First Year—Course Descriptions
A. The first three courses, each three months in duration, are offered in a nine-weekend format, one weekend per month for nine months:
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PSY 501
The Art of Human Communication (6 Quarter Units)
Introduction to the principles and techniques essential for effective communication and relationship. Practical exercises and theoretical material are included. Small group processes are designed to provide actual experiences of principles and techniques studied, and to assist students in developing mastery in Soul-Centered Basic Communication Skills including: Heart-Centered Listening, Reflecting Feelings, Perception Checking, Asking Open-Ended Questions, Giving Effective Feedback, Receiving Feedback Effectively.
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PSY 515
Theories and Techniques of Spiritual Psychology (6 Quarter Units)
Theoretical and experiential exploration of major current theories and techniques of psychological change and personal development. Designed to provide a practical working knowledge of, and appreciation for, the “giants” in the field of effective relationship including Rogers, Perls, Ellis, Assagioli, etc. Assists students in developing, clarifying, and integrating their own approaches to working with themselves and others within the framework of Spiritual Psychology. This course also provides more information and skills that can be foundational in learning to effectively work one’s process.
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PSY 520
Advanced Spiritual Psychology (6 Quarter Units)
Built upon the skills developed in PSY 501 and PSY 515, this course assists students in further developing and applying the principles, techniques, and competencies of Spiritual Psychology. Further experiential and theoretical exploration of methods facilitate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.
B. The fourth course is offered in the summer and is the capstone to the First Year and a bridge to the Second Year:
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PSY 528
Five-Day Spiritual Psychology Laboratory (5 Quarter Units)
This laboratory is designed to assist students in synthesizing, further assimilating, and effectively utilizing the Soul-Centered Basic Communication Skills, healing attitudes, and universal values associated with the subject matter of Spiritual Psychology. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate a higher level of mastery in applying the principles, techniques, and competencies of Spiritual Psychology with themselves and others.
Second Year—Course Descriptions
A. Four courses offered concurrently in a nine-weekend format, one weekend per month for nine months:
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PSY 504
Human Growth and Development (6 Quarter Units)
Includes theoretical and experiential exploration of the biological, psychological, social, and regenerational aspects of human growth and development. Major current theories and models of psychological change and personal development are presented and explored, including those of Erik Erikson and others. Emphasis is placed on exploring one’s own development, both past and present, while learning to use all experience to our advancement. Observation of developmental stages is used as a learning tool.
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PSY 512
Marriage and Family Relationship: The Skills of Intimacy (5 Quarter Units)
Focus is upon the family and intimate relationship as potentially one of the greatest opportunities on the planet for growth and learning. Includes emphasis on theory and applied techniques for developing and enriching interpersonal relationships. Involves learning and applying skills of Soul-Centered communication and conflict resolution directly to one particular significant relationship. Applied psychotherapeutic techniques designed to enrich couples’ and families’ lives and facilitate harmonious fulfilling relationships are explored and practiced. Dynamics and patterns of couples and family relationships are identified, studied, and considered within a spiritual context.
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PSY 516
Strategies for Success: Self-Mastery Through Self-Management (5 Quarter Units)
In service to demonstrating mastery, each student participates in identifying, designing, implementing, and successfully completing a major project that has heart and meaning for them. Emphasis is placed on learning, refining, and demonstrating advanced skills for empowering and supporting oneself in producing successful results in physical world reality.
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PSY 523
Research and Evaluation for Action: Behavioral Science Methods (6 Quarter Units)
Increasing emphasis on research to answer society’s pressing needs, coupled with the demand for more accurate methods of evaluation to assure accountability of funds and effort, indicates that the concerned student become familiar with appropriate methods of research and evaluation. Methods of scientific inquiry are studied, including: probability, hypothesis testing, experimental strategy, correlation studies, and single-subject designs, as employed in basic and applied research contexts. Fundamental research issues are discussed. Students are involved in one research project centering around a current relationship and another focused on patterns of consciousness.
B. One course offered as an Independent Study over the same nine months:
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PSY 517
Practicum in Strategies for Success: Self-Mastery through Self-Management (5 Quarter Units)
This Practicum is taken in conjunction with PSY 516 and is designed to provide ongoing support for each student for successfully designing, implementing, and completing a major project that has heart and meaning for them. Class format consists of small group Project Teams, which meet a minimum of twice a month. This course provides opportunities for: demonstrating effective integration of the tools and principles of Spiritual Psychology in communicating Team members; supporting Team members in demonstrating strength and resourcefulness; and providing encouragement and effective feedback to classmates while stretching into greater levels of mastery in service to fulfilling a heartfelt dream.
C. Master’s Comprehensive Examination
The Master’s Comprehensive Examination is a written paper that is completed at the end of the Second Year prior to enrolling in PSY 530 Six-Day Spiritual Psychology Practicum.
D. A Spiritual Psychology Practicum offered in the summer or early fall (usually held in retreat):
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PSY 530
Six-Day Spiritual Psychology Practicum (5 Quarter Units)
The Spiritual Psychology Practicum is a six-day laboratory class designed as the culminating experience of the Spiritual Psychology Master’s Degree Program. It meets the requirements of Part II of the Master’s Comprehensive Examination. Each day students have the opportunity to synthesize, integrate, and demonstrate the principles, skills, and tools learned throughout the M.A. Program. Emphasis is upon practical application of Spiritual Psychology Program competencies as well as demonstration of comprehension of the academic subject matter supporting these competencies. Enrollment in the Practicum is required in the quarter prior to graduation. The Practicum is usually held in retreat.
