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Academic Year 2003/2004

Moral Psychology: Care of the Soul
PHIL 217 FA

Moral psychology is the study of our minds that is aimed at an understanding of how we develop, grow, and flourish as moral beings. In this course we will examine historical and contemporary texts from philosophy, psychology, and spiritual writings that deal with the nature of the good life for human beings, the development of virtues, and the cultivation of ethical understanding and moral sensibilities. Emphasis will be both on careful understanding of the texts and on the attempt to relate the theories discussed to our own moral lives.

Class will meet twice a week in lecture/discussion format. Each student must also be enrolled in one discussion section. Discussion sections will be focused on specific interests in or approaches to moral psychology such as clinical therapy, philosophical analysis, or spirituality in a particular religious tradition. The particular offerings of discussion section topics will vary from year to year. Each discussion section will have a distinctive set of additional readings and exercises.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Existentialism and Psychotherapy (Bank) - M 7 PM

This section is led by local therapist Stephen Bank, and will focus on psychotherapy from an Existential Viewpoint. The section leader writes, "We will read:

LOVE'S EXECUTIONER & OTHER TALES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY, by Irvin D. Yalom.

EXISTENTIALISM AND HUMAN EMOTIONS by Jean Paul Sartre.

Ten case studies of psychotherapy provide a starting point for discussing such questions as: are we really "free" to make choices or is our living determined by genetics, biology, or by the unconcious? What is freedom and to what extent can we hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions (and inactions)? How does existential psychology/philosophy differ from some of the philosophical approaches covered in the lectures? "

NOTE: The readings in Love's Executioner may make this section particularly of interest for students interested in pursuing careers in counselling or psychology.

Major Readings

Writing by classical and contemporary philosophers, developmental psychologists, and spiritual writers.

Examinations and Assignments

Students are expected to attend all plenary and discussion section meetings and to participate in discussion sections. Several short assignments over the course of the semester plus a longer final project.

Additional Requirements and/or Comments

The course will meet in lecture session twice a week. Each student will be expected to enroll in a discussion/practicum section, which will meet for an additional 90 minutes one evening per week. These sections will be oriented towards specific interests: philosophical analysis, clinical psychology, Christian, Jewish or Buddhist spirituality. The list of topics and times for these sections is not complete at the time the course information is compiled. If the information on specific sections content is not available online at pre-registration, look for it at the instructor's website: http://shorst.web.wesleyan.edu. This information will be important in helping to choose a discussion section that is matched with student interests.

Instructor(s): Horst,Steven W.   

Times: ..T.R.. 09:00AM-10:20AM; .M..... 07:00PM-08:30PM;     Location: PAC001

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 2   Jr. major: 2

SR. non-major: 2   Jr. non-major: 3   SO: 3   FR: 3

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning

SECTION 02

Christian Spirituality (Coolidge) - Tu 7 PM

Ted Coolidge, an Episcopal priest and former director of the Anand Center for Spiritual Formation at Berklee Divinity School at Yale will direct this section. The section leader writes: "What does spirituality have to do with moral development? Can spirituality itself be a form of therapy and if so what is its relation to psychology? How does a Christian spirituality respond to such questions, and relate to other spiritual traditions and forms? We will be exploring such questions in this group, drawing especially on the concerns and insights of members as they participate in class sessions and readings (plus class handouts). While the Christian form of spirituality will be the focus, all students are welcome and encouraged to enter into the discussion from their own religious or secular persuasion. Regular attendance at group meetings, and a brief paper, are expected."

Major Readings

Writing by classical and contemporary philosophers, developmental psychologists, and spiritual writers.

Examinations and Assignments

Students are expected to attend all plenary and discussion section meetings and to participate in discussion sections. Several short assignments over the course of the semester plus a longer final project.

Additional Requirements and/or Comments

The course will meet in lecture session twice a week. Each student will be expected to enroll in a discussion/practicum section, which will meet for an additional 90 minutes one evening per week. These sections will be oriented towards specific interests: philosophical analysis, clinical psychology, Christian, Jewish or Buddhist spirituality. The list of topics and times for these sections is not complete at the time the course information is compiled. If the information on specific sections content is not available online at pre-registration, look for it at the instructor's website: http://shorst.web.wesleyan.edu. This information will be important in helping to choose a discussion section that is matched with student interests.

Instructor(s): Horst,Steven W.   

Times: ..T.R.. 09:00AM-10:20AM; ..T.... 07:00PM-08:30PM;     Location: PAC001

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 2   Jr. major: 2

SR. non-major: 2   Jr. non-major: 3   SO: 3   FR: 3

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning

SECTION 03

FYI (Horst) - Wed, 7PM

This section, led by the instructor for the course, is restricted to frosh and will mainly follow the content of the lectures.

Major Readings

Writing by classical and contemporary philosophers, developmental psychologists, and spiritual writers.

Examinations and Assignments

Students are expected to attend all plenary and discussion section meetings and to participate in discussion sections. Several short assignments over the course of the semester plus a longer final project.

Additional Requirements and/or Comments

The course will meet in lecture session twice a week. Each student will be expected to enroll in a discussion/practicum section, which will meet for an additional 90 minutes one evening per week. These sections will be oriented towards specific interests: philosophical analysis, clinical psychology, Christian, Jewish or Buddhist spirituality. The list of topics and times for these sections is not complete at the time the course information is compiled. If the information on specific sections content is not available online at pre-registration, look for it at the instructor's website: http://shorst.web.wesleyan.edu. This information will be important in helping to choose a discussion section that is matched with student interests.

Instructor(s): Horst,Steven W.   

Times: ..T.R.. 09:00AM-10:20AM; ...W... 07:00PM-08:30PM;     Location: PAC001

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: X   Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: X   Jr. non-major: X   SO: X   FR: 15

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning

FYI:    First Year Initiative:Seminar

SECTION 04

Jungian Psychology (Englehardt) - Mon 7pm

Local therapist and clinical social worker Richard Englehardt will lead this section, in which students will learn about Jungian archetypes and other psycho/spiritual models, including Native American spirituality. The section leader writes, "We will be identifiying and tracing their activity and development in individuals through journalling, dreams and inner work; in contemporary culture through film and political discussion; and through history by examining folk tales and oral traditions. We will also provide opportunities to react to material presented in lecture and other subjects of interest to the students. Students will be expected to submit journal entries and dreams for class discussion and reflection."

Major Readings

Writing by classical and contemporary philosophers, developmental psychologists, and spiritual writers.

Examinations and Assignments

Students are expected to attend all plenary and discussion section meetings and to participate in discussion sections. Several short assignments over the course of the semester plus a longer final project.

Additional Requirements and/or Comments

The course will meet in lecture session twice a week. Each student will be expected to enroll in a discussion/practicum section, which will meet for an additional 90 minutes one evening per week. These sections will be oriented towards specific interests: philosophical analysis, clinical psychology, Christian, Jewish or Buddhist spirituality. The list of topics and times for these sections is not complete at the time the course information is compiled. If the information on specific sections content is not available online at pre-registration, look for it at the instructor's website: http://shorst.web.wesleyan.edu. This information will be important in helping to choose a discussion section that is matched with student interests.

Instructor(s): Horst,Steven W.   

Times: ..T.R.. 09:00AM-10:20AM; .M..... 07:00PM-08:30PM;     Location: PAC001

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 2   Jr. major: 2

SR. non-major: 2   Jr. non-major: 3   SO: 3   FR: 3

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459