General Catalog - John F. Kennedy University

School of Holistic StudiesConsciousness and Transformative Studies [CNS] CoursesCNS _____________________________________________________________________5010 Paradigms of Consciousness 3This course examines the nature and structure of paradigms andparadigm shifts in scientific, psychological, social, and metaphysicalthinking, and emphasizes living systems theory and integraland holistic philosophies as they relate to ecology, health, creativity,and conflict resolution.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5015 Body Consciousness/Body Wisdom 2This experiential course gives students the opportunity to exploretheir own body sensations, and in so doing, to make contact withits wisdom and power. We explore various areas and systemsof the body, listening to their messages about what makes us feelsupported, trusting, and strong; what makes us feel alive andpassionate; what is right for us; what makes us feel satisfied;what do we care for and what do we want to give; what are ourboundaries and what do we want to express; and what makes usfeel protected and safe. Along the way, we consider messagesthat signal stress, anxiety, hunger, fear, and vulnerability.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5017 Introduction to Integral Theory 1In this course, students are introduced to the five elementsof Ken Wilber’s integral theory including quadrants, levels,lines, states, and types. Class activities examine the relevanceof this model as a framework for conscious evolution in themodern age.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5020 Archetypal Mythology 3In this course, students will learn why Freud, Jung, and so manyothers intrigued by the depths—writers, philosophers, painters,filmmakers, culture critics—have outgrown the notion of mythas “untruth” to encounter its central role in the life of the psyche.This will prepare us to explore archetypal modes of consciousnessand deepen our understanding of how archetypes and mythsaddress us every day in our dreams, our relationships, ourconflicts, and our mishaps.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5023 Shamanic Traditions 2Shamanic practices and rituals that acknowledge and strengthenrelationship to family, community, and the earth are sorely lackingin our modern culture, yet with each person’s ancestral lineagescan be found evidence of earth-based spirituality, nurtured andsupported through shamanic traditions. In this class, studentswill research shamanic practices within their ancestral lineageswith the intention of integrating these practices with present-dayknowledge.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5025 Quantum Approaches to Consciousness 3In recent years, with advances in brain research and insights fromquantum theory, new light has been shed on the vital question of“what is consciousness?” In this course, students will learn howthe brain may take advantage of the strange and revolutionaryaspects of quantum theory, deciding for itself how reality mayunfold.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5027 Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness 2This course will examine the intersection between the subjectiveand objective experience of various non-ordinary states ofconsciousness. Students will explore the brain-based neurophysiologyas well as the subjective experience of various non-ordinarystates of consciousness. Subjects may include the work of Stan Grof(Holotropic Breathwork, exploration of native science), CharlesTart (psy phenomena), shamanic consciousness, deep meditation,the use of hallucinogenic drugs, and other non-ordinary states.CNS 5030 Sleep, Dreams,and _____________________________________________________________________States of Consciousness 2Students will examine recent scientific research in sleep anddreams and explore varieties of techniques in working withdreams. The course focuses on the states of consciousness withinsleep and different phenomena of the dreaming mind. Studentswill also explore their own dreams through different experientialand creative explorations.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5033 Consciousness and Psychology 2This course will take a critical and appreciative look at transpersonaltheoretical principles in the work of Carl Jung, A.H. Almaas,Roberto Assagioli, Stanislav Grof, and Sri Aurobindo. In classdiscussions, readings, and experiential exercises, studentsexplore ways in which consciousness, psyche, and spirit intersectin the work of each of these theorists. Prerequisite: CNS 5017.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5035 Consciousness and Philosophy of Mind 3This course provides a scholarly grounding in the core philosophicalissues surrounding the study of consciousness. This coursewill explore the three main “problems” in philosophy of mind:(1) the “mind-body” problem (how does consciousness relate tothe physical world), (2) the “problem of other minds” (how canwe know if other people, animals, plans, or even rocks have consciousness?),and (3) the “problem of free will” (do we really havechoice, or are we determined by genetics and environment?).CNS _____________________________________________________________________5037 Neurophilosophy of Consciousness 3The results from recent brain research have sent shockwaves farbeyond the boundaries of neurophysiology and neuropsychology.The implications reach into the very nature of the humanexperience, both personally and culturally. Much of the researchhas validated what many of us have long suspected to be true:consciousness does indeed affect the brain and thus the entireindividual. Our thoughts and feelings directly affect the chemistryof the brain, which in turn largely determines the health of ourentire being—both as single organisms and as a species. In thiscourse, students will examine the timely and exciting intersectionbetween neuroscience, philosophy of mind, and ethics. Prerequisite:CNS 5010.CNS _____________________________________________________________________5039 Self-Exploration 1–3This is a seminar course that explores teachings and practiceswhich encourage self-knowledge and a deeper understanding ofthe self’s psycho-spiritual journey toward greater consciousness.Focus varies with instructor and student interest. May berepeated for credit with a change of topic.School ofHolistic StudiesJohn F. Kennedy UniversitySchool of Holistic Studies 131