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Fall Term 2008: Grounding for the Journey
September 26-December 13, 2008
Termlong Course Descriptions
Quakerism: Living into a Radical Faith
Marcelle Martin
This course focuses on important elements of Quaker faith and practice. Looking at both the prophetic beginnings and the varied current manifestations of the Religious Society of Friends, we will examine the creative tensions between inner experience and outer expression, as well as individual and corporate faithfulness. Class exercises and reflections will help us explore Quakerism experientially, encouraging us to live more fully into our own faith, whatever it is.
Spirit Taking Form: Clay and Stone as Spiritual Grounding
Carol Sexton
We will participate in the act of creation as we experience the inherent qualities of earth's raw materials and engage in the work and play of shaping them into works of art. We will learn traditional methods of forming soft clay into vessels or sculptural forms, making molds and casts, and carving resistant materials such as plaster and stone. Each material, each process, and each finished piece will offer us spiritual lessons and insights for reflection and sharing.
Bless This Body: Nurturing Right Relationship From Within
Valerie Brown (Inder Kaur)
(Note: This course will meet Sunday afternoons and is open to commuting students)
Promote personal and societal transformation through spiritual practices that nurture our relationship with our bodies and provide tools to thrive in stressful times. We will consider Quaker perspectives on the body and work. Through mindfulness meditation and gentle Kundalini yoga, we will open to the fullness of our body and mind. Buddhist-inspired sitting, walking and eating meditation, as well as mindful dialogue, will help us slow down, welcome new habits, and cultivate greater awareness. Class time will include sustained periods of silence, mindful movement, guided deep relaxation, and small group discussion, as well as poetry, laughter, and chanting. Our intention is to re-discover a heart-centered approach to life and peaceful mind, and to access our own inner wisdom.
Beyond Prisons: Exploring New Justice Paradigms
Laura Magnani
We will start with an overview of current punishment-based social policies, especially the criminal justice system. Our exploration will be informed by our disciplinary approaches towards school children, the homeless, the mentally ill, and anyone thought to have committed a crime. The violence perpetuated by this domination mentality is damaging all of us and demonizing many. What do we do with the over 2.2 million people currently incarcerated in the U.S.?
Half of the course will be devoted to exploring new paradigms of justice, envisioning a different future, and working strategically towards social change. How do we heal from the scars of racism, economic injustice, and dominance? We will work together as a teaching/learning community.
