Module 2: Biological Foundations to Nature & Human Interconnection

DESCRIPTION: Humans’ connection to the natural world is deeply rooted in our biology, as like all life on earth we’re dependent on our environment for survival - and that interdependence has shaped both us and our environment. In this module, you will explore the historical and foundational biological roots to our interconnection by learning about the foundations of human evolutionary biology, environmental psychology, and culture. These frameworks will provide you with a deeper understanding of the biological roots of our interconnection with the natural world. 

This module includes the following sections: 

• Human Evolution Foundations

• Adapting to Changing Environments 

• Cultural Frameworks to Human & Nature Interconnection

OBJECTIVES:

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of human evolution and human adaptations.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the timeline of human experience as it relates to connections to the natural world.

BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT:

•  You will be able to  articulate the connection that humans have with nature that is deeply rooted in thousands of years of adapting to a changing natural world.

MODULE TWO ASSIGNMENTS: The following assignments will be required to complete for each lesson found in this module. In addition to the lessons, you will begin to work on thinking about your final capstone project by completing the Building Your Capstone Module Two Assignment. To complete these assignments, answer the following questions within your copy of your Course Journal. All assignments are also found within the course journal - making it easy to follow along. Before you begin the module, you may find it helpful to see the reflection questions below ahead of time. 

Lesson One

In your course journal, please reflect on the following questions:

• Which Video best described and related to your point of view about evolution? Describe which video segment was especially relevant to your understanding of the evolutionary process.
• List 3-5 questions you have about our species that relate to our own connections with nature. This could include humans in the past, present or future (or all of these).

Lesson Two

In your course journal, please reflect on the following questions:

• Were you aware of the concept of “Evolutionary Mismatch Theory” prior to reading this course information and the article? Write a one paragraph reflection on how you see evolutionary mismatch in your life today and how it impacts your point of view about human evolution and the ability to adapt to a changing world.

LESSON THREE

In your course journal, please reflect on the following questions:

• Use the embedded table found in your course journal to list 3-5 ways your own ideas of your culture relate to your connections to the environment:
• After taking the “Worldview Assessment”, reflect on the following in your course journal: 

o   What did you learn about your own worldview?

o   Has your worldview changed over time?

o   How do you think your worldview influences how you feel about your relationship to the natural world?

BUILDING YOUR CAPSTONE FINAL MODULE 2 ASSIGNMENT

In your course journal, please answer the following prompt which will help to build your final capstone project :

• Thinking back to your original five questions about nature and human wellness you submitted in Module 1: 
  • Describe your intentions or ideas for your capstone project. Include potential topics you want to focus on, and specific templates you might like to use. For a full description of the course capstone project, click here.