Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - HUM 325 B100

The Humanities and the Natural World (4)

Trees, Forests and the Human Imagination

Class Number: 3742

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Study of the humanistic, scientific, political, and ideological discourses deriving from concerns with the natural environment. Uses classic and contemporary sources to examine the interaction of humans with the non-human world, and includes such topics as human communities and nature, the immersion of the individual in nature, animal worlds, nature and the human habitat. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:


HUM 325: Humanities and the Natural World:
Trees, Forests and the Human Imagination (4)


In this course we will embark on an in depth investigation of trees and forests in religious history and tradition. We will study trees and forests in their cultural and historical contexts. We will look especially at the religious meaning and expression which trees and forests embody throughout global history. We will also look at trees through the lens of philosophy, ethics, literature, film and the contemporary sciences of ecology and forest management. The course will emphasize the strong connection between the Humanities and trees and forests from a wide variety of cultural and religious perspectives. The readings will cover a wide swath of interdisciplinary perspectives including: forest ecology, sacred texts, literature, social science and philosophy. We will also explore the importance of trees and forests to the global fight against climate change and a livable future. We will foster an intimate Learning Community which will develop through assigned and optional readings, small group discussion, reflective and analytical writing and a community service project related to trees (If possible).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Define trees and forests in relation to human societies
  • Articulate issues facing forests and trees in urban and global settings
  • Explore the role of trees and forests in the world’s religious and spiritual systems
  • Understand the history of forestry, natural resources and ecological sciences related to trees and forests
  • Improve ecological literacy related to trees and forests
  • Deepen one’s personal relationship to trees and forest spaces
  • Gather resources for engaging with tree and forest conservation

Grading

  • Reflections and Weekly Arboreality Journals 30%
  • Tree Species Profile 10%
  • Class Presentation 20%
  • Arboreality Final Project 30%
  • Learning Community Participation and Enthusiasm 10%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hall, Matthew, Plants as Persons: A Philosophical Botany (2011)
ISBN: 9781438434285

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.