Seminar: Seminar is a cornerstone of program work and a crucible for the life of our learning community. Traditionally, seminar is student centered and student led, but every seminar is different, and interpersonal dynamics have as much to do with a successful seminar as do preparedness and intellectual engagement in conversation. The faculty will determine seminar groups, and each group will spend time developing a seminar covenant and a variety of strategies for success.

Seminar discussion preparation – seminar is a privilege and each of you is expected to be well-prepared in advance for each of these discussions. The preparation that we ask of you will look different each week. We may ask for a written paper, a performative response to the reading (weeks 6 and week 10), a piece of visual art, a poem, or any other idea we conceive of.

Peer groups – you will divide into groups of three during week one’s seminar meetings. These Peer groups will each be assigned one seminar discussion to facilitate and will form the basis of individual study groups. Your peer groups will be expected to meet at least once a week outside of class time to review program materials and peer review sections of the formal research paper. You should document this in a Peer Group log and include it in your final portfolio.

Performative responses - During weeks 6 and 10 you will be asked to present a performative response to program materials. A paper outlining the specifics of the assignment will be handed out in advance. You will do this in small groups of 3-5 students and you will be free to choose your own groups from any students in the program.

Dream Journal – You will need to keep a dream journal by your bedside and if you remember any dreams, jot them down or draw them, etc. If you don't remember a dream the minute you wake up, take a moment to just notice anything that you may be feeling, remembering, imagining. Maybe just an image, a color, a mood or a feeling, etc. This works best if you take a moment to lie in the same position that you woke up in (if possible) before getting up. Moving the body and attending to other things, even for a moment, can dissolve the memory of the dreams. When people do this, then the dreams usually start to come up. This is a way to tap into the deeper wisdom coming from the Unconscious or the deeper level of the Self.

Final Research Paper – Writing is a window to critical thinking. We will provide you opportunities to strengthen your writing skills through multiple forums, which will culminate in a five-page formal research paper which will include multiple drafts.

Program portfolio: A final portfolio (a big 3-ring binder) displaying your quarter’s work is a requirement for credit. This portfolio will be a significant resource for your faculty in crafting your evaluation. Therefore, it should be well organized and reflect pride in your accomplishments. Don’t throw anything away until the program is over.

Evaluations: Do not schedule travel for the end of the quarter until you have scheduled your evaluation conference. Failure to be present for your evaluation conference can result in a loss of credit.