Project X is an experimental set of new courses at Saybrook for which:
Facebook is the learning platform (because it's easy and fun),
Online resources are used for learning materials (so nothing more to buy)
Members of our faculty have chosen topics that they think passionately about, that keep them up at night, and are on the cutting edge of their fields. Project X courses start when faculty members present videos, articles, blogs, and webpages that expose students to current research, ideas, and debates in the field.
Students post their reactions, thoughts, questions, and information they find on the internet. The instructor and other students respond, interact and learn from one another on the Facebook platform. It's like in a graduate seminar but entirely online, using only web resources.
Project X kicks off with 4 courses (one from each School). All the information you need is below.
Courses
What in the World is Going On?:
Evolution and the Meaning of Life (PSY 4646)
[1]
Instructor: Bob Schmitt, PhD
School of Psychology and Interdisciplinary
We will explore how the theory of evolution affects the meaning each of us gives to life and our place in the universe. We will focus on three questions: (1) different interpretations of evolution, (2) the effect of belief in evolution on one's view of the world and life's meaning, and (3) the impact of belief in evolution on a existential psychology, religion, consciousness and spirituality.
Music, Health and Healing:
Notes on the Key to Wellness (IHS 5656)
[2]
Instructor: Eric Willmarth, PhD
School of Mind Body Medicine
Music may be one of the oldest forms of healthcare and yet we still have little understanding of the nature of music or its healing qualities. This course allows students to use their own experiences and the vast literature on the subject to gain greater understanding of the role music can play in maintaining and restoring health. This is an interactive, integrative course. Be one of the first to experience learning in Project X!
Effective Therapy and Healing in a Diverse World (PSY 3636)
[3]
Instructor: Louis Hoffman, PhD
School of Clinical Psychology
What makes a treatment effective? How do we know? This course examines what makes varied approaches to healing and growth, including psychotherapy and indigenous approaches to healing, effective in achieving diverse outcomes such symptom relief, increased relationship satisfaction, and deeper meaning in life, amongst other possible outcomes. Particular attention is given to diversity, including the role culture plays in determining what methods are the most appropriate and effective in helping people seek their desired outcomes. Students are encouraged to take creative approaches to integrating varied approaches to healing and considering the evidence basis of these different approaches.
Evolutionary Leadership for Sustainability:
From Systems Thinking to Systems Being (ORG 7676)
[4]
Instructor: Kathia Laszlo, PhD
School of Leadership in Organizational Systems
What kind of leadership is required to address the complexity of the interconnected problems of the world? How can I be part of the emergence of a sustainable world? What if my being is as important as my doing? These are some of the questions that I have been asking myself for the last 15 years. Working with organizations and communities, supporting the development of leaders and entrepreneurs, I have come to appreciate the relevance of systems thinking. But more importantly, I have come to believe that we need to "be the change we wish to see in the world". In this course we will come together to share what we know about leadership, sustainability and systems and to explore the ways in which each one of us, as unique human beings, have a responsibility and an opportunity to live a life of integrity while we contribute to the healing of ourselves and our world.
More Information
Grades
Project X courses are Pass/No Pass – letter grades aren't awarded.
Credit
Students in the School of Clinical Psychology, the School of Psychology and Integrative Inquiry (PII), and legacy PHS Organizational Systems students will receive the standard 3-unit credit towards their degree for the semester course. For MFT-PCC students, these elective courses do not count towards their degree. Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) and Seattle-program based Leadership in Organizational Systems (LIOS) students, will need to check with the Registrar for details.
Cost
For degree-seeking PII, Clinical Psychology, and legacy PHS Organizational Systems students, there is NO additional cost to your flat-rate tuition. MBM and Seattle-program based LIOS students will need to check with the Registrar for details.
Not a Saybrook student? You’re welcome too! Contact Benjamin Platt (bplatt@saybrook.edu[5] - 415.403.1210) to get started. Saybrook Alumni get a discount.
Where
Since they're taught on Facebook, you can take them from anywhere in the world.
How do I enroll?
All current students (except MFT-PCC) should contact Jessie Hill (jhill@saybrook.edu[6] - 415.394.6249).
