Racism in Ásatrú and Heathenry

Racism has been hardwired into American Ásatrú since the beginnings of the new religious movement in the 1970s. From pseudo-scientific claims about religion and genetics, through fear-mongering about Mexican immigrants, to openly partnering with neo-Nazis, Heathenry’s racist right has a well-documented record across five decades. So why does the self-declared “inclusive” wing of Heathenry have such a problematic history of engagement with its overtly racist counterpart? This intensive course will examine the clear evidence of racist positions forwarded within American Heathenry and examine the long history of universalist Heathens partnering with, covering for, and actively promoting racist individuals and organizations. Readings (provided by instructor) will include work by McNallen, Strmiska, Paxson, and Grundy.

IS Andersen S19

IS - Isley, Cebuhar S19

INS - Plato & Aristotle: Intro to Virtue Ethics S19

Virtue ethics was the dominant source of ethical behavior from antiquity until the Enlightenment. Focusing on Plato and Aristotle, we will explore ethics not as specific ways to act but as ways to be fully oneself and, in doing so, achieve eudaimonia (happiness).

P5102 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling S19

Pastoral counseling is a unique form of counseling which uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. It is provided by certified pastoral counselors, who are not only mental health professionals but who have also had in-depth religious and/or theological training. Students explore the opportunities and limits of Pagan pastoral counseling, what it is and what it is not, and trace the history of pastoral counseling as distinguished from psychotherapy, pastoral care, chaplaincy and spiritual guidance. Addresses professional issues and develops a Pagan perspective to pastoral counseling.

Ins-Pagan Consent Culture Spr19

How do Druids, Wiccans, Heathens, Polytheists, and others understand consent in the context of Pagan traditions? Although many Pagans see the body and sexuality as sacred, Pagan communities still struggle with the reality of assault and abuse. To build consent culture, good consent practices must be embraced by communities, not just by individuals--and consent is about much more than sexuality. Consent culture begins with the idea of autonomy, with recognizing our right to control our bodies in all areas of life; and it is sustained by empathy, the ability to understand and share the emotional states of others. In this class, students will learn how to ground good consent practices in Pagan stories, liturgies, and values.

M6350 Paganism and the Law S19

The American legal tradition was formed and continues to be shaped by a Judeo-Christian heritage. As a result, the law makes certain assumptions about the relationship between individuals, society and the earth. We will examine both historical and contemporary legal cases through a pagan lens with the goal of challenging some of those assumptions. We will cover the law of personal injury, property, contracts, criminal law, and constitutional law, including how the law impacts Pagan parents, employees, and prisoners. Finally, we will look at recent developments in the law relating to climate change and climate activism.