LIBS 320 /420D - Elective Seminars in Core D,Consciousness and Reality

Institution:

Sonoma State University

Subject:

Description:

Courses in this core area will deal with such issues as the study of biology as it relates to psychology, consciousness as it affects and is affected by perceptions of reality, meaning-making as a necessary human achievement, and identity formation as it is understood in the light of developmental psychology and the nature-nurture controversy. You will have the opportunity to formulate your own thoughts about the status of human consciousness and reality and include that formulation in this section. S tructures of Consciousness A survey of the structures of consciousness and the processes of reality construction, which are fundamental to human experience and inquiry in any field. The course may cover the concepts of consciousness and the unconscious found in such fields as phenomenology, psychobiology, sociology, psychoanalysis, transpersonal psychology, Eastern philosophy, and intellectual history. Page 234 Hutchins School of Liberal Studies Sonoma State University 2006-2008 Catalog A bsurdity and Meaninglessness Life might be without inherent meaning or it might be without a meaning we can understand. Either way, human desires for logic and immortality are futile. Between this yearning for eternal truth and the actual condition of the universe there is a gap that can never be filled. We are forces to define our own meanings, knowing they might be temporary. In this course we will approach the absurdist and existential dilemmas of human existence. We will attempt to describe our desire to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe. We will examine free will, choice, personal responsibility, and the search for order that brings us into direct conflict with nature. But be assured: all will not break down into chaos; our experience of the absurd and consciousness of death will be the proof of our uniqueness as well as the foundation of dignity and freedom. We will revolt against tomorrow and as such come to terms with the present moment. E ncountering the Transcendent A critical look at all sorts of religions, aesthetic, extreme, and transcending experiences. This course will offer students the opportunity to analyze and evaluate religious, aesthetic, sexual, and chemically triggered experiences from a variety of cultures and religious traditions. Drawing upon seminal texts in philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and sociology, we will examine testimony of transcendent experiences found in sacred texts, autobiographies, poetry, popular music, art, and literature. D eath, Dying, and Beyond Confronting death brings us fully to life. This course will examine death, the process of dying, and the spiritual possibilities of passing beyond through art, film, medicine, psychology, guided meditations, and humor. Written and experiential assignments will engage our analytic, creative, and spiritual minds. Be advised that the course can be emotionally challenging.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.sonoma.edu

Phone Number:

(707) 664-2880

Regional Accreditation:

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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