CSP: 643 Seminar Credits: 2 units
Instructor: Clare Ronzani
Fall Semester 2003; Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Course Description:
This course is an exploration of the relationship between spiritual growth and psychological development. Drawing from ancient and contemporary sources for personal growth and spiritual practice, we will explore the “spiritual direction” of our lives along the paths of creation spirituality.
Course Objectives:
q to understand more fully the relationship between spiritual growth and psychological
development
q to become more aware of spiritual practices and resources that further our growth
and development
q to explore the meaning of symbolic and archetypal systems as significant to
psychological/spiritual growth
q to integrate and deepen our consciousness of body/soul/mind connections which
the creation spiritual tradition fosters
Course Requirements/Criteria for Evaluation:
l. Attendance (attendance (on time) at all class sessions is required)
2. Weekly readings (as evidenced in papers and class discussions)
3. Class Participation: active and informed participation in weekly seminars
4. Written Assignments: 1. 3-5 page mid-semester paper. Topic will be assigned in class.
2. 4-5 page final paper integrating themes from the course.
Papers are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
-content and clarity of expression
-structure/organization of ideas
-integration of reflective analysis and experiential material, as appropriate to
particular assignment
-demonstration of basic writing skills (spelling, grammar, etc.)
Format for papers: (see MLA Guidelines booklet)
-Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font; leave 1” margin for comments
-References (endnotes/footnotes) and bibliography, when appropriate
5. Grading: Grades will be based on the following:
50% attendance and informed participation (including evidence of qualitative
reflection on readings)
25% assigned 3-4 page paper (due October 14)
25% final paper (due December 9)
6. Readings:
Required:
Arrien, Signs of Life
Hillesum, An Interrupted Life
Plus reading packet: articles and selections from other books, including the following:
Bridges, Transitions and The Way of Transition
Fischer, Women at the Well
Hillman, The Soul’s Code
Kornfield, A Path With Heart
After the Ecstasy, the Laundry
Moore, Thomas, Care of the Soul
Myss, Anatomy of the Spirit
O’Donohue, Anam Cara
n.b. In addition to regular class sessions, this course will include one individual
meeting with the instructor, approximately mid-way through the course (see syllabus).
Subject to change
COURSE OUTLINE
PSYCHE, SOUL AND SPIRIT
FALL 2003
(subject to change)
Sept. 16 Perspectives on Psyche, Soul, Spirit: Adult Development and Spiritual Growth
Reading: (prepare for Sept. 16 class; readings available from front desk week of Sept.8)
Barrows, “The Ecopsychology of Child Development,” Ecopsychology
Hillman, “In a Nutshell: The Acorn Theory and the Redemption of Psychology, The Soul’s Code, Ch. 1
Moore, “Honoring Symptoms as a Voice of the Soul,” Care of the Soul, ch. 1
Sept. 23: The Power of Symbol in the Work of Soul
Reading:
Arrien, Signs of Life
Sept. 30: Spiritual Wholeness and Spiritual Practice
Reading:
Kornfield, “The Guardians of the Heart: Angels of Light, Ocean of Tears, After The Ecstasy, the Laundry, ch. 2
“The Mandala of Awakening: What am I Leaving Out?”, After the Ecstasy, ch. 11
“Awakening with All Beings,” After the Ecstasy…, pp. 272-280
additional reading tba
Oct. 7: Transitions
Bridges, Transitions and The Way of Transition (selections)
additional reading tba
Oct. 14: The Art of Spiritual Direction
Reading: Fischer, “Spiritual Direction in a Feminist Context,” Women at the Well
Gawain, “Moving Toward the New Millenium
Kornfield, “You Can’t Do It Alone, A Path With Heart, ch. 16
plus tba
(individual meetings scheduled this week)
n.b. 3-5 page paper due
Oct. 21: Intensive week (no class)
Oct. 28: Study Week (no class)
Nov. 4: The Art of Spiritual Direction
Groff, “Using Howard Gardner’s ‘Multiple Intelligences’ in Spiritual Direction,”
Presence, Vol.4, No. 2
Prime, Pamela (Sullivan), “Embodied Spiritual Direction”
plus tba
Nov. 11: Body Wisdom/Spirit Wisdom
Reading:
Myss, Anatomy of the Spirit (selections)
O’Donohue, “Toward a Spirituality of the Senses,” Anam Cara, ch. 2
Kornfield, “Sitting and Walking Meditation,” Inner Knowing
Nov. 18: tba
Nov. 25: THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!
Dec. 2: Psyche, Soul and Spirit: A Life-Story of Transformation
Reading:
Hillesum, An Interrupted Life
Dec. 9: Final Gathering…
Final (4-5 page) paper due