Tobin Hart

Transpersonal psychology is grounded in the study of transpersonal experiences and their correlates, those experiences in which the sense of self extends beyond the individual or the personal. These are often described as spiritual events. In this course we will consider particular events themselves (experience), theoretical models of consciousness and development (interpretation), and the application of the transpersonal in daily life (integration).

We will anchor our exploration in two general themes: development or evolution (personal, biological, cultural, etc.), and spiritual knowing.  Our two books will help to unfold these themes; articles will stretch these further, and your own research will give a chance for you explore a specific area of your interest and teach the class about it.

The class will operate as a seminar, in which discussion and presentation is primary, and as an experiential human science laboratory in which we experiment with various techniques.  We will base our inquiry in empirical (experiential) psychology and cut across a variety of disciplines (religious studies, anthropology, philosophy, ecology, etc.).

 Objectives include: 1.) A knowledge of several transpersonal developmental theories. 2.) Ability to integrate general theoretical concepts within a specific area of your choosing 3.) Ability to apply various methods 4.) Develop written and oral presentation skills.

 Evaluation of these objectives include: an essay style midterm exam, demonstrated competence through seminar discussion and in laboratory experience, a laboratory journal, oral presentation of assigned material, completion of a research paper and oral presentation on a related topic of your choosing.

Texts:
Wilber, K. (1997). The Eye of Spirit.
Johnson, R. (1999). Balancing Heaven and Earth.
Hart, Nelson, Puhakka. (1997). Spritual Knowing.
 articles to be distributed in class.