- Welcome and Introduction – What Can You Expect in this Course
- Welcome and Introduction – Contrasting a Dead and Living Universe
- Welcome and Introduction – The Living Universe
- Welcome and Introduction – The Universe as a Living System
- Welcome and Introduction – Worldview Literacy
- Welcome and Introduction – Understanding Scientific and Indigenous Paradigms
- Welcome and Introduction – Nature and Humans with Thomas Berry
- Welcome and Introduction – Thomas Berry and the Earth Community
- Welcome and Introduction – Journal Exercice
- Welcome and Introduction – Self-Mastery Task: Benefits of Meditation in Nature
- Welcome and Introduction - Group Discussion 1
Module 2 - Beginning the Journey
- Beginning the Journey – Introduction
- Beginning the Journey – “The First Miracle”-The Living Universe
- Beginning the Journey – The Living Universe – Neil deGrasse Tyson and Terence Mckenna
- Beginning the Journey – Three Years of Sun in Three Minutes
- Beginning the Journey – Brian Swimme – The New Story, Part 1
- Beginning the Journey – The Journey of the Universe
- Beginning the Journey – Journal Exercice
- Beginning the Journey – Self-Mastery Task
- Beginning the Journey - Group Discussion 2
Module 3 - The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Transition from the “long view” to the “now view” (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Hubble Deep Field video
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – We are Giants/Cosmic Ruler (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Dark Matter and Dark Energy (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – The Large and Small Perspective: “Powers of Ten”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – We are Giants: “The Living Universe”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Jean Houston, “Why We Are Here”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – “The Science Delusion”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Thomas Berry interview, “The Mystique of the Earth”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Journal Exercise
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) – Self Mastery
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 1) - Group Discussion 3
Module 4 - The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Introduction to Paradigms (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – The Universe Seen By Science (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Non-locality and Entanglement
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Synchronicity and the Holographic Universe – Thinking Allowed (Part I)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Dark Energy, Dark Matter
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – “Quantum physics, music, & consciousness”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Ervin Laszlo & Deepak Chopra: “Cosmic Consciousness and The Holographic Universe”
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Duane Elgin, “The Science of a Living Universe” in The Living Universe
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – A Multiple-Choice quiz on what we have covered so far
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Journal Exercise
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) – Self-Mastery Task
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 2) - Group Discussion 4
Module 5 - The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – Finding Consciousness in Nature Part 1 (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – Finding Consciousness in Nature Part 2 (Duane Elgin)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – The Mind of the Dolphin (Part I)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – The Mind of the Dolphin (Part 2)
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – Journal Exercise
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – Self-Mastery Task, Part 1
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – Self-Mastery Task, Part 2
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) – Self Mastery Task, Part 3
- The Universe Seen By Science (Part 3) - Group Discussion 5
Module 6 - The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Biblical Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Islamic Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – “Judaism, Christianity, and Islam” in The Living Universe
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Reflections Task: Journaling
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Hindu Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Buddhist Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Hinduism and Buddhism, The Living Universe
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Journal Exercise
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) – Self-Mastery Task
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 1) - Group Discussion 6
Module 7 - The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Taoist, Confucian Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Indigenous Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – “Taoist, Confucian, and Indigenous Views” in The Living Universe
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Reflections Task: Journaling
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Western Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin and Jim Garrison)
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Duane Elgin, “Western philosophical views of the universe” in The Living Universe
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – “Harvesting the Wisdom of Human Experience” in The Living Universe
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – “Being Present – Native Perspectives on Sustainability”
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Bob Randall: “We are the Caretakers”
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Journal Exercise
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) – Self-Mastery Task
- The Universe Described By Wisdom Traditions (Part 2) - Group Discussion 7
Creative Assignment
Module 8 - The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Integration of Science and Wisdom Traditions (Duane Elgin)
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – A Mother Universe (Duane Elgin)
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – “The Mother Universe” – The Living Universe
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Three Areas of Oneness (Duane Elgin)
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Science and Spirituality, Part I (Duane Elgin and Peter Russell)
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Science and Spirituality, Part II (Duane Elgin and Peter Russell)
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Science and Spirit Converge in the Now
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Journal Exercise
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions – Self-Mastery Task
- The Combined Understanding of Science and Wisdom Traditions - Group Discussion 8
Module 9 - Who Are We?
- Who Are We? – Who are we? (Duane Elgin)
- Who Are We? – “The Soul’s Body and Our Cosmic Identity.”-The Living Universe
- Who Are We? – MUSIC: “Body of Music”-The Living Universe
- Who Are We? – MUSIC: Amazing Resonance Experiment!
- Who Are We? – MUSIC: The Universe Is a Symphony of Vibrating Strings
- Who Are We? – LIGHT: “Body of Light.”-The Living Universe
- Who Are We? – LOVE: “Body of Love.”-The Living Universe
- Who Are We? – LOVE: Juan Mann: “Free Hugs Campaign”
- Who Are We? – LOVE: Leo Buscaglia -Speaking of Love pt 1 of 6
- Who Are We? – KNOWING: “Body of Knowing”-The Living Universe
- Who Are We? – KNOWING: “Seeking a Self”
- Who Are We? – Journal Exercise
- Who Are We? – A short quiz to see how much you remember of what we covered so far!
- Who Are We? – Self-Mastery Task, Part 1
- Who Are We? - Self-Mastery Task, Part 2
- Who Are We? – Self-Mastery Task, Part 3
- Who Are We? - Group Discussion 9
Module 10 - Where Is the Universe Going?
- Where Is the Universe Going? – Where is the Universe Going? (Duane Elgin)
- Where Is the Universe Going? – Human Toroidal Connectivity–Center to Center (1 minute) (Duane Elgin)
- Where Is the Universe Going? – “Exploring the architecture of the universe”-The Living Universe
- Where Is the Universe Going? – Journal Exercise
- Where Is the Universe Going? – Self-Mastery Task, Part 1
- Where Is the Universe Going? – Self-Mastery Task, Part 2
- Where Is the Universe Going? – Self-Mastery Task, Part 3
- Where Is the Universe Going? - Group Discussion 10
Module 11 - The World in Great Transition (Part 1)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Where is Humanity going? (Duane Elgin)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Our World in Transition, Part 1 (Duane Elgin and Peter Russell)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Our World in Transition, Part 2 (Duane Elgin and Peter Russell)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – We are in a Time of Great Transition, Part I: The Living Universe
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – We are in a Time of Great Transition, Part II: Promise Ahead
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – David Korten: The Great Turning
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Change the story to change the world
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Joanna Macy: “The Great Turning”
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – The Great Turning Film: Joanna Macy on Uncertainty
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – “Bounce or Crash: Will Humanity Wake up in Time?” (4 minutes) Duane Elgin
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – The Roots of Our Crisis, Part 1 (Duane Elgin and Peter Russell)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – The Roots of Our Crisis, Part 2 (Duane Elgin and Peter Russell)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Journal Exercise
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) – Self-Mastery Task
- The World in Great Transition (Part 1) - Group Dsicussion 11
Module 12 - The World in Great Transition (Part 2)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Humanity in Great Transition—Initiation and Beyond, Part 2, Sec. 1 (Duane Elgin)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Humanity in Great Transition—Initiation and Beyond, Part 2, Sec. 2 (Duane Elgin)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Sobonfu Some: “The Natural Way”-Indigenous Voices
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Paul Hawken: “Blessed Unrest”
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Nipun Mehta: “Designing For Generosity”
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Ubuntu
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – “Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Forgiveness”
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – The Human Journey (Duane Elgin)
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Journal Exercise
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) – Self-Mastery Task
- The World in Great Transition (Part 2) - Group Discussion 12
Module 13 - Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe (Duane Elgin)
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – PURPOSE: Eckhart Tolle: Finding Your Life’s Purpose
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – PURPOSE: How to know your life purpose in 5 minutes with Adam Leipzig
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – SIMPLICITY: “How Does Simplicity Support Engaging Aliveness?”-The Living Universe
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – SIMPLICITY: “Cool Lifestyle for a Hot Planet” -Voluntary Simplicity
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – AWARENESS: Jack Kornfield: Forgiveness Meditation
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – AWARENESS: “Cultivating Reflection and Reconciliation,” -The Living Universe
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – AWARENESS: “Living Voluntarily,” Voluntary Simplicity
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe – Journal Exercise
- Personal Skills for Living in a Living Universe - Group Discussion 13
Module 14 - Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – Social Skills for a Living Universe (Duane Elgin)
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VISION: Stories of Great Transition (Duane Elgin)
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VISION: Is Humanity Growing Up? (Duane Elgin)
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VISION: “Becoming a Global Eco-Civilization”
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VOICE: Can Television Awaken a Healthy World?
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VOICE: A New Superpower: An ‘Earth Voice’ Movement
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VOICE (R): Take Back the Airwaves, Part I (Duane Elgin & Peter Russell)
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – VOICE (R) Take Back the Airwaves, Part II (Duane Elgin & Peter Russell)
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – COMMUNITY: Creating New Kinds of Community”, The Living Universe by Duane Elgin
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – COMMUNITY: “Thriving in a Post-Consumerist Society”
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – COMMUNITY: Drew Dellinger: “Hieroglyphic Stairway”
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – Final Multiple-Choice quiz
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – Self-Mastery Task
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe – Journal Exercise
- Social Skills for Living in a Living Universe - Group Discussion 14
Module 15 - Review and Integration - Bringing Closure and Moving On
- Review and Integration – Bringing Closure and Moving On – Review & Integration (Duane Elgin)
- Review and Integration - Bringing Closure and Moving On - Meditation: Adyashanti: What Is The World Calling You To Do?
- Review and Integration – Bringing Closure and Moving On – Gretchen Lieberum: “Do You Realize?”
- Review and Integration – Bringing Closure and Moving On – Journal Exercise
- Review and Integration – Bringing Closure and Moving On – Self-Mastery Task
- Review and Integration - Bringing Closure and Moving On - Group Discussion 15