We will explore how our sense of justice and appreciation of beauty inform our relationship with nature, and we will create a multimedia documentary of our learning experience.
Have you ever noticed that human beings seem to have some sort of intrinsic draw toward that which they consider beautiful? Whether it is found in nature, architecture, art, music, poetry, or something in between, people seek to create wonders which, though described in many different ways, ultimately are known as beautiful. Surrounded by the chaos of a million opinions telling us all what is right and wrong, what is dirty and clean, what is beautiful and ugly, it becomes increasingly more difficult to remember why we even both pondering into such things in the first place. The Justice, Beauty, and Nature FIG is meant to bring to the surface discussion regarding the why behind the what. It seeks to introduce to you some routes of thinking which might allow you to reorient yourself with your own opinion, instead of remaining the coalition of ideas that don’t always belong to us. Ultimately, however, it is meant to get you thinking about what type of world we currently live in, who we are in the midst of it, where it may be going, and how we feel about its trajectory.
College Connections Faculty: Jason Schreiner
Jason Schreiner received his Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon. He is an adjunct professor for the UO Environmental Studies Program and has previously served as adjunct instructor for the Department of Philosophy at Oregon State University, teaching courses on environmental ethics and 19th-century philosophy. Professor Schreiner also serves as a Faculty Consultant for the UO Teaching Effectiveness Program where he helps professors and graduate students empower themselves to improve or enhance their teaching. In his spare time, Schreiner enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, cooking, reading, yoga, and giving presentations on sustainability in the community.
Please feel free to contact Professor Schreiner with any questions at jschrein@uoregon.edu
FIG Assistant: Kierra Rowan
Kierra Rowan is entering into her third year at the University of Oregon, and is a double major in Economics and Applied mathematics. Despite the rather “analytical” (and debatably dry) nature of her majors, Kierra puts a lot of emphasis on intimate, interpersonal relationships. She has a lot of experience with topics including Psychology, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and various other Social Sciences, and consequently enjoys pulling her sometimes conflicting passions into alignment with the courses she helps instruct. Kierra also loves being active and staying fit, regularly participating in the UO’s various zumba classes offered via the rec center. She also loves going out and exploring the wonders of Eugene; hiking, shopping, catching a local concert, and meeting an extravagant array of people along the way. Additionally, Kierra enjoys her involvement in church, along with movies, yoga, music, and rather eclectic participation in whatever passions her friends find their hearts leaning toward.
Please feel free to contact Kierra with any questions at kierrar@uoregon.edu.
Summer Assignment:
Your summer assignment is coming soon! Please check your email and this page in August to make sure you get the assignment!
Week of Welcome:
Our FIG will meet on Friday, September 23rd at 10 AM in Columbia 150! Please arrive around 10 minutes early, as we will be moving to another location shortly after 10!
