CSP 653 Credits: 1
Aileen Donovan 835-4827 ext. 19
Fall 2004, Thursdays 9:30-12:00 noon
Course Description: The Compassion Practicum is just that – the practice of compassion, living out Creation Spirituality. The practicum invites students to learning sites beyond the campus and in their own communities where they join others committed to justice, peace, social change, health, healing and care for our planet. Students spend 20-25 hours learning with others engaged in the restoration and transformation of the earth community.
Course Objectives:
· To experience the neighborhoods and communities of Oakland as the larger setting for the learning and practice of compassion.
· To join with others who are engaged in works that foster justice, healing and cultural transformation
· To develop a deeper sense of interconnection by learning from and with those who are very vulnerable, others committed to works of compassion and justice making, and through the sharing of peer experience.
· To integrate the Compassion Practicum experience through an on-going group reflection process.
“The whole idea of compassion… is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another and all involved in one another.”
“…the rock, all matter, all life, is charged with dharmakaya... everything is emptiness and everything is compassion.”
The Asian Journal, Thomas Merton, pp. 341-342, 326
Course Requirements:
1. Attendance and active participation in class ritual, discussion, group reflection and other activities.
2. Completion of the Compassion Practicum placement form by September 23, 2004.
3. Approximately 20-25 hours of engaged community/volunteer work. (See “Choosing a Compassion Practicum Site” below.)
4. Time given to reflection and journaling after each volunteer session.
5. A two page reflection paper to be handed in at the last class on December 2, 2004
Readings: While there are no required readings for the Compassion Practicum, articles will be distributed in class to enrich the reflection and exploration of compassion and justice.
Grading: Grades will be based on the following criteria:
Volunteer time at selected site………………………………………………………….40%
Class attendance, participation, reflection…………………….………………………..40%
Reflection Paper………………………………………………………………………...20%
Total Requirements…………………………………………………………………. .100%
In choosing a site for your compassion practicum, you are encouraged to explore some area beyond your ordinary experience which touches your passion and invites a response of compassion. Alternately, you may choose to incorporate within your present work a component that adds a spiritual/communal dimension which is not already there. A listing of suggested sites will be provided which will include: service to adults and children, community organizing, opportunities for service in the political arena, service to “other than human” beings. (animals, forests…)
September 16 Introduction to Compassion Practicum
-Course format of spiritual practice, praxis, group reflection
-How to choose a practicum site
-Panel of representatives from organizations appropriate for the practicum
September 23 Compassionate Presence
-Group meditation and group reflection on process of selection of sites and initial practicum experience
-Politics and compassion – selection from Creating A World that Works for All by Sharif Abdullah
November 18 Compassion for Self and Others - A Balanced Life
-Group meditation practice and group reflection on praxis
-Selection from The Rhythm of Compassion by Gail Straub
-Artistic Experience
December 2 Group meditation practice and final group reflection on experiences and learnings of the Compassion Practicum. Plan Orchard Day presentation.
Class schedule may be adjusted during first class.
When are we like God?
I will tell you.
Insofar as we love compassion
And practice it steadfastly,
To that extent we resemble the heavenly Creator
Who practices these things ceaselessly in us.
(Mechtilde of Magdeberg)