REL 502: Spiritual Philosophies of the West throughout HistoryStephan Hoeller, Ph.D.This course explores Mediterranean Wisdom and the influence it has had upon Western culture and its spiritual philosophies, from the religions of the Goddesses Ishtar and Isis, to the worship of the slain hero-God Osiris, to the Greek mysteries of Dionysus and Orpheus, as well as the Eleusinian mysteries. This course looks at the religion of Mithras, ancient Persian god of light, an important forerunner of Christianity, the recurrent deific figure of Hermes Trismegistus, and the discipline of Alchemy, which acted as the mechanism whereby this ancient wisdom tradition was carried forward into the modern age. Three comprehensive lessons will be devoted to studying the nature, symbolism, and objectives of the ancient wisdom tradition of Alchemy, seen largely through the eyes of modern Jungian psychology. Student Outcomes for This CourseOutcome #1: Students are acquainted with the mystery traditions of the ancient Mediterranean cultural matrix. Outcome #2: Students are learning the connections existing between the mystery traditions of the ancient and late-ancient world on the one hand and the alternative mystical spiritual philosophies present in Western culture today. Outcome #3 Students are acquainted with the philosophical ideas Western culture has inherited from the mystery traditions of the ancient world. Outcome #4: Students are learning the psychological elements present in ancient mystery practices, such as transformation, archetypes, etc. Course Sessions and TopicsThis course is organized into ten one-hour audio sessions. The introductory session on Spiritual Philosophies of the West is presented in both an audio and video format to better acquaint the student with Dr. Hoeller. The ten sessions are organized into a thoughtful effective presentation on this topic. We recommend you study the course tapes in their sequential order:
Required ReadingHoeller, Stephan, Jung and the Lost Gospels, Wheaton, IL: Quest Books (Theosophical Publishing House), 1989. ISBN# 0835606465 Meyer, Marvin W., The Ancient Mysteries: A Source Book, University of Tennessee, TN, 1999. ISBN# 081221692X Recommended ReadingsLuck, George, Ed., Arcana Mundi, Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1985. Mead, G.R.S. (Transl.) The Hymns of Hermes, Grand Rapids, MI: Phanes Press, 1991. Meyer, Marvin W., Ed., The Ancient Mysteries , San Francisco , CA : Harper and Row, Perennial Library, 1987. Phone Conferences – Tuesdays, October 10 and November 7, 2006From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Coast time, all students participate in these conferences with Dr. Hoeller. The first conference will also give you an opportunity to clarify any questions you may have about the course. Each conference has been designed around lectures and topics. Students will receive credit for participating in the telephone conferences. See Phone Conferences with Faculty for the conference calling process. Topics and Issues for First Conference Call – Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Topics and Issues for Second Conference Call – Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Email Discussion Group "thetruth"Email discussion groups encourage group discussion on the topics, issues and concepts presented in each course. Students are encouraged to use this discussion forum to share their ideas, insights and questions with one another. A single email message reaches all students at one time. Note: Dr. Hoeller can not be contacted by email but this group is essential for disseminating information about phone conferences and exanimations. No credit is given for email activity in this course. This discussion group has also been put in place to help remove some of the geographic isolation which may be felt between students, and add an extra link to the natural and vital bond that develops in any spiritual community. All students with a current email address listed with Holmes Institute are automatically subscribed to the email discussion group for this course. Use this email address: If you desire to respond to an individual in the group, please use his/her personal email address on your class roster or the Faculty Directory for Fall 2006 in this Guide. Course Outline - Weeks 1 through 5This outline gives a brief description of how to pace your self-study and gauge your progress in the required course activities throughout the academic quarter. Lesson Objectives: By the end of the fifth week, students are able to: Objective #1: Identify the mystery traditions of the ancient Mediterranean cultural matrix. Objective #2: Compare and contrast the mystery traditions of the ancient, late world as well as the mystical spiritual philosophies present in Western culture today.
Assessment Experience #1: Students will write a brief essay on a question that will be sent to you by October 14, 2005. The paper should be 2 pages single space or 4 pages double space. The papers must be mailed to Dr. Hoeller postmarked no later than Monday, October 23, 2006 No email or faxed papers will be accepted. Please include a large self-addressed envelope with adequate postage. Dr. Hoeller will return your papers directly to you for the first assessment. Course Outline - Weeks 6 through 10Lesson Objectives: By the end of the tenth week, students will be able to: Objective #3: Identify the philosophical ideas Western culture has inherited from the mystery traditions of the ancient world. Objective #4: Describe psychological elements present in ancient mystery practices, such as transformation, archetypes, etc.
This assessment experience will be cumulative and composed of two parts: Part 1: There will be a final examination related to objectives #3 and #4. Part 2: Write a 5 - 9 page topical paper on a subject to be decided upon by Dr. Hoeller. Your final examination must be received by Dr. Hoeller postmarked on or before December 4, 2006. Guidelines for SuccessStudent work in this course will be evaluated on the following: (1) the student's ability to write to the topics with complete accuracy in all descriptions, showing accurate comprehension of the course lectures and reading, (2) the student's ability to demonstrate insight and understanding of the interrelationships between the cultures and traditions presented, (3) the student's ability to write clearly and concisely, and (4) the student's ability to organize their thoughts and ideas in a thoughtful presentation. Students can expect letter grades to drop by one half if final examination and paper are not received by published due date.
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