This course embodies the vision and principles Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama articulated as the foundation of CIHS educational programs. Integral and meta-integral visions, theories and practices are introduced, spanning religious studies, philosophy, psychology, biology, physics and a dynamic evolving interplay among Western and Eastern paradigms. The project is to promote the study of human existence from holistic perspectives that include body, mind and spirit, and foster the evolution of a harmonious global society. The complexities of creating an integral worldview based on the diversity of human thought and culture are introduced.
- Teacher: Thomas Brophy
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.
- Teacher: Roger Cavnaugh
In this course, paradigms of health and disease are comparatively explored, from the origins of medical traditions and lineages to complementary and alternative approaches to healing. Approaches considered include ancient Greek and Egyptian traditions, ethnomedicine, the foundations of Eastern medical approaches based on Ayurvedic, Taoist, Tibetan, and Chinese medicine, and holistic approaches to healing including subtle, vibrational, and energy medicine
- Teacher: Mali Burgess
Qualitative research in psychology is selected as an investigative strategy when information sought is best obtained in the respondent’s own words and/or in a form of activities that must be observed in its natural setting in to provide a deeper and more valid reflection of the phenomena studied. Methods of subject selection, conditions, data collection and interpretation, will be examined and illustrated from diverse areas.
- Instructor: Sharon Mijares, Ph.D.
The psychology of personality examines several broad approaches to personality development and organization relevant to research and clinical assessment. Behavioral, psychodynamic, transpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral and trait theories are reviewed. This course views the approaches in historical, philosophical, practical, and methodological perspectives, and considers the roles of biology, society, culture, and interpersonal environment in shaping personality. Substance Abuse: Assessment, Intervention, and Treatment.
- Teacher: Tamara Goldsby
The course examines the extent and patterns of use and abuse of illegal, social and medical psychoactive substances and the psychosocial factors and policies that contribute to the etiology of addiction in modern Western societies. Types of therapy and rehabilitation programs and their short and long-term efficacy will be discussed, along with implications for developing effective social policies. Sociocultural aspects to chemical dependency will be addressed.
- Teacher: Sam Aganov
Transpersonal psychology, an alternative field of psychology, is influenced by Maslow’s view that mental health and the values of peak experiences could not account for the altered states of consciousness. The course includes ultimate values, highest potentials, and states of consciousness. Contributions of Eastern philosophy and practices to the development of the field will be examined as well as altered states of consciousness as opposed to developmental structures of consciousness
- Teacher: Michelle Dexter
Central question of this course: How do (and if they do) mind (consciousness) and body (matter) interact? We will cover much of the following, depending on level of participants. The “hard problem” of consciousness, David Chalmers’ supervenience and zombies. Overview of philosophical theories of mind. Panpsychism in the west (including the role of AQAL integral and Wilberian theory, Whitehead’s process theory, Motoyama’s superconsciousness, and Bhaskar’s MetaReality). Attempts at scientific theories of mind. Focus on the question: Is the physical universe causally closed? The quantum measurement problem, the encounter of quantum physics with consciousness, and transrational perspectives.
- Teacher: Thomas Brophy
Hinduism is one of the richest, most fertile religions in the world today. From its wisdom teachings on spiritual growth to its healing practices of Ayurvedic medicine, Hinduism positions consciousness as the causative precursor of our physical forms.
We will have fun exploring and experiencing some of the many expressions of Hinduism. With the class running in the Fall Quarter, we will use Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, as a recurring motif for the lessons. For many Hindus this festival marks a time of deep renewal. It’s a time to clean our physical and metaphorical house, fill the darkness with light, and start the New Year from a place of joy and abundance. And then we eat sweets!
This class will be academically rigorous and experientially rich, with weekly assignments of both academic readings and spiritual practices. One of Hinduism’s great gifts is its long history of exploring the vast dimensions of consciousness with the heart and the discriminating mind as yoked companions. In the spirit of Diwali, we will take a critical look at some of the social effects of Hinduism that may need cleaning, as well as the profound spiritual benefits Hinduism has to offer. Please join us in learning more about this rich tradition. I look forward to meeting you in class!- Teacher: Randy Fauver, PhD