Holistic Wellbeing
Course Number
Credits
Course Description
*This is a student taught course with a faculty sponsorship.
This course is designed with the understanding that human health is composed of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual parts. This class will give students an introductory understanding of integrative and cross-cultural healing approaches and how various processes contribute to holistic wellbeing.
This course will draw from movement, nature, community, creative expression (dance, music, etc.), ceremony, sacred space, sleep, food, meditation & mindfulness. We will contemplate how communication and boundaries relate to sacred space, how gratitude rituals can build mindfulness, and broadly inquire about the inextricable connection these topics have with each other and health.
This interdisciplinary class will be an experiential learning space for students to critically examine scientific research and study culturally significant and creative healing practices to expand their knowledge base and perspectives on healing. Self-reflection and small group discussions will provide space to recognize personal worldviews and perspectives and engage with diverse class dynamics of experience. Respect and thoughtful consideration will be a foundation for this class, each other, and the cultural lineage of the knowledge systems being explored.
Note: This class is not group therapy; experiential learning is not a substitute for professional counseling. Students interested in therapy will be referred to the Counseling and Wellness Center. Topics explored in class are for curiosity and academic pursuit.
Prerequisites
none
Materials Fee
Required Texts
The instructor will provide all texts, readings, and materials through Canvas or during class. Readings will be from peer-reviewed articles and various selections from:
Kimmerer, R. W. Mishkos Kenomagwen: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. (Milkweed Editions, 2013) ISBN 978-1571311771
Luger, Chelsey, and Thosh Collins. The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well. (HarperOne, 2022) ISBN 978-0063119208
Bachman, Nicolai. The Path of the Yoga Sutras: A Practical Guide to the Core of Yoga. (Sounds True, 2011) ISBN 978-1604074291
Van der Kolk Bessel. The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma. (Penguin Books, 2015) ISBN 978-0143127741
Blume, Arthur W. A New Psychology Based on Community, Equality, and Care of the Earth an Indigenous American Perspective. (Praeger, 2020) ISBN 978-1440869259
Credit/Evaluation
Through the course assignments, including Personal Ecostory, Identity Project, and 7 Circles of Wellbeing Project, learning objectives will be gauged by assessing student's participation, completion, and critical reflection. Active instructor feedback and consistent discussions will be utilized to communicate with students.
Narrative evaluation, S/NX grading.