Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action from Coursera

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Syllabus

Welcome to Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action!

Learn what this course is about, who's teaching it, and other ways you can explore this topic. Meet and greet your peers as well!

Introduction – Journey of the Universe Conversations

The universe’s evolutionary development forces it to leave eras and to start new eras, which is taking place in our own moment in time. We’re in one such moment. We are being pushed out of the industrial era into a new era of Earth’s history”

Beginning of the Universe: Galaxies, Stars, and the Solar System

A star is required for the production of carbon and oxygen and a galaxy is required for the production of stars. So the Milky Way galaxy as a whole is required for our hands. Understanding our cosmological nature is the first step into a new era.

Emergence of Life, Learning, and Humans

We discuss the oxygen crisis two billion years ago and the endosymbiosis that dealt with it creatively. We too will deal with the enveloping crises of our time, first of all by tending to them, by taking responsibility for them.

Becoming a Planetary Presence: Communities, Cities, and Economics

The story of the isolated neutron’s quick decay and the neutron+proton’s long term stability as an illustration of the synergistic effects that will take place in Eco-cities. In ways we can only guess at, these new mutually enhancing relationships will lead to a qualitatively new vitality.

Embodied Knowing: Food, Energy, and Health

Understand the universe as self-organizing. Consider galaxies. It is the spiral structure of a galaxy that enables it to construct stars. Elliptical galaxies have lost this structure and have lost the capacity to construct stars. With planets it’s similar. The water, soil, and air enable it to bring forth life year after year. Soil in particular is a dynamic structure that required three billion years of life to construct. But it’s here now. So long as we maintain its health and integrity, it will bring forth food. But to lose that dynamic structure or to lose the dynamic structure of the oceans is to regress back billions of years.

Emerging Earth Community: Teaching and the Creative Arts

Humans need to live for something greater than themselves if they are ever to achieve happiness and fulfillment. One way to achieve this goal is to teach children the full nature of our universe. Not just our technologies and our sciences and our arts and entertainments, but the story of the universe itself and what is taking place all around and through them.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Draws on the expertise of scientists and environmentalists

Explores the evolution of the universe, Earth, and humans

Examines the connections between the universe story and the practices for a flourishing Earth community

Features interviews with leading scientists, environmentalists, and artists

Taught by renowned professors Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim

Appropriate for students with an interest in science, history, philosophy, art, and religion

Reviews summary

Thought provoking journey

According to students, this course is thought provoking, inspiring, and worthwhile. They say that the course has helped them see the world in a new light and has encouraged them to think about their place in it. Students also say that the course has helped them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their purpose in life.

Students say this course has a positive impact on their lives.

""I loved this course. I see my place in the world in an entirely new way.""

""Each one of us has a "great work" that we can contribute to our ever evolving and expanding universe.""

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 Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action with these activities:

Review key scientific concepts through online quizzes

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Strengthen your grasp of fundamental scientific concepts that underpin the course material.

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Identify relevant online quiz platforms.
Take practice quizzes on topics covered in the course.
Review your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Retake quizzes to reinforce your understanding.

Explore interactive simulations and visualizations of scientific concepts

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Enhance your understanding of complex scientific concepts by engaging with interactive simulations and visualizations that bring the material to life.

Browse courses on Interactive Simulations

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Identify relevant interactive simulations and visualizations online.
Explore the simulations and visualizations, paying attention to the variables and interactions.
Write a brief summary of your observations and insights.

Read The Journey of the Universe by Brian Swimme & Thomas Berry

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Deepen your understanding of the course material by reading a book that provides a comprehensive overview of the universe's evolutionary development.

View Cosmogenesis: An Unveiling of the Expanding... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Set aside dedicated time each day for reading.
Take notes as you read, highlighting key concepts and ideas.
Discuss the book with classmates or a study group.

Five other activities

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Create a comprehensive study guide that integrates course materials and external resources

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Develop a personalized and organized reference tool that consolidates key concepts and expands your understanding of the course material.

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Gather lecture notes, readings, and other course materials.
Identify relevant external resources, such as articles, videos, and simulations.
Organize the materials into a logical structure.
Create summaries and connections between different topics.
Review the study guide regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Write a blog post summarizing a course interview

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Engage with the course material by creating a written piece that synthesizes and communicates your understanding of a specific interview from the Journey of the Universe Conversations.

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Choose an interview to focus on.
Summarize the key points and insights from the interview.
Write a blog post that presents your summary in a clear and engaging way.
Publish your blog post online.

Attend a virtual or in-person conference or seminar on cosmology or environmental science

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Connect with experts in the field, learn about cutting-edge research, and broaden your knowledge beyond the classroom.

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Research upcoming conferences or seminars.
Register for an event that aligns with your interests.
Attend the event and actively engage in discussions and networking opportunities.

Develop a presentation on the connections between the universe story and environmental practices

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Demonstrate your understanding of the interconnections between the scientific knowledge presented in the course and practical actions for a thriving Earth community.

Browse courses on Environmentalism

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Research the topic and gather relevant information.
Create a presentation outline.
Develop visually appealing slides.
Practice your presentation.
Deliver your presentation to an audience.

Participate in a workshop focused on science communication or environmental activism

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Gain practical skills in communicating scientific knowledge and advocating for environmental protection.

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Identify relevant workshops in your area or online.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in hands-on activities and discussions.
Apply the skills and knowledge gained in your own projects or activities.

Career center

Learners who complete Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Earth Scientist

Earth scientists study the Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the Earth's systems, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, Earth scientists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Earth Scientist

Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the universe, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, astrophysicists can better understand the origins and evolution of the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrophysicist

Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe and its contents, including stars, galaxies, and planets. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the universe, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, astronomers can better understand the origins and evolution of the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the environment, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, environmental scientists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on Earth. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the Earth's systems, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, hydrologists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's crust, mantle, and core. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the Earth's systems, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, geologists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Astronaut

Astronauts are responsible for operating, repairing, and maintaining spacecraft and conducting experiments in space. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern space travel, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, astronauts can better understand their role in exploring and preserving our place in the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronaut

Biologist

Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern life on Earth, including the evolution of life, the structure and function of cells, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. By understanding these principles, biologists can better understand the origins and evolution of life on Earth and its place in the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist

Computer Scientist

Computer scientists design and develop computer systems and software. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern computer science, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, computer scientists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems and equipment. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern mechanical engineering, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, mechanical engineers can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists study the properties and behavior of materials. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the universe, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, materials scientists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern the chemical industry, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, chemical engineers can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems and equipment. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern electrical engineering, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, electrical engineers can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and construct infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern civil engineering, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, civil engineers can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Data Scientist

Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems. This course provides a foundation in the scientific principles that govern data science, including the evolution of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the emergence of life on Earth. By understanding these principles, data scientists can better understand the impact of their work on the environment and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist