Semester Program & Course Descriptions
The Sophia Center's basic academic course of study offers a Master's degree in nine months. It is designed for those who can become full-time students for a traditional late August through May academic year. A rich diversity of courses designed to focus and amplify your spirit. At the heart of the Sophia Center's course of study is the fourfold wisdom that Thomas Berry offers as a guide to the future: the wisdom of indigenous peoples, the wisdom of women, the wisdom of the classical traditions and the wisdom of science. Our nine-month program for a master's degree or Sophia certificate offers a rich choice of courses that focus and amplify this wisdom.
Students may also attend this program on a part-time basis, completing their course of study on a schedule that fits their personal needs. Residential arrangements are available on campus. This program may also be taken on a part-time basis over more than two semesters.
Courses Schedule for 2008 are indicated in Green
CORE COURSES: SPIR 200 thru SPIR 213
SPIR 200. Core Course: Spirituality of Earth, Art, Spirit (Conlon, Ruether, Swimme) A new cosmology (the emerging narratives of universe, evolution, and geo-justice) that is reshaping human experience on earth and drawing us forward toward an engaged cosmology through the celebration of compassion, creativity and depth.
SPIR 201. Core Course: Geo-Wisdom, Cosmology and the Human Spirit (Conlon, Ruether, Swimme) This class is designed to evoke an integral and inclusive human presence that is open to the divine through reflection on story, shared dream experience and engaged cosmology. Participants will focus on the integration of mind and body, science and spirituality, the cognitive and the intuitive, ecology and justice as they prepare to participate in the Great Work of our time, the transformation of the dominant cultural paradigm to make possible a new era of peace and well-being for the entire earth community.
SPIR 204. Weekend Component (Sophia Faculty) Weekend Program modules. (Click here to view descriptions)
Semester students will attend the Friday evening and Saturday morning presentations by visiting faculty, and also the Saturday afternoon dialogue session during the monthly Weekend program modules. Required of all students.
SPIR 211B. Public Forum (Conlon/Heckathorn) Distinguished roster of contemporary spiritual leaders—including artists and poets, prophets and mystics, theologians, scientists, intellectuals, and social leaders—interact with Sophia students in colloquies that explore diverse perspectives of the new cosmology. Required of all students. (Click here to view descriptions)
SPIR 212. Sophia Wisdom Circle (Conlon/Friedman) Incorporates modes of community building that provides an opportunity to integrate personal experience with the themes generated from the Sophia curriculum.
SPIR 213. Sophia Praxis (Conlon) Recalling past experience and reflecting on current engagements, students will participate in a process designed to create a dynamic integration between one’s participation in the Great work and the focus of the Sophia Center curriculum. Required of all students.
SPIR 220. Cosmos and Consciousness (Schmitt) Human consciousness is but one form of nature becoming aware of herself in a universe alive with infinite varieties of intelligence. This course explores the workings of our mind as it is experienced within many dimensions of the human and natural world.
SPIR 221. The Universe Story (Swimme) This course clarifies the new, empirically-based cosmology, a scientific narrative called, “the most intimate change in outlook the human race has yet encountered.” (Note: This course taught at CISS in San Francisco and must be taken for credit.)
SPIR 221A. Cosmological Powers (Swimme) As exploration of the powers coursing through the universe and each of us. Subject to be covered include: Seamlessness, Centration, Allurement, emergence, Homeostasis, Cataclysm, Synergy, Transmutation, Transformation, Interrelatedness and Radiance. Available to matriculated Sophia Students only. (Note: This course taught at CISS in San Francisco and must be taken for credit.)
SPIR 222D. Wisdom of Teilhard Available to matriculated Sophia Students only. (Note: This course taught at CISS in San Francisco and must be taken for credit.)
SPIR 223. Mystics of the Middle Ages (Donnelly) The words, music, and earth-centered art of medieval mystics —including Hildegard of Bingen, Mechtild, Fracis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross— can inspire and counsel contemporary transformative experience. We enrich our own spiritual practice through the study and appreciation of the original and prophetic words, music, and earth-centered art of medieval mystics.
SPIR 225. Visions of the Future (Schmitt, Weiss) While French Jesuit paleontologist Teilhard de Chardin worked to integrate the scientific theory of evolution in Christian spirituality, indian teacher and mystic Sri Aurobindo performed a similar task in the East. The convergence of these complimentary visions gives understanding and momentum to our embrace of the future.
SPIR 226A. Contemporary Spiritual Guides (Donnelly) This course will explore the writings and lives of our modern and contemporary mystics. Through study we will have the joyful experience of discovering that we, too, are contemporary mystics here in the 21st Century.
SPIR 228. Soulwork for the New Millennium (Conlon) Designed to confront contemporary pathos and ecological bereavement while aligning personal stories with the story of the universe in nurturing a synthesis of wisdom sources and the work of engaged cosmology and geo-justice.
SPIR SPIR 232. Ecofeminism Ecofeminism, a theology of creation and the ecological crisis, confronts a world view in which the domination of women and nature are interconected. The course examines the current ecological crisis, tracing its roots to this link. Amplifying nature as primary revelation, the course places feminine instincts at the center of contemporary cultural transformation. Available to matriculated Sophia Students only. (Note: Taught at the Graduate Theological Union.)
SPIR 234. The New Consciousness (Schmitt) The science of holism defines the body/mind as a mirror, an expression, a hologram of “all that is.” Explores alignments between the body/mind and the complexities and contradictions of the universe.
SPIR 237. Evolving on Purpose: The Role of Human Being in the Evolutionary Process (Weiss) Examines the general nature of evolution, the function of humans in the evolutionary process, —a broad philosophical perspective and detailed analysis. We will envision the evolutionary future, and outline ways in which we can participate more fully in making that future real.
SPIR 243. Painting as Spontaneous Expression (Houck) We will use painting as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual exploration. The “Point Zero Method” is a radical way of dissolving creative blocks.
SPIR 245 Sacred Geometry of Nature and Art (Schneider) This beautiful "Book of Nature" is written in an alphabet of simple shapes and speaks a timeless language of geometric patterns. Atoms and galazies, flowers and seashells, even human bodies are based on this small archetypal alphabet. We can learn to recognize and read this timeless language to discover their principles within ourselves. (Three day Intensive.)
SPIR 254. Tai Chi (Dwyer) A Chinese exercise system that emphasizes deep breathing, centering energy and slow, balanced posture to enhance coordination and awareness.
SPIR 255. Unforgotten Wisdom: The Four-Fold Path of the Indigenous Soul (Weller) Through poetry, ritual, deep dialogue and an emerging felt sense of village, we will touch into the wisdom that is found in our indigenous soul.
SPIR 256A. A Conversation Between Writing and Art (Hermanson) This experiential course will draw on the spirit of the group and the unique contributions of each individual. Innovative writing exercises that engage the provocative relationship between words and images will encourage fresh ways of expression. The art forms may merge, blurring the boundaries between image and word.
SPIR 256B. A Vessel for the Soul: Making a Art and Collage Books (Hermanson) In this course we will create art and express what is most true for us in the form of an altered collage or art book. Your book will be an opportunity for you to "make community," as projects are often most meaningful when they touch the lives of others. In addition to innovative in-class exercises, we will draw inspiration from other artists who have combined visual art, poetry, collage, images and words in playful and unusual ways.
SPIR 256C. Tribal Roots: A Conversation with Voice, Song and Music Music is an ancient birthright to sing and participate with others in music-making. Yet for most of us "non"-musicians, music has likely become something that we watch others perform and don't participate in ourselves. hence, this workshop is about experimenting, opening ourselves to the "God of Music," and connecting our own voice, musical loves, and creative passions. Each of us will have our own individual journey and ways in which Music may transform and heal us. Our job is to listen. For the first class, please bring favorite songs and any musical instruments you many have.
SPIR 258A. The Healing Ecstasy of Sound: Music as Spiritual Practice (Berezan) Vibration is at the core of all that exists in the universe. Many cultures have long believed that the world itself was created through sound, and some believe that illness is a musical problem, a result of a lack of harmony in the system. Our time together will include sessions of toning, chanting, harmony and rhythm, improvisational sounding, mediation and silence, in a safe, humorous and sacred environment. No musical experience is necessary.
SPIR 261A. Spiritual Companioning (Kovats) When we are attentive to our deepest self, we are open to the universe. Every dimension of life helps us in this quest. We will look at ways to be attentive to the Divine Mystery at the heart of all creation, as well as ways to support and walk with others along this journey.
SPIR 261B. Thomas Merton and the Call of the True Self (T. Smith) Merton’s life and work serve as a guide to help us understand ourselves, our relationship with the sacred, others and the world of nature. (Three Day Intensive, Nov. 6, 7, 10, 2008.)
SPIR 262. African Dance, Drums, Spirituality and You (Banda) Our ancestors moved to the sound of the drum, shekere, and kalimba on the African continent for healing, building community, and expressing their spirituality. We will move together and explore the spirituality of African music from all over the continent. Come prepared to experience your spirituality as you move to scintillating African music. No prior experience in African dance is required.
SPIR 262A. Indigenous Wisdom Through Our Ancestral Stories (Banda) On all five continents there are stories that have stood the test of time. With a focus on Africa, but including the other continents, we will explore the wisdom that is contained in our folklore, legends and myths. What do these stories say about our origins? Where do our modern stories fit in this very rich history and tapestry of words? We will share our own stories from our lives and ancestry and discuss how they illuminate our culture and spiritual lives.
SPIR 263 Embracing the Revelatory Moment Through rituals, discourse, and creative process, this course amplifies the enchantment of beauty, the turbulence of creativity, and a celebratory response to the sacred impulse that can be found in the new earth story.
SPIR 264. Soul’s Language (Fox) This intensive will invite the fresh sensibility and playfulness we knew as children through experimenting with poetic tools of metaphor sound, rhythm, imagery and symbol as remedies to connect with your wholeness. (Three day intensive.)
SPIR 265. Archetypal Mythology in Dream-Work (Friedman) In this course we will discuss major archetypal motifs from our own and other cultural mythologies. Exploring through dream-work is a creative and alchemical experience which can be powerfully transformative and healing.
266. The Gift of Presence (Friedman) Presence is a deep experience of the Self that can be described in various ways: grounding in one's body; being self-aware; absorbing in self-meditation; living from the heart; communion with others; abiding with God. We We explore through breath work, meditation, guided imagery, prayer, music and movement. In discussion we will also consider the ways in which the various spiritual traditions envision and cultivate the experiences of presence, as well as consider the obstacles we may encounter as we deepen our presence.
SPIR 268 Story-Lines, Mother-Lines, Mystics & Movies (Flinders) Certain kinds of life stories are, for many of us, irresistible. Catch even a glimpse of yourself in a Saint Teresa or a John Muir and you re-awaken to the continuum that joins us all to one another. But today's virtual explosion in fields like cognitive neuro-science and evolutionary psychology allows us to see the connections between mystics and mystics-in-the-making in all kinds of exciting new ways. And because artists are prophets, we'll be looking at places where this emerging awareness has already found its way into cutting-edge contemporary cinema.
SPIR 269. Personal Mythology Through Art (Firpo) Myths are needed to mirror the discovery of personal mythology and to track the soul's movement in concert and collusion with divine energies. The discovery of one's personal mythology via the portals of creativity, meditation and art, and combined creative media assists in making tangible the power for accessing and moving one's individual mythological process concretely into consciousness. Once this occurs, consciousness provides a mirror and offers a new symbolic language and dialogue with the world's processes, thus revealing and re-mythologizing the collectively disowned shadow, and depths of beauty we all swim in.
SPIR 269B Personal Mythology - Mythos of War (FACULTY). The unconscious projections of ideas, mythologies, and theologies both create and destroy our natural, ecological, physical, and psychological worlds. The mythos of war lives within real, invisible, and imaginable realms. War's power to possess individuals, communities, and countries will be analyzed through a Jungian depth psychological perspective, which includes the power of our dream. The course will more from destruction to re-creation with the end focus on inner-disarmament and the possibility of re-imaging the mythic hub of violence.
SPIR 269C The Sacred Landscape: Inner and Outer Realm (Firpo) There is no place on this earth that is not sacred ground. The landscape itself has a consciousness. The landscapes that exist in the liminal shards of memory, biology, and the consciousness of the earth itself -- our home, embody the physical and imaginable soulscape of our human longings. Earth is our home. Through meditation, poetics and deep listening to the landscape(s) -- both real and imaginable -participants will journey between the worlds to bring forth the mystery of the internal and external sacred landscapes through the creative process. Each session will open with poetry, prose, creative process and the discussion of ideas.
SPIR 290A. Spirituality of Earth, Art, Spirit (Conlon) See 200 for course description
SPIR 290B. Geo-Wisdom, Cosmology and the Human Spirit (Conlon) See 201 for course description.
SPIR 291 A-E. Weekend Program Modules (Sophia Faculty) (Click here to view descriptions)
SPIR 297. Cure of Grace: Spiritual Peacemaking and Reconciliation (Keepin/Brix) This course provides a brief introduction to new paradigms in healing and reconciliation from a multi-faith spiritual perspective. Emphasis will include spiritual dimensions of peacemaking, an experiential introduction to the Power of Reconciliation work developed by the instructors, and the practical implementation of these principles in new initiatives for healing between women and men in India and South Africa. (3-Day Intensive, March 26, 27, 30/09.)
SPIR 292 Summer Institute Intensive (Click here to view descriptions) Involves plenary presentations, interactive dialogues, creative process classes, and ritual celebrations presented during the Sophia Center Summer Institute. Pre-Institute and Post-institute Retreats/Workshops are sometimes offered as well.)
SPIR 298. Master’s Project (Sophia Faculty) The Master’s Project is primarily designed to express and share how a student has integrated the Sophia curriculum into his or her vocational goals.
SPIR 299. Independent Study (Sophia Faculty) Design and develop courses not offered in current curriculum.