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Certificate and Academic Course Description |
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Descriptions of the
courses included in the Certificate and Academic curricula through the School
of Spiritual Psychology: |
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SPY 501: Psychology of
the Creative Spiritual Life (3
credits) |
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Students will investigate
six major life areas in which psychology and spirituality intersect. Learning
will be both didactic and experiential such that students will have both the
knowledge base of other theorists and the tools to validate their inner
truths. This course may be taken through the School of Spiritual Psychology
in Milwaukee, WI each year with Jim Morningstar, Ph.D., November through the
following April or completed through distance learning. Distance students
will listen to audiotapes of six day long seminars, participate in the
exercises, have selected readings, complete a workbook and write reports and
a paper. Students electing the Licensing and Certification Track will read an
additional required text and complete an annotated bibliography. [Faculty:
Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 502: Bio-Spiritual
Energetics in Human Growth and Development (3 credits) |
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Students will learn to
read body energy patterns in themselves and others. Bio-energetic exercises
and body typing based on the work of Alexander Lowen, MD, will be practiced
and will provide an experiential reframing of the first six years of human
development. A different series of exercises will be learned for each of the
six body types as well as breathwork techniques to open the body to be a
vehicle for one's spiritual expression. This course may be taken through the
School of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee, WI each year with Jim
Morningstar, Ph.D., November through the following April or completed through
distance learning. Distance students will listen to audiotapes of eighteen
two and one-half hour seminars, participate in exercises via videotape and
write a paper. Students on the Licensing and Certification Track will read an
additional required text and complete and annotated bibliography. [Faculty:
Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 503: Systemic
Approaches to Core integration (3
credits) |
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Several foundational
systems approaches presenting holistic paradigms for spirit/mind integration
will be studied. This will include Family Systems Theory and General Systems
Theory as practiced on a personal and organizational level. Students will
study their own systems as well as their personal communication patterns. An
emotional autobiography will be required of each student in the process of
learning healing interventions for the body, mind and spirit segmentation.
Daily journaling will be done based upon the topics studied. Relevance to
creating a viable spiritual community in one's world will be emphasized. This
course may be taken through the School of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee,
WI each year, November through the following April or completed through
distance learning. Distance students will listen to class tapes, participate
in exercises, complete their emotional autobiography and write a final paper.
Students electing the Licensing and Certification Track will read an
additional required text and complete an annotated bibliography. [Faculty:
Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 520: Integrating
Spiritual Leadership Skills (3
credits) |
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Students will have the
opportunity to explore, experience, and develop leadership skills related to
a more complete expression of Spiritual Leadership in their lives. Areas to
be addressed are accountability regarding finances and agreements with self
and others; responsible and effective communication skills; addictive and
negative patterns that compromise living on purpose; boundaries versus
barriers; reinforcing and deepening a sense of purpose; developing and
implementing a daily spiritual practice to ground and sustain spiritual
leadership. This course may be taken through the School of Spiritual
Psychology in Milwaukee, WI each year with Cathy Gawlik, M.S. and Dawn Zak,
B.S.W., CADC III October through May or completed through distance learning.
Distance students will listen to class audiotapes, participate in interactive
exercises, turn in written forms, and write a summary of the work. [Faculty:
Cathy Gawlik, M.S. and Dawn Zak, B.S.W., CADC III] |
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SPY 521:
Transformational Psychology (3
credits) |
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Beyond an overview of
theory this course will provide a variety of learning opportunities and
leadership skills for integrating spiritual principles into one's career and
everyday life with psychologically grounded techniques. Topics will include
dream mastery, creating a statement of purpose and a yearly holistic life
plan, Gestalt leadership in life groups, reinforcing daily spiritual practice
and preparing an hour-long public presentation. This course may be taken
through the School of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee, WI each year with
Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. October through the following April or completed
through distance learning. Distance students will listen to class audiotapes,
participate in exercises, turn in written forms, and prepare a presentation
to be given in their community and write a summary of their work. [Faculty:
Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 522: Living Your
Purpose (3 credits) |
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Application of spiritual
principles in ones chosen life work is the theme of this course. Inner work
will include the clearing and strengthening of one's energy centers as a
regular practice. Outer work will entail the presentation and analysis of
ones career autobiography and the completion of a major project relevant to
manifesting purpose in life work that may be the counseling of others in
their career paths if so chosen. This course may be taken through the School
of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee, WI with Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. or via
distance learning. Distance students will listen to tapes, engage in the
practices, and complete a career autobiography and major project. [Faculty:
Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 523: Sacred
Traditions (4 credits) |
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The major mystery schools
of our planet and their practices will be studied experienced and made
relevant to contemporary spiritual psychology. The course will involve a
systematic exploration of spiritual tradition and self-healing practices from
a variety of social and cultural settings with an emphasis on the Enneagram.
Chakra balancing techniques will be practiced and workbook completion will be
required as well as specified readings. This course may be taken through the
School of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee, WI each year with Donna Thome,
ACSW, current President of the Enneagram Teachers Association in the Oral
Tradition or through distance learning. Distance students will complete the
workbook and audio/video tape reports of required exercises and a paper on
the readings and materials. [Faculty: Donna Thome, ACSW] |
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SPY 524: Practicum in
Breathwork (3 credits) |
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The theory and practice of
breathwork will be presented along with readings and techniques for
integrating the practices into ones life and profession. This course may be
taken through the School of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee, WI each year
with Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. November through the following April or via
distance learning. Distance students will listen to the class tapes, engage
in the exercises and write a paper. Completion of the requirements for
trainees in this course leads to certification as a Level I Entry Level
Breathworker. [Faculty: Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 525: Group
Facilitator Training (3 credits) |
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Learning how to facilitate
group energy to bring out the best in each participant, create a spiritual
focus and accomplish group goals is the focus for this class. Students will
study group process from a variety of theorists including making contracts
and effective contact, boundary setting, handling challenges and coming to
completion. In addition members will construct a group relevant to their
skills and interests that they will prepare to present in their community if
they choose. This course maybe taken through the School of Spiritual Psychology
in Milwaukee, WI with Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. January through April (odd
numbered years) or completed through distance learning. Distance students
will listen to tapes of six seminars, participate in exercises including the
construction of a group that they will present and on which they will report
or write a brief paper on group facilitation. [Faculty: Jim Morningstar,
Ph.D.] |
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SPY 526: Holistic
Counseling (3 credits) |
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Integrating holistic
principles into counseling will involve applying the theory and skills
learned in prior courses to the consulting room. In addition topics addressed
are ethics, diagnosis, institutional vs. private practice, credentialing,
levels of consciousness as well as spiritual and religious issues and an
overview of holistic techniques. This course may be taken through the School
of Spiritual Psychology in Milwaukee, WI with Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. January
through April or completed through distance learning. Distance students will
listen to tapes of six seminars, participate in exercises and write a paper
in the area of their interest. [Faculty: Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 601: Specialized
Intensives in Spiritual Psychology
(4-6 credits) |
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The goal of these
intensive experiences is to make breakthroughs in the students'
spiritual/psychological awareness, self-realization and ability to
communicate effectively and wholly to others. Seven days of intensive (all
day) workshop experience are required and maybe divided into two or three
different intensives (minimum intensive length 2 days). The focus of these
experiences is to expand and deepen one's spiritual/emotional/psychological
framework both intellectually and experientially, ultimately promoting well
being, centeredness and effectiveness even though there may be interim
unsettledness. Three intensives offered through the School of Spiritual
Psychology in Milwaukee, WI by Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. that meet these
criteria are the Enlightenment Intensive (2 days in Feb., even numbered
years), the Aliveness Intensive (2 days in Feb., odd number of years) and the
Breathwork Intensive (3 days twice per year May and October). Comparable
intensive experiences may qualify upon faculty approval. A written report
will be required for each intensive detailing the process, conclusions and
applications. Students are expected to be in contact with the subject matter
for a minimum of 200 hours. [Faculty: Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 611: Externship in
Spiritual Psychology (3-6 credits)
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The goal of the field
study is investigate core aspects of spiritual psychology within the
professional environment through close contact with practitioners and
"real world" situations. Students pursue the externship under the
direction of program faculty and an approved field site sponsor. Student
participation should cover a minimum of 250-300 hours of contact with the
subject matter. The field placement is expected to afford students
appropriate practical hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of their
professions. Students complete a daily journal and prepare a scholarly paper
summarizing their findings for the field study. Balance of clinical expertise
and personal incorporation is sought. This externship is supervised by SSP
faculty and may be taken on-site or at a sanctioned affiliate program of the
SSP. Examples of spiritual-psychological specialties are: Breathwork (Level
III Breathwork Practitioner status) bioenergetics, Enneagram, shamanistic
studies, mystical traditions and other recognized spiritual healing
approaches. [Faculty: Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.] |
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SPY 761–769: Selected
Topics in Spiritual Psychology (3
credits) |
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This course provides
students with opportunities for directed study in advanced aspects of
spiritual psychology under the mentorship of qualified faculty. Students
pursue selected advanced readings in spiritual psychology (as assigned by
faculty), conduct a library search of the existing literature in a defined
area, conduct field observations on this topic and prepare a reflective paper
under the direction of the course instructor. The goal of this course is to
open for closer student inspection a selected and defined area of Spiritual
Psychology. Suggested course emphases include holistic counseling,
breathwork, bioenergetics, Enneagram, shamanistic training, mystical
traditions. This course may be repeated provided scholarly topics are non
duplicative. [Faculty: to be assigned] |
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SPY 771–779: Advanced
Readings in Spiritual Psychology
(3 credits) |
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This course provides
students with opportunities for directed study covering advanced aspects of
spiritual psychology. All psychological schools eventually must confront the
fundamental question of the nature of the self. Jnana Yoga is the ancient
system of insight that promises liberation through this very process. It has
been expressed most vividly in the last century by the Indian sage Ramana
Marharshi and the philosopher Krisnamurti. Recently Eckhart Tolle has
presented these essential ideas in his entirely modern book, "The Power
of Now." This course will examine these writings as a means of
investigating the nature of consciousness and the path to freedom from the
mind. The study and practice of Jnana Yoga can be investigated in depth or
compared to another approach of one's own choosing (e.g., breathwork, bioenergetics,
Enneagram, shamanism). [Faculty: George Catlin, Ph.D.] |
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This is a new
course taught by George Catlin, Ph.D., of Carthage College |
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SPY 781–789: Special
Training in the Field of Spiritual Psychology (3 credits) |
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Students pursue special "outside"
training in spiritual psychology under the supervision of qualified faculty
and training sponsors, as appropriate. This course is intended to allow
students to add in a significant manner to their advanced knowledge in
spiritual psychology through hands on training under the leadership of
qualified individuals and organizations. Students begin the course with the
preparation of a brief training proposal and identification of selective
readings in support of the approved training. Training projects result in the
attainment of a completion certificate or letter of affidavit from the
trainer or training organization. Training may take the form of an on-the-job
training, on-site internship, an apprenticeship or other formal or
semi-formal training activity including professionally presented seminars,
conferences, workshops, symposia and retreats. This course may be repeated
provided the scholarly topics are non duplicative. [Faculty: to be assigned] |
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SPY 791–799: Special
Projects in Spiritual Psychology
(3 credits) |
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In collaboration with
qualified faculty, students pursue selected readings in study of Spiritual
Psychology and then prepare a brief project proposal. This course is intended
to allow students to add in a significant manner to the body of knowledge in
study of Spiritual Psychology through research, field investigations and
explorations of real world situations. Projects result in creating of a
unique original work by the student which might take the form of a videotape,
audiotape, CD, creative artwork, performing arts, printed materials, or a
scholarly paper by direction of course instructor. It may also take the form
of an organizing project through which the student establishes a program,
project, business or community based organization in the local community,
abroad or globally. This course may be repeated provided scholarly topics are
non duplicative. [Faculty: to be assigned] |
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Courses taught through
Akamai University and mentored by J. Morningstar and Akamai University
faculty: |
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EXM 880: Master's
Comprehensive Examination
(Required: noncredit) |
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Once you have completed
the coursework elements of your degree, you will be asked to schedule the
Comprehensive Examination. Your primary mentor and a faculty member
representing the secondary academic area conduct both the written and oral
components of the examination. The written portion is open book style with
selected essay questions requiring creative responses that reach for the
higher levels of cognition. Your answers are expected to draw from both the
primary and secondary competencies of your program with proper referencing of
the scholarly literature. The oral component of the examination is normally
completed by telephone conference and is intended to allow detailed investigation
of your written responses. (Primary Mentor and faculty) |
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RES 885: Thesis
Proposal (Required: 2 credits) |
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You are expected to
prepare a formal proposal related to your concept for research under the
direction of your primary mentor and according to University expectations. At
a minimum, your research proposal should clarify the thesis statement and
methodology (including the data gathering instruments and data analysis
techniques) and provide an effective overview of the scholarly literature that
sets the foundation for the thesis. Your research proposal should also
include a brief manuscript outline that demonstrates how you will present in
written form the various elements of the research project. (Primary Mentor) |
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RES 890: Thesis (Required: 4 credits) |
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Following approval of your
thesis proposal, you will begin your research project. Your thesis may take
the form of a traditional research project or it may be a major scholarly
project of the type appropriate to the discipline. Whichever approach to the
thesis is chosen, the resulting project must demonstrate mastery of a body of
knowledge in the major field of study, be your original work and represent a
meaningful contribution to the betterment of the human condition or an
improvement to the professional field. |
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Your thesis research may
be conducted via quantitative, qualitative, or participatory action research.
The body of your thesis manuscript, structured according to a set of approved
manuscript guidelines, should exceed 75 double spaced, typewritten pages. If
your thesis takes the form of a scholarly project, it must follow the
guidelines provided by the University for such projects. (Primary Mentor) |
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EXM 895: Oral Review of
Thesis (Required: noncredit) |
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The physical review of the
thesis manuscript usually takes the review committee four to six weeks. Each
reviewer will prepare questions and commentary relative to your underlying
review of the literature, the thesis methodology, the mechanics of your
project, and your presentation of the findings, conclusions and
recommendations. |
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The Oral Review of Thesis
is conducted under the direction of your primary mentor with the assistance
of one qualified member of the faculty. The examination is carried out by
telephone conference call and is designed to allow detailed investigation of
your thesis. The faculty reviewers explore with you issues related to your
thesis including methodology, review of literature and interpretation of the
findings. (Primary Mentor and Committee) |
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