Naropa University – Oakland  rev 6/22/04

CSP 703                                                               Creating The Cosmic Mass and Ritual

Class Schedule Fall 2004                                    Wednesdays (5 weeks)          1:30 –3:30

Art of Community Building                                                                       510-835-4827x12

Matthew Fox/Debra Martin                                                 

 

 

Course Description:

The Cosmic Mass (TCM) is a radical new form of worship that is transforming ritual through replacing sitting in pews with dance. By deconstructing and reconstructing the Western liturgical tradition  we remain grounded and supported in our ancestral roots as we build community through a transformative liturgy (work of the people) that incorporates elements of the cutting edge of youth culture.

 

Students will:

·         Study the rich history of pre-modern sacred ritual, the rave culture, rave spirituality and the post-modern Cosmic Mass.

·         Review the deep Creation Spirituality theology that is the essence of The Cosmic Mass.

·         Apprentice with various ritual production staff such as multi-media imagery artists (slides, video feed, live production), ritual artists (musicians, dancers, vocalists), sound/djs, technical production and other members of the TCM team who are the community builders creating The Cosmic Masses at Historic Sweets Ballroom.

·         Be immersed and fully participate in all aspects of creating sacred space including altar-building, hospitality, sound, lights and more.

 

 

Course Objectives:

  1. To provide participants with the ancestral roots of The Cosmic Mass: the rich  history and deep theology which are the foundation of The Cosmic Mass.
  2. To familiarize participants with the basic theories and techniques of creating a  Cosmic Mass through the experience of designing and implementing one with the TCM team.
  3. To provide participants with the understanding of how to create and facilitate  Cosmic Masses in their communities.

 

 

Course Requirements:

Class Attendance 30%             Participation 20%                           Practicum 50%        

 

 

Class Schedule:  Fall 2004.  First Wednesday,  Sept. 22nd 2:30-4:00 PM.  Wednesdays, Sept.29-Oct.20, 4 weeks, 1:30-3:30 PM; TCM Production Meeting Wednes. Oct. 20th; Techno Cosmic Mass, Creative Chaos (Practicum), Sunday, Oct. 24th.                    

 

 

Required Readings: 

The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, Matthew Fox: pp.129-155; pp.211-228.

The Reinvention of Work, Matthew Fox: pp. 255-95.

Handouts provided in class.