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Coursework Descriptions

Buddhist Meditation (BMED)

BMED 525 - Buddhist Meditation

(3 units) A comprehensive exploration of the theory, techniques, and transformative aspects of meditation within the Buddhist tradition. This course delves into the diverse array of meditation practices advocated in various Buddhist schools, ranging from mindfulness (vipassana) to loving-kindness (metta), concentration (samatha), and insight meditation.

Prerequisite: N/A

BMED 595 - Applied Buddhism in Society

(3 units) This course bridges Buddhist principles with their practical applications in real-world contexts. It explores how Buddhist teachings, ethics, and practices can be integrated and utilized to address contemporary societal challenges and foster positive change.

Prerequisite: N/A

Buddhist Philosophy (BPHIL)

BPHIL 515 - Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy

(3 units) This course studies the foundational principles, ideologies, and doctrines of Buddhism. This course explores the multifaceted aspects of Buddhist thought, including its core philosophies, historical development, diverse schools of belief, and the intricate interplay between theory and practice within Buddhism.

Prerequisite: N/A

BPHIL 530 - Comparative Religions and Philosophy

(3 units) A profound exploration aimed at deepening comprehension of Buddhist traditions and other religions and philosophies globally. Gain insights into the diverse perspectives that shape the understanding of spirituality and human existence. Navigate through the intricacies of belief systems, fostering a nuanced appreciation for the interconnectedness of religious and philosophical thought across cultures and epochs.

Prerequisite: BPHIL 515 – Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy

BPHIL 570 - Philosophical Discussions of Buddhism

(3 units) This course comprehensively explores the profound ideas, principles, and philosophical frameworks that underpin Buddhism. Students delve into the core tenets of Buddhist thought, examining key concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, karma, impermanence, and the nature of reality.

Prerequisite: BPHIL 530 – Comparative Religions and Philosophy.

Buddhist Texts (BTEX)

BTEX 540 - Reading the Buddha’s Words

(3 units) This course delves into the profound teachings of the Buddha. Designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of Buddhist scriptures, the course explores key texts, sutras, and discourses attributed to the Buddha.

Prerequisite: N/A

BTEX 545 - Buddhist Scripture Translations in the West

(3 units) This course studies the history, adaptation, and contemporary manifestations of Buddhism as it has spread and evolved in Western contexts. It examines the transmission of Buddhist teachings to the West, exploring the challenges, cultural adaptations, and the diverse forms that Buddhism has taken in Western societies.

Prerequisite: N/A

BTEX 560 - Sacred Texts in Buddhism I

(3 units) These courses analyze the foundational scriptures and revered texts within Buddhist traditions. Explore primary Buddhist scriptures such as the Pali Canon (Tripitaka), Mahayana Sutras, and Tibetan Buddhist texts, exploring their historical, cultural, and philosophical significance.

Prerequisite: N/A

BTEX 562 - Sacred Texts in Buddhism II

(3 units) These courses analyze the foundational scriptures and revered texts within Buddhist traditions. Explore primary Buddhist scriptures such as the Pali Canon (Tripitaka), Mahayana Sutras, and Tibetan Buddhist texts, exploring their historical, cultural, and philosophical significance.

Prerequisite: BTEX 560 – Sacred Texts in Buddhism I

BTEX 590 - Pali

(3 units) The Pali Language course familiarizes students with the basics of Pali, with a specific emphasis on comprehending the Pali Nikaya text Tipitaka.

Prerequisite: N/A

Buddhist Studies (BUDS)

BUDS 595 - Intro Buddhism & Social Issues

(3 units) This course bridges Buddhist principles with their practical applications in real-world contexts. It explores how Buddhist teachings, ethics, and practices can be integrated and utilized to address contemporary societal challenges and foster positive change.

Prerequisite: N/A

BUDS 620 - Spiritual Formation

(3 units) examines the ways influential thinkers have understood stages of transformation in spiritual development. Students explore the ways in which significant works may deepen their own personal practice as well as their approach to chaplaincy.

Prerequisite: N/A

BUDS 630 - Dharma Talk and Buddhist Rituals

(3 units) This course introduces the art of writing and giving dharma talks. Introduces the application of various meditation instruction and healing rituals. Working closely with the professor and their colleagues, students identify styles and methods to help them in their own ministry. Students also explore how to relate the professional imperatives of chaplaincy with the imperatives of the Buddhist faith.

Prerequisite: N/A

BUDS 640 - Spiritual Leadership

(3 units) This course introduces spiritual leadership and social ethics and considers values, responsibilities, functions, and resources for spiritual leaders. Students explore spiritual leadership in the Buddhist traditions and in the context of professional chaplaincy practice.

Prerequisite: N/A

BUDS 650 - Buddhist Pastoral Theology

(3 units) This course introduces the history, key texts, and practice of pastoral theology. Students gain background and methods necessary to make their own contributions to this area of writing. Students explore important texts for the particular chaplaincies in which they work.

Prerequisite: N/A

Women in Buddhism (BWMN)

BWMN 575 - Women in Buddhism

(3 units) This course discovers the roles, contributions, and challenges faced by women within the context of Buddhist traditions. Delving into historical perspectives and contemporary issues, the course examines the experiences of women in various Buddhist cultures. Topics include the portrayal of women in Buddhist scriptures, the evolution of gender roles, and the voices of women in shaping Buddhist practices.

Prerequisite: N/A

Communication (COMM)

COMM 500 - Intercultural Communication

(3 units) The Intercultural Communication course explores the complexities of communication across diverse cultural contexts. Students examine how cultural differences influence interactions, perceptions, and the exchange of ideas in various global settings. This course navigates through topics like cultural norms, values, language nuances, and non-verbal communication, fostering an understanding of how these factors impact intercultural relationships.

Prerequisite: N/A

COMM 510 - Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures

(3 units) We communicate with each other verbally and nonverbally. The ability to encode and decode nonverbal messages is central to effective communication within and across cultures. This course provides broad and specific knowledge and understanding of nonverbal communication in everyday life and social interactions. It aims to increase your knowledge, awareness, and understanding of nonverbal communication and its functions so you can mindfully appreciate and improve your nonverbal communication skills when communicating across and in between cultures.

Prerequisite: N/A

Counseling (CNSEL)

CNSEL 507 - Chaplaincy Roles and Competencies

(3 units) This course equips individuals with essential skills for effective chaplaincy. The course covers spiritual care, counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy, emphasizing ethical standards and professional practices. Through case studies and practical exercises, students develop competencies like active listening, cultural sensitivity, and interfaith communication to provide compassionate, context-sensitive support.

Prerequisite: N/A

CNSEL 541 - Spiritual Care and Counseling

3 units) This course prepares students to provide compassionate support for emotional and spiritual challenges. The course combines theory with practical approaches, emphasizing active listening, 37 empathy, and ethics. Topics include grief counseling, trauma-informed care, and interfaith communication, helping students develop skills to foster resilience, hope, and well-being in diverse contexts.

Prerequisite: N/A

CNSEL 620 - Group Psychotherapy

(3 units) This course provides clinical understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories. Discusses group leadership styles, basic and advanced methods and skills, and approaches to conducting group counseling as well as cultural/ethical issues and limitations.

Prerequisite: N/A

CNSEL 625 - Counseling Families

(3 units) This course surveys contemporary, multicultural, and contextual analyses of major models of couples and family therapy, the integration of various approaches in relationship therapy, and the process and outcome research that document the state of Marriage and Family Therapy effectiveness.

Prerequisite: N/A

CNSEL 630 - Counseling Adolescents

(3 units) This course surveys contemporary, multicultural, and contextual approaches to counseling theory and intervention. Covers legal, ethical, and cultural considerations. Explores mindfulness-based approaches, role play, and art and play therapy techniques.

Prerequisite: N/A

CNSEL 640 - Counseling Across the Lifespan

(3 units) This course explores lifespan development from a biopsychosocial perspective from conception to death, including age-change theories and human adaptations. Emphasizes research-based best practices and ethics of working with diverse older adults.

Prerequisite: N/A

CNSEL 650 - Counseling Couples

(3 units) This course offers an in-depth look at the current modalities of couples counseling including process and outcome effectiveness studies, as well as advanced assessment and intervention techniques. Cultural and ethical issues will also be discussed throughout.

Prerequisite: N/A

Ethics (ETHS)

ETHS 510 - Law and Ethics

(3 units) This course grounds in relevant ethical codes, practice standards, legal issues, and expectations of professional conduct. Ethical decision-making skills are honed using case studies and vignettes. Also addresses professional writing.

Prerequisite: N/A

Practicum (PRAC)

PRAC 540 - Practicum

(3 units) This course offers clinical experience at an approved practicum site with a focus on multicultural psychotherapy theory and related interventions. Coursework focuses on group consultation, assessment, case conceptualization, intervention, self-of- the-therapist, and self-care. Approved practicum placement must provide quality supervision and training.

Prerequisite: N/A

PRAC 531 to PRAC 536 - Service Learning:

(6 units, 1 unit for each class) This six-course series examines various types of service, from community to international. Special attention is given to Buddhist concepts of service and social engagement and how these are similar to and different from those coming from the Abrahamic traditions and secular contexts. Pass/No Pass only.

Prerequisite: N/A

PRAC 660 - Advance Practicum

(3 units) This course provides continued support for students’ hands-on clinical experience.

Prerequisite: PRAC 540 – Practicum

Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 520 - Psychopathology

(3 units) This course reviews the current taxonomy of Western psychopathology across the lifespan. Introduces etiologies, prevalence, symptoms, and treatments. Opportunities to interact with various consumers and families of consumers of mental health services are provided.

Prerequisite: N/A

PSYC 521 to PSYC 526 - Group Process

(6 units, 1 unit for each class) This six-course series delves into the exploration of "present moment" experiences, focusing on roles, dynamics, emotions, and responses occurring in real time. Through interactive discussions and practical applications, students develop key concepts and skills that enhance social support, strengthen cohort relationships, and build community connections. Pass/No Pass only.

Prerequisite: N/A

PSYC 580 - Buddhist Psychology

(3 units) This course offers a unique exploration into the intersection of Buddhist teachings and psychological principles. It delves into the fundamental aspects of human experience, emotions, and mental states as elucidated in Buddhist psychology. Students examine the intricate workings of the mind, exploring concepts such as mindfulness, compassion, and the nature of consciousness as outlined in Buddhist traditions.

Prerequisite: N/A

PSYC 610 - Psychological Testing

(3 units) This course covers psychological assessment procedures such as clinical interviewing, evidence-based diagnostic assessment, and behavioral assessment. Addresses test administration ethics, psychometrics, and cultural limitations of assessment practices.

Prerequisite: N/A

PSYC 630 - Trauma and Resiliency

(3 units) This course explores community disaster and trauma response, emphasizing developmental and multigenerational effects of trauma, and resiliency models for recovery.

Prerequisite: N/A

PSYC 640 - Psychopharmacology

(3 units) This course reviews current drug therapies for psychological problems. Discusses philosophical, ethical, and legal concerns regarding biological factors and drug treatment, along with the risks and benefits of drug therapies. Emphasizes cultural and ethical concerns.

Prerequisite: N/A

Statistical Analysis (STATA)

STATA 530 - Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis

(3 units) This course introduces the creation of sound research questions. Students review advanced quasi-experimental and experimental design methods (quantitative and qualitative), examine methods to analyze research data, and discuss the implications of data interpretation.

Prerequisite: N/A

Research Methodology (RESM)

RESM 500 - Academic Writing

(3 units) This course equips students with essential skills for effective scholarly communication. It covers various facets of academic writing, including structuring essays, conducting research, citing sources accurately, and refining critical thinking abilities. Throughout the course, students learn to craft clear, concise, and well-organized academic papers across disciplines.

Prerequisite: N/A

RESM 590 - Research Methodology

(3 units) The Research Methodology course builds upon foundational writing skills, focusing on advanced techniques for crafting essays and developing thesis-level work. It offers a comprehensive guide to writing essays, equipping students with tools to construct well-structured, compelling, and academically rigorous papers.

Prerequisite: RESM 500 – Academic Writing

RESM 592 - Research Methodology 2

(3 units) This course continues the development of essential skills for engaging in applied thesis project work, including research ethics, designing and completing a community needs assessment, analyzing results, and developing a plan for the thesis project.

Prerequisite: RESM 590 – Research Methodology

CAPS 599 - Capstone Thesis Project

(3 units) The course delves into the intricacies of essay composition, emphasizing thesis development, evidence gathering, critical analysis, and argumentation. Students learn advanced research methodologies, refining their abilities to locate credible sources, synthesize information, and incorporate scholarly literature effectively.

Prerequisite: RESM 592 – Research Methodology 2