The objectives of this discussion-intensive course are for you to:

 

-become familiar with a broad range of writings which explore various aspects and paradigms of human understanding of selfhood and the divine;

 

-reflect on a variety of textual conceptualizations of the self and its place in society;

 

-explore in some depth spiritual teachings of several cultural traditions;

 

-develop skills in critical thinking through thoughtful reading and discussion of and reflective writing on our chosen texts.

 

The course will encourage you to take responsibility for your views, probe and question them, discuss them with your group mates and actively search for answers as a group. It is expected that as you ponder, discuss, and write about two of our focal topics, the Self and God, you will not only acquire intellectual knowledge about these important concepts but will also enhance your own self-awareness, become more conscious of your views and be able to effectively express them.