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Foundations, Certificate & Master's-level courses Jan 14 - Apr 21
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Soul Work
This course places creativity at the center of what the spiritual quest means for each student as our means of investigation, practice and reflection. The spiritual quest is the work of the human person engaging the life force and the soul enlivening one's life. Links theory and practice in personal spiritual growth, philosophy of formation and Pagan ministry in a way that is academically informed, honors the Earth and sentient life, and is communally relevant. This new core course focuses on a holistic spirituality-nurturing body, mind and soul life.
Master's level
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I wasn't sure what to expect: techniques, overview, etc. What I learned transcended those concepts. We were given a space to explore our questions, and the flexibility of the course structure to allow for questions and extra discussions was very helpful. The assignments gave me very practical tools to use in my practice with clients and in my own personal life, and I feel I have experienced definite personal growth as a result of this experience.
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Practical Chaplaincy 
Explores the unique role of the Chaplain in the three concentric circles of ministry: Family, Faith Formation and Ecumenical Community. First and foremost, the chaplain must be the spiritual minister and advisor of both his / her biological family and local faith family. Second, the chaplain must function in and minister to his / her faith formation. Third, the chaplain must function in and minister to the Ecumenical communities of faith, thus bringing spiritual relevance to the greater society. The Three Concentric Circles of a chaplain's ministry are interrelated and interdependent; this course provides the tools to function effectively in and move among all three circles.
Master's level
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Eastern European Pagan Traditions 
Eastern European Paganism typically receives little attention in the West. This unfortunate gap in our knowledge is countered in this course, which is a comprehensive overview of studies, scholarly works and current dynamics related to history, geography and heritage of the Eastern European Pagan Traditions in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Russia and republics of former Yugoslavia.
A Foundations CourseWednesdays 7 pm ET Spring Two
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| Paganism and the Body
Declaring that all acts of love and pleasure are the rituals of the Goddess, contemporary Pagans affirm the sacredness of the body and sexuality. Students will engage theological and ethical writings around gender, sexuality, and the body from Pagan and allied perspectives. Special attention will be given to same-sex relationships, BDSM, polyamory, transgender, and other expressions of gender and sexuality that are marginalized by mainstream society. Students will examine their conceptions of gender and sexuality and develop their own theologies of the body.
Master's levelMondays 9pm ET.
More Info & Register
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Religion and the Law
Post 9/11
Our legal structure and learn how find the law you need online. Learn how the First Amendment protects us from government assault and interference, and if the Patriot Act affects this, what freedom of speech and assembly mean. You will know how to confront discrimination in housing, employment and in child custody conflicts. Students will be trained to counsel Conscientious Objectors. Our free "public access," right to television, the best way to volunteer to assist Pagans who are incarcerated. With this knowledge, you can become a sword and a shield for our community.
Master's level AND Certificate
Tuesdays 9 pm ET
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Teaching Pagan Traditions
Teaching strategies in contemporary Pagan traditions include classrooms, workshops, coven and small group training, one-on-one apprenticeships, distance study, and more. These strategies provide wildly different experiences for both teachers and students. Not only do the styles have distinct advantages and disadvantages for conveying specific skills, but the ethical pitfalls and boundary issues of the different relationships vary. In this class, we will explore five models of teaching, learn about pedagogical techniques, consider the ethical obligations of teaching relationships, and discuss how to evaluate potential students and teachers.
A Foundations CourseNo class meetings Spring Three
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Sacred Lands and Spiritual Landscapes
April 12-13, 2013in Columbia, SCIn today's post-modern, urbanized world, where everything is a commodity, how and where do Pagans find their sacred places? How should we protect and maintain these sites? In colonized worlds, how do we avoid the appropriation of these lands? If Goddess is immanent in nature, what makes some places more sacred than others? How is our spirituality shaped by the land and our relationship with the land shaped by our spirituality? Brings together three noted scholars for a day and a half of presentations, paper panels and discussion. Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet Dr. Ronald Hutton here in the U.S. and to personally engage scholars Hutton, Leader and Griffin during the symposium as well as at social events like drumming, a tour of the historic old USC campus, and dinners with colleagues.
More Info & Register
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Earth Advocacy
Students will gain the background necessary to be an effective advocate for sound environmental policies and for green living strategies. Studies will include the basics of ecology and related disciplines, rehabilitative methods such as permaculture, the social, emotional and spiritual cost of habitat destruction, and the fundamentals of community action. Master's level
No class meetings
More Info & Register
The communities of scholars that these classes provide are by far CHS' most precious resource.
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Effective Web Site Development
Develop a strategic plan for the development of a web site for a pagan organization. This includes deciding key decisions regarding site navigation, software applications that will be used for the development of the site, and implementation of the strategic plan with the assistance of individuals with the necessary technical knowledge. The expectation is that at the completion of this course, the student will have the necessary professional skills to help any Pagan organization develop a web presence.
A Foundations Course
Mondays 8PM ET, Spring One
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Group Theory & Dynamics
Designed to assist Group Leaders in understanding the stages of group development, the dynamics of member interactions and what makes a group succeed or fail. Through exercises, class interaction, readings and written assignments, students learn to put various techniques to practical use in groups to which they already belong or plan to organize. With the development of these skills, the Group Leader is better prepared to deal with group issues and lead more effective, cohesive and productive groups. Master's-level
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Pagan Apologetics 1 
Paganism, as a belief system, is most congruent with both current scientific advancements and the psyche of the human being as they are understood today. Archaeological and textual evidence will be examined that will suggest that paganism of whatever genre is the indigenous religion of human beings on planet earth. This course lays the foundations from early tribal belief systems to the establishment first pagan societies in the Mediterranean, Near East, Middle East, Orient and the Americas and explores some of the common beliefs across these societies. Master's-level
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Toward an Engaged Pagan Spirituality
The "spirituality of engagement" is considered by many spiritual teachers and socially conscious activists to be the great sacred work of our time. A question they invite us to consider is this: How does one actually live this life of engaged spirituality here and now? This practical class will explore relevant questions, along with current teachings, understandings, and practices on the topic of engaged spirituality. Through use of examples from a variety of spiritual traditions, we will work to define not only our own personal engaged spirituality, but also that of an engaged Pagan spirituality.
A Foundations Course
Wednesdays 2 pm ET, Spring One
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Pagan Elders & Ancestors: Starhawk
Starhawk is best known for writing The Spiral Dance and co-founding the Reclaiming tradition of Witchcraft, but what don't you know about Starhawk? Her ideas have changed over the decades and the focus of her work has shifted. Her contributions span the gamut from composing ritual chants that have come to be known as traditional to blending magical practice with anti-globalization activism to teaching the practical skills of permaculture. In this course we'll sample Starhawk's writing from the 1970s to the 21st century, asking what changes her work has wrought in herself and in Pagan communities.
A Foundations Course
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Prepares Pagan leaders to engage with young people on a spiritual level. It is important that Pagan communities include age-appropriate activities and resources for all involved. This class offers strategies for Pagan ministry as students consider ways to serve children, youth, and young adults with successful, thoughtful ministry, including appropriate bridging ceremonies and programs. Areas of Pagan youth ministry include raising children Pagan, youth programming at Pagan festivals, coming of age ceremonies, and campus ministry.
Thursdays 9:00 PM ET, Spring Three
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Looking for a full semester of rich learning and interaction with diverse peers?
Check out our
and
Courses
Soul Work
Pagan Apologetics I
Science & Paganism
Paganism & the Body
Practical Chaplaincy
Earth Advocacy
Group Theory & Dynamics
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Looking for a shorter class on specific topics?
Four weeks long, Foundations are offered during three sessions each semester.
Eastern European Traditions
Effective Web Site Development
Toward An Engaged Spirituality
Pagan Elders & Ancestors: Starhawk
Teaching Pagan Traditions
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