Course Title: Classic Readings in Altered States of Consciousness
Instructor:  James T. Townsend
Course Day and Time:  WED. 1:25—3:35PM
Place:  PY115
Exams:  Midterm and Final
This course will offer a set of readings and discussion of various
approaches around the world and across vast time epochs concerning
the ways in which human beings have sought to alter their state of
consciousness.  The reasons include the search for enlightenment,
recreation, contact with the supernatural, health or medicinal
purposes, wisdom, and rebellion.  In some cases, it’s just a natural
phenomenon such as dreaming.  We discuss the latter as well as
various forms of meditation and other approaches to enlightenment
across (especially Eastern) Societies, dreaming, hypnosis,
psychoactive pharmaceuticals,  Many of the best books on some of
these subjects were written some years ago (sometimes centuries
ago!) and in some cases, even when approachable in theory in a
scientific manner, not much has been learned due to societal taboos
and/or government restrictions on such research.  Although this is a
fun course, it is also serious and demands some real work delving
into areas and readings that may seem rather esoteric to some.
Questions and discussion in class will be encouraged (up to a point
at least!).