Laudato si': On Care for Our Common Home from edX

What is “ Laudato si' ”? First presented by Pope Francis – spiritual leader to the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics – to his faith-based cohort, it is a call to action addressed not only to Catholics, but to all people of the world. Laudato si': On Care for Our Common Home raises the profile of the grave ecological crisis that humanity has created and issues a moral clarion call for urgent action to protect the earth and its inhabitants from ruin.

This short course provides an overview of the main themes and messages of Laudato si'. No affiliation or prior familiarity with Catholic teaching is required, nor any prior knowledge of the sustainable development agenda. Students are guided through the basic structure of the Laudato si' message – diagnosis of the ecological crisis, an overview of its theological and philosophical underpinnings, evaluation of the human behavior at its root, the need for institutional solutions, and the call for personal action. Issued in the months leading up to adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, Laudato si' can be read as a moral charter for sustainable development. It provides a firm ethical foundation for actions that need to be taken urgently at all levels – global, national, local and personal, too. This is what makes it so important.

This course is for:

Anyone new to the concept of sustainable development who wants to understand its importance and the rationale for their own personal commitment to its principles
Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students interested in a core principle in their study of sustainable development – the interplay of various stakeholders in achieving the agenda
Those in faith-based communities interested in the relationship between faith and action to protect the planet

What's inside

Learning objectives

An overview of the human roots of the ecological crisis
Global, national, and local solutions to the ecological crisis

Grassroots to policy-level solutions
What is laudato si'? the origins of pope francis’ call to action

An overview of the human roots of the ecological crisis
Global, national, and local solutions to the ecological crisis
Grassroots to policy-level solutions
What is laudato si'? the origins of pope francis’ call to action

Syllabus

Module 1: Pope Francis & the Encyclical

Cardinal Turkson, one of the chief architects of the encyclical, discusses the context in which Laudato si' was conceived and released. Importantly, Laudato si' was designed to address a broader audience - beyond the Catholic faithful – in all parts of the world and representing all belief structures.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a starting point for understanding the importance of sustainable development

Explores the links between faith-based communities and action for planet protection

Helps learners understand how the crisis has a global, national, local, and personal dimension

Examines the roots of the ecological crisis and its human causes

Taught by instructors with experience in various fields, such as religion, science, and development

Covers topics relevant to a range of learners, including graduate and undergraduate students, faith-based communities, and laypeople

Reviews summary

Understanding laudato si' for global action

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of Pope Francis's pivotal encyclical, Laudato si'. Learners particularly appreciate the diverse expert instructors, including Cardinal Turkson and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, who offer deep insights into the ecological crisis and its human roots. The course is praised for making complex theological and philosophical underpinnings understandable to a broad audience, including those new to faith-based perspectives or sustainable development. Many found it highly relevant and inspiring, offering a strong moral framework for urgent action on climate change and social inequality. While it provides a solid foundation, some advanced learners might seek more detailed academic exploration, but overall, it's considered an essential primer for anyone interested in global ecological responsibility.

Provides a strong overview, but advanced learners might seek deeper academic analysis.

"As a graduate student, I found it a great introduction, but hope for a follow-up course with more academic depth."

"The short course format is excellent for busy schedules, but some topics felt briefly touched upon."

"It's perfect for gaining an understanding of the encyclical, rather than detailed policy analysis."

Successfully blends theological foundations with scientific and policy aspects.

"I was initially hesitant due to the faith basis, but the course integrated it beautifully with practical solutions."

"It shows how faith can provide a strong ethical foundation for environmental stewardship, without being preachy."

"While rooted in a spiritual text, its message of integral ecology is universally applicable."

Motivates personal and collective engagement for ecological conversion.

"This course left me feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference in my own community."

"It's more than just theory; it's a profound moral call for urgent action that resonates deeply."

"The concept of 'Ecological Conversion' truly resonated with me, prompting self-reflection and change."

Features discussions from world-renowned leaders and scholars.

"The contributions from Cardinal Turkson and Professor Sachs were invaluable, providing unique perspectives."

"Listening to the architects of the encyclical discuss its context truly enriched my understanding."

"The lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and convey the material with great clarity and passion."

Makes complex themes understandable for diverse learners.

"I found the course incredibly accessible, even without a background in Catholic theology or sustainable development."

"This course brilliantly distills the encyclical's message, making it relevant for everyone, not just those of faith."

"It’s a perfect introduction for anyone wanting to understand Laudato si' and its global significance."

Covers the encyclical's core themes thoroughly and highlights its modern relevance.

"I appreciated how the course connected the ecological crisis to social inequality, providing an integral view."

"The focus on global, national, and local solutions, aligning with SDGs, made the content incredibly timely."

"It provides a clear framework for understanding the human roots of environmental challenges and how to act."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Laudato si': On Care for Our Common Home with these activities:

Review Ecological concepts

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Review basic ecological concepts to prepare for the course.

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Gather resource materials

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Compile articles, videos, and other resources for further exploration of course topics.

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Identify relevant topics
Search for and gather resources
Organize materials into a compilation

Engage in discussion forums

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Participate in online forums to discuss course topics and share insights.

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Join the course discussion forums
Read and respond to posts from other students
Share your own insights and experiences

Five other activities

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Attend a workshop on sustainable practices

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Participate in workshops to learn practical skills for living sustainably.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Monitoring your carbon footprint

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Track your carbon footprint to understand your environmental impact.

Browse courses on Environmental Sustainability

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Calculate your current carbon footprint
Identify areas for reducing your carbon footprint
Implement changes to reduce your carbon footprint

Support environmental organizations

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Volunteer to support local organizations working to protect the environment.

Browse courses on Environmentalism

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Research local environmental organizations
Find volunteer opportunities that align with your interests
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule

Read The Pope's Encyclical on Climate Change

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Read the encyclical to gain a comprehensive understanding of its key themes.

View Laudate Deum on Amazon

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Read the encyclical
Summarize the main arguments
Discuss with others

Review principal arguments of Laudato si'

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Engage in discussions and quizzes on the main arguments of the encyclical.

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Career center

Learners who complete Laudato si': On Care for Our Common Home will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Justice Advocate

Environmental Justice Advocates work to address environmental injustices, such as disproportionate exposure to pollution and lack of access to green spaces. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Justice Advocacy, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in environmental justice, such as environmental racism, climate justice, and just transition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Justice Advocate

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists analyze the costs and benefits of environmental policies. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Economics, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in environmental economics, such as environmental valuation, cost-benefit analysis, and market-based instruments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts analyze environmental issues and develop policies to address them. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Policy Analysis, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will provide an understanding of the complex issues involved in environmental policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Science, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as an overview of the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in environmental science, such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems. This course may be useful to someone in Renewable Energy Engineering, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and biomass.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability plans and programs for organizations. This course may be useful to someone in Sustainability Management, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in sustainability management, such as stakeholder engagement, life cycle assessment, and environmental reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Education, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in environmental education, such as curriculum development, teaching methods, and assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies to address climate change. This course may be useful to someone in Climate Policy Analysis, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in climate policy, such as mitigation, adaptation, and finance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study and protect biodiversity. This course may be useful to someone in Conservation Science, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover methods and tools used in conservation science, such as survey design, data analysis, and project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Planning, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in environmental planning, such as land use planning, environmental impact assessment, and community engagement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful to someone interested in a career in Nonprofit Management, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. This course will help prepare for the role by teaching about the importance of mission-driven work and the unique challenges that nonprofits face.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers help clients comply with environmental laws and regulations, and represent them in environmental litigation. This course may be useful to someone in Environmental Law, as it covers the legal and ethical issues involved in environmental protection. The course will also develop an understanding of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability, which can help Environmental Lawyers better advocate for their clients.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to solve social and environmental problems. This course may be useful to someone in Social Entrepreneurship, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. The course will also cover key concepts in social entrepreneurship, such as social innovation, impact investing, and community development.

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Philanthropy Officer

Philanthropy Officers manage and distribute funds for charitable organizations. This course may be useful to someone interested in a career in Philanthropy, as it provides an overview of the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability as well as the human roots of the ecological crisis. This course will help prepare for the role by teaching about the importance of giving back and the ways that charitable organizations can help address some of the world's most pressing challenges.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations and individuals implement and improve sustainability plans, policies, and initiatives. This course may be useful to someone in Sustainability Consulting by teaching them the theological and philosophical underpinnings of sustainability. The course will also provide an overview of the human roots of the ecological crisis, which can help Sustainability Consultants better understand the challenges facing their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant