Psychedelic Class at College of DuPage

Bruce Sewick, a professor at College of DuPage in Illinois, has begun teaching a course about clinical research on psychedelics. After experiencing his mother's end-of-life anxiety while she was battling cancer, Sewick was inspired to research the healing potential of psychedelics such as MDMA and LSD.

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/warrenville/topstories/x655471742/Psychedelic-studies

 

^ super jealous!

 

WOAH! That's awesome! I'm sure he's one of the guys we'll learn about. It's funny because I found out about this class via MAPS (The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies). I was REALLY surprised to see the local college offering this. Usually it's the big state universities that offer these type of classes. Now I'm going to be taking my first college class. Excited for this Thursday! :2thumbsup:

 

Each desk will be supplied with its own glow sticks and lava lamp.

 

This is a big step in the right direction. Education is key with these things.

 

Can't wait for the hands-on portion of the final exam. haha jk

Although it'd be cool to take information I learn from this class, and apply it to my own future psychedelic experiences.

 

Are you actually taking this course? If so that's really cool.

If you're not, not to downplay him or his course, but I imagine a short introductory course like that would have information easily accessible through just a cursory glance at the mountain of literature on the subject. Many excellent books out there about psychedelics. One of my favorites is:

 

Yessir, I am! At first I thought I couldn't take it, because I've never been registered as a student there before and it was a bit short notice (plus I haven't even gotten my GED yet sssshhh). But there weren't any prerequisites or anything, so everything worked out perfectly.

And that's actually one of the books that's pictured in the article! haha As well as Psychedelic Medicine. I've heard good stuff about that.

Yeah, I feel like I could use the class experience personally, especially with a subject I'd really enjoy. Plus I feel like this teacher will have some cool knowledge up his sleeve which isn't otherwise apparent. Believe it or not, but I personally feel called to take it.

 

The class is by far the most legit thing ever. Lots of good and open discussion. Today's lesson was about the failure of the drug war, and comparing the safety of different drugs based on science, and not politics. We'll also be learning about the spiritual use, the culture of the 60's, use in treatment/therapy, creativity, etc.

The teacher has actually met Ram Dass and all the other big players in the psychedelic community. In a couple weeks we'll even have Dr. Tom Roberts as a guest speaker, who coined "Bicycle Day".

The teacher's also got access to a bunch of rare videos that we won't see anywhere else. And Higher Wisdom is technically our textbook.

I think that's about as much as I will say. haha You get the idea. There will be a fall course as well. He also said he plans on offering an online course, but nothing beats being there in person IMO. If there's any psychedelic activity around your area in the form of classes and/or lectures or studies, I HIGHLY recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.

 

This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine

Happy Thread!

But I wonder how long it will last when the righties get all hot and bothered... so play it cool, streeetchhhhh it ouuuuuutttttttttt (Hahaha, just at the one minute mark of A New Way to Say Hooray). Enjoy. I think you caught a wave. Hope there's more behind it.

 

Right on, brother! Thanks for the far-out groovy encouragement. Peace and love to you!

 

So how class going?

 

Very good, very good. Very informative. The guest speaker Dr. Tom Roberts two weeks ago was awesome. He plays a big part in the psychedelic community. And this past week the teacher gave a very comprehensive lecture. We watched a documentary about ibogaine as well, and I knew next to nothing about it beforehand.

There's also some extra credit we can complete online. I'm still working on writing about a drug from Erowid, and how it can be beneficial or harmful to society. My choice, cannabis. :ssmokeit:

The final paper is going to be based on one of the chapters from the book Higher Wisdom.

 

Are these classes recorded maybe? Can we watch them online?

 

No, sorry. And huge parts of the class are spent watching documentaries.

He did say he plans to make an online class out of it, but it's just not the same IMO. (I love the discussions.) I would recommend watching some of the online MAPS conferences, though. They've got really good stuff.

And I believe the guest speaker that we had a few weeks ago says there's a recording of him online giving an almost verbatim lecture.

I could probably find some relevant interesting links if you want. And you should definitely buy the book "Higher Wisdom". We're writing a paper on one of its chapters, and that's half the grade. Incredibly insightful. I would make that my starting point.

 

Sure real life meetings are better, but it's impossibile for me as I'm far far away. I'll be thankfull if you find these vids.

 

Yeah, I'm forgetting how rare a class like this really is. I'm usually not used to exciting stuff happening in my parts. I hope there's enough students next semester to keep it going....

I've got work to do for it, mainly a paper to write and lots of resources I should look through. I'll keep in mind about sending you the links at some point.

 

Oh man, that is awesome!

Very happy for you, and glad the course is delivering as you expected.

Put forth 100% effort, and prove to the instructor and the university that the world needs more things like this... It would be a damn shame to see the "lazy, apathetic stupid druggie" stereotype perpetuated through this class.

This is great though, good energy all over :2thumbsup: