Spring 2014 - Consciousness Studies

This course draws upon scientific, philosophical and experiential investigations and models concerning theorigins, nature, types, and levels of consciousness, drawn from various religious traditions and contemplative approaches;ancient, indigenous, and contemporary spiritual practices and disciplines;and western psychology and parapsychology as well as from theinsights ofquantum approaches, neuroscience and the biological correlates of consciousness. It also explores the nature of transcendent consciousness, or super consciousness, the concepts of awakening, non-dual awareness and self-realization that are central to various spiritual traditions, as well as the practices used in these traditions to attain those states.

Spring 2014 - Family Violence, Partner Abuse & Child Abuse

If intervention in the family is attempted, it must be effective. To stop family violence, partner or child abuse, we need to understand the dynamics that create them and allow them to continue. Therefore, this course begins with an analysis of the dynamics of violent relationships. We examine broad public policy issues and also practical legal issues such as protective and restraining orders; criminal prosecutions; civil tort actions; and in divorce and custody proceedings. This course covers the history of domestic violence, its psychological and social aspects, as well as domestic violence issues as they relate to children and adolescents. A broad range of issues encountered in family and psychological assessment in domestic violence cases will also be reviewed in this course.

Spring 2014 - Human Biofield:Scientific & Philosophical Concept

This course will use as organizing principle various perspectives on the major unresolved issues of ontology (the nature of reality), especially as they relate to biology and human being. Kundalini Rising is a collection of 26 essays that explore the questions: What is kundalini energy? In what sense does it exist? Can this energy really spark enlightenment? Sacred Mirrors is a collection of well known artist Alex Grey’s representations of commonly held notions of the human biofield, with commentaries. Quantum Aspects of Life is a collection of essays by leading scientists and investigators studying the question whether quantum mechanics plays a nontrivial role in biology. Employing both pro and con arguments, the book attempts to initiate “a distinct quantum biology agenda”. Reflections on Meta-Reality presents a synopsis of the philosophy of Critical Realism, and Realist theory of science, one of the most important recent advances in modern ontology, by Roy Bhaskar now viewed as a leading current Integral theorist. Integral Psychology is a foundational book for Integral Studies (students who have taken that course should already have this book). We will focus on the specific parts of this book pertinent to the theme of this course. Theories of the Chakras is Hiroshi Motoyama’s classic text on both the chakra system of ancient India and the meridian system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first “Article” is the report of a US NIH subgroup, NCCAM, working group tasked with advising NIH/NCCAM on the definition of what biofield energies are. Several additional related articles will also be used in the course. 

Spring 2014 - Psychology of Shamanism

Anthropologists and evolutionary psychologists find a sophistication in the shaman's cultivation and the use of certain procedures for altering conscious experience that go beyond what is currently available in more industrialized societies. This course presents lectures and experiential exercises to illustrate shamanic use of language and art as instructive in regard to the utility of metaphors and symbols in social interactions as well as their therapeutic value. Rituals and methods used in shamanic healing are reviewed. (5 units for undergraduate level students/4 units for graduate level students)

Spring 2014 - Sociocultural Influences and Interventions Strategies

Sociocultural Psychology examines cultural, psychological, political, religious, and also ecological factors that play a role in how people perceive self, other and environment. The course will address the scope of increasing awareness of indigenous cultures and practices to the rise of social networks and the influences of modern technologies. The course will also explore various paradigms such as human systems theory, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem and Social Construction theory. This is a crucial course for all programs and students, especially those who seek a private practice, given the increasing numbers of migrations and the fact that we live in a multicultural world. ** For all psychology students, this course is highly recommended for licensure.

Spring 2014 - Psychoacoustics

In this experientially based course, students personally experience the powerful healing effects of sound and vibration on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Students will study and explore the vibratory ‘sound bath’ effects on the energy body and chakras using ancient and newly-discovered therapeutic musical instruments. Instruments utilized include Tibetan singing bowls, quartz crystal bowls, Tingshas, the didgeridoo, gongs, and bells. Additionally, the profound healing that occurs with toning and chanting will be explored and deeply experienced. Students will discover their own personal ‘Life Song,’ a unique mantra-like string of vowel sounds that resonates with his or her essence. Musical principles of entrainment, resonance, toning, harmonics, and binaural beats begin to assist us in understanding the restorative healing vibrations and how to apply them to ourselves and/or our healing practices.

Spring 2014 - Teachings on Non-Dual Awareness

This course explores nondual teachings and nondual awareness. It includes explorations of nondual awareness from philosophical, spiritual, ontological, and phenomenological perspectives, and in contemporary neurological and health research. The course includes self-reflection, self-inquiry, and the deepening of awareness through academic inquiry and investigation.