HRD 522   Mysticism & Human Development

Spring, 2000
Time: Monday, 4-6:30
Room: 162 Science Building                                       

Instructor: Robert Atkinson, Ph.D.
Office: 410 Bailey Hall, Gorham
Telephone: 780-5078
Office Hours: Tue. & Wed. 2-4, & by appt.           

Email:   atkinson@usm.maine.edu

Course Description

This course explores the mystical tradition across the range of the world’s religions as a framework for understanding psycho-spiritual development. With its focus  in personal religious experience, mysticism is seen as providing a blueprint for the journey of the soul. The course examines the classic stages of the mystic way historically, theologically, philosophically, and comparatively to more clearly and fully appreciate the breadth and depth of human intellect, will, emotion, and spirit.

Goal

This course has the dual goal of providing a context for recognizing and understanding a spiritual foundation to human development, and of gaining an appreciation for the diverse, yet similar, range of religious and spiritual perspectives that shape the human quest for mystical union.

Required Texts

Baha’u’llah. 1945/1896. The Seven Valleys. Wilmette, IL: Baha’i Publishing Trust.

Carmody, D. L., and Carmody, J. T. 1996. Mysticism: Holiness East and West. New York: Oxford.

Harvey, A. 1996. The Essential Mystics: Selections from the World’s Great Wisdom Traditions. San Francisco: Harper.

Underhill, E. 1911/1961. Mysticism: The Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness. Oxford: One World. [Web Edition: http://ccel.wheaton.edu/underhill/mysticism/mysticism1.0html]

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

  1. Understand and connect theological perspectives of mysticism to theoretical perspectives of human development;

  2. Gain an appreciation of the universality of the underlying pattern of spiritual development;

  3. Describe the essential characteristics, components, and expressions of mysticism;

  4. Identify principles of spiritual development as found in the mystic way;

  5. Be conversant with a variety of spiritual perspectives that see life as a pilgrimage toward union;

  6. Understand the psychological aspects to the mystical tradition of the world’s religions;

  7. Become familiar with and begin to apply a spiritual practice, such as meditation, that might lead to greater self-integration and spiritual growth;

  8. Recognize the practical benefits and rewards of living the spiritual life; and,

  9. Use the knowledge gained about spiritual development to more effectively serve others.

General Policies

  1. Attendance at all classes is expected.

  2. Class discussion is considered to be a valuable part of the course, and everyone is expected to participate.

  3. All assignments are expected to be completed on time and will be considered late if not submitted by the class period immediately following the due date.

  4. Incompletes will only be allowed in extreme circumstances, and must be approved in advance.

Course Format

Each session may include discussion of the readings, small group activities, videos, or guest presentations. Open and frank discussion is encouraged, and respect of all viewpoints is expected. Self-reflection is also encouraged, especially in regard to one’s own experience of human growth and development.