Courses

EDU 200
Foundations of Contemplative Education (3)
This course lays the ground for discovering the richness and dignity of ourselves and children. Through an exploration of Shambhala and Buddhist approaches to contemplative education and by studying the principles of holistic education, we engage in creating a dynamic and fluid philosophical ground from which to build. Students learn to work with their minds directly, gently and creatively. During the class they develop practices in mindfulness/awareness, sensory awareness and contemplative educational observation. These practices enable students to better understand themselves and children without prejudice and aggression. Students are instructed in sitting meditation and are required to have a regular meditation practice.

EDU 245
Education, Culture and Critical Pedagogy (3)
Education, culture and critical theory promote the idea that education is to help students make sense of their world and at the same time help students make sense of themselves in the world. Students are both subjects and objects of education. They are the learner, teacher and the researcher. Through the study of critical theory, this class explores the questions of what education can be, develops skills to uncover what education actually is and deepens students’ understanding of the contradictions that have shaped their own and other people’s consciousness. This course deepens the students’ appreciation of inquiry through literary review and discussion and increases their ability to recognize the ways power operates to create oppressive conditions for some groups and privilege for others. Students gain skills in challenging the more common views of reality.

EDU 310
Kindergarten Magic (3)
This course is a wonderful opportunity for teachers of young children to focus on the artistry and essential skills of being a preschool or kindergarten teacher. Movement, story, song, crafts, puppetry, circle time and painting are explored. Students create an environment for each other to work with those skills and discover their own creative impulse in relationship to sharing the magic.

EDU 330
Holistic and Contemplative Teaching Traditions (3)
During this course, students encounter some of the most important contemporary holistic and contemplative approaches to teaching young children. The study focuses primarily on the contemplative traditions of Shambhala, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia and others. On-site observations are done in preschools that use these approaches. Students explore and compare these traditions to enhance their development as teachers. In this process they begin to incorporate personally meaningful aspects of these traditions into their own emerging and unique teaching styles. Sitting meditation requirement.

EDU 352
Poverty Matters (3)
An exploration of the beliefs and myths surrounding poverty and its effects on people, the environment and the communities of practice. Opportunities are provided for students to gain a deep understanding of diversity by developing relationships with the people of Jalapa, Nicaragua, and participating in a two-week residential program, or by working locally with diverse populations who are economically challenged. It is not necessary to have Spanish as a second language for the work in Nicaragua.

EDU 360
Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs (3)
This course examines Colorado‘s minimal licensing requirements, as well as optimal standards pertaining to the operation of programs for young children. This course focuses on the director’s administrative skills and role as a community advocate for young children and addresses ages birth through age twelve. Course content focuses on establishing a new center, administrative functions
and advocacy.

EDU 365
Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Professions (3)
This course focuses on the human relations component of an early childhood professional’s responsibilities, including director-staff relationships, staff development, leadership strategies, parent-professional partnerships and community interaction.

EDU 380
Observing Early Development I (3)
A study of the development of children, ages birth to three with particular emphasis on toddlers and three-year-olds. The approach begins with firsthand contemplative observation, then proceeds to studies of relevant developmental theory within a contemplative context in the areas of body, speech and mind.

EDU 385
Observing Early Development II (3)
A study of the development of children ages four to eight with emphasis on four to six-year-olds. As in EDU 380, the study begins with firsthand contemplative observation then proceeds to relevant developmental theories within a contemplative context of the areas of body, speech and mind. Prerequisite: EDU 380.

EDU 393
Issues in Education: The Mary Culkin Series (3)
A public lecture series through which students can learn about a wide variety of issues in the field of education, including early education, higher education and contemplative education. Regional and national leaders address such topics as diversity and multicultural perspectives, public policy, current research, spirituality, leadership and other key issues of interest to educators. Through this broad survey of topics, we become connected to the larger education community. A companion discussion forum is available for students taking this for credit. Course work includes relevant readings and response papers relating to each topic.

EDU 404
Maitri and Learning Styles (3)
Students study and practice the traditional five Buddhist energy styles in relation to teaching and learning. Integrated into this approach is an exploration of multiple learning styles. Adapted for westerners from the tradition of Tibetan yoga, maitri training is a sophisticated method of cultivating awareness of the emotions and developing appreciation of discrete styles of statement in ourselves and others. Students learn how they might manifest these intrinsic wisdoms in their own educational journeys, in teaching, in curriculum development and in creating learning environments. Prerequisite: Established meditation practice and permission of instructor. Materials fee.

EDU 420
Energy and Expression in the Classroom (2)
The art of teaching through awareness of and synchronizing with the energetic expressions of young children is cultivated. The aim is to develop teaching skills that nurture graceful and expressive movement and authentic social and emotional skills in children. Educational strategies that address the wide variety of issues within these areas such as behavior, discipline, making transitions, developing an individual sense of body/mind and creating a caring community are studied. Through observations, discussion and experiential exercises, students learn to meet and guide the energetic needs of individuals and groups of young children.

EDU 430
Teaching Young Children (3)
This course brings a contemplative view to learning the skills necessary for teaching preschool children, emphasizing the importance of observation and reflection. The class combines lecture, discussion, observation and experiential approaches. Students utilize developmentally appropriate practice and the seven core dispositions of teaching to examine the dynamics of the child, the adult and the environment within a contemplative setting. The class visits each of the internship settings and students are assigned their internship placements for the spring semester. The study of preschool teaching then focuses on the details of that particular philosophy and teacher.

EDU 450
Supervised Teaching Practicum (4)
This practicum provides supervised internship teacher training in a contemplative preschool setting. As the culmination of the BA program, this course is an internship with a skilled teacher who practices contemplative preschool education. Interns practice and are trained in all the skills
of teaching a preschool class. Supervision includes regular meetings with the supervising teacher, the teaching team and the program director. Prerequisite: EDU 430. Open to program students only.

EDU 499
Independent Study (1–3)