Winter 2013 - Foundations in Integral Studies

This course is based on the Institute’s mission encompassing an interdisciplinary approach to the student’s choice of academic discipline. Topics include comparative religion and philosophy studies, psychology, biology, and an understanding of Western and Eastern paradigms. From this experience, the student develops a holistic study of human life. This includes mind, body, and spirit. This multidisciplinary emphasis intends to bridge different paradigms of thought advancing consciousness and fostering the pursuit of a global society. The course introduces students to this integral view of life and the interdisciplinary study that is the foundation of CIHS’ curriculum. (4 units)

Winter 2013 - Subtle Energy Studies, Energy Psychology Theory and Application III


Recent advances in the fields of pyschoneuroimmunology, psychology, biology, quantum physics, and quantum mechanics have added veracity to the concept of mind-body-spirit connection. This course explores the concepts of gross, subtle, and causal energies in relation to the human body, the human mind, and the human spirit. This final course in the series focuses on spiritual discovery, development, growth, and healing via a survey of ancient and contemporary energy psychology techniques and philosophical practices. (4 units)

(Second in a series of 3. Students are welcome to take 1 or all 3. Upon successful completion of all 3 modules, a “Certificate of Completion” will be issued, along with academic credit for the student. In the Fall 2012 quarter, Dr. Dexter will teach, Topic of Special Interest: Subtle Energy Studies, Energy Psychology Theory and Application II, and then in the Winter 2013 quarter, Dr. Dexter will culminate the series with, Topic of Special Interest Subtle Energy Studies, the Integration of Energy Medicine and Psychology, Theory and Application for Practice and Research III.

** This course is open to non-student members of the CIHS community, with the Dean’s approval.

Winter 2013 - Integral Perspectives on Health

This course provides the philosophical underpinnings of Eastern holistic perspectives compared to the philosophical basis of Western medicine. (4 units)

Winter 2013 - Intro. to Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The two main methodologies will be reviewed: first, qualitative research, based on phenomenology, explores the nature and meaning of phenomena using interviews,

observation, or records. The approach is inductive and hermeneutic and aims to develop concepts or theories focusing on the subject’s experience. Quantitative research is essentially deductive and confirms hypotheses using statistical analysis. It issued mostly in experimental and correlation designs to establish relationships between variables. It is a traditional model of evaluating studies based on statistics. Steps in the research process for both approaches will be reviewed, focusing on sampling, collection, and analysis of data. (4 units)

Winter 2013 - Chemical Dependency: Understanding Altered States, Substance Abuse and Dependency

This course will provide a comprehensive coverage and the latest information on a full spectrum of substance use disorders and the compounds commonly abused, as well as a thorough review of current research and treatments in the field of substance use and dependency. The course will also examine the history of plant and drug use as well as debates in the area of therapeutic use of hallucinogens. The widespread use and abuse of both licit and illicit drugs, anabolic steroid use, inhalants and their impact on individuals, families and societies on a global level will be addressed. Class topics will include: developments in psychopharmacological, and therapeutic support such as 12-step programs, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness treatments of addictions along with the influence of managed care on treatment as well as related ethics. (4 units)

Winter 2013 - Mysticism

Every religion has both exoteric (structure) and esoteric (sublime) aspects. In religions’ exoteric aspect, churches were built and doctrines were promoted. On the other hand, esoteric practices such as various forms of asceticism and meditation are employed to help people come closer to God or the Absolute. Academic and experiential studies of mysticism have revealed that there are common experiences and ascetic methods in the esoteric aspect of every religion of the world. (4 units)