Bachelors Degree in Consciousness Studies: Proposed 4-Year Curriculum Nathan A. Munn, M.D. Professor of Psychology and Consciousness Studies Helena College

Introduction Helena College experience Assumptions and parameters Goals Curriculum Addressing administration (if necessary) Remaining questions

Helena College Experience Introduction to Consciousness Studies 8 years and running Course content Textbooks and readings Guest lectures Subjectivity labs Student feedback Transferability

Assumptions and Parameters Focus on an undergraduate degree We don’t really know what consciousness is, thus curriculum needs to be broad Students attracted to a degree in Consciousness Studies will be motivated Specific course content only minimally addressed

Goals Provide a broad-based education in Consciousness Studies Educate students for careers in consciousness research and scholarly pursuits Prepare students for successful careers Provide undergraduate training that qualifies students for diverse graduate degrees

Curriculum Broad-based Program options Natural sciences Psychology Philosophy Consciousness courses per se Program options Pre-med Psychology Philosophy Neuroscience Consciousness Studies Theology

Courses: Freshman year, first semester Introduction to psychology – 3 Basic Human A&P – 4 Biology I – 4 College math – 3 College writing I - 3

Courses: Freshman year, second semester Introduction to sociology – 3 Introduction to philosophy – 3 Biology II – 4 College math II - 3 College writing II or Public speaking (if required by particular university)– 3

Courses: Sophomore year, first semester Chemistry I – 4 Physics I – 4 Introduction to consciousness studies – 3 Philosophy of mind – 3

Courses: Sophomore year, second semester Chemistry II – 4 Physics II – 4 History of consciousness studies – 3 Foreign language or core curriculum elective - 3 or 4

Courses: Junior year, first semester Basic quantum mechanics - 4 Fundamental theories of consciousness – 3 Methods for studying consciousness – 3 Program option course – 3 or 4

Courses: Junior year, second semester Biological psychology – 3 World religions - 3 Consciousness and art – 3 Meditation traditions – 3 Program option course – 3 or 4

Courses: Senior year, first semester Brain correlates of consciousness – 3 Quantum models of consciousness – 3 Extraordinary human experience – 3 Senior project – 3 Program option course – 3 or 4

Courses: Senior year, second semester Panpsychism, dualism, materialism seminar – 3 Senior project II – 3 Program option course – 3 or 4 Independent study in Consciousness Studies – 3

Addressing Administration Why should we start a degree in Consciousness Studies at this time? This a perfect time to start such a degree! The neuroscience is there The need for expertise in consciousness is crucial in our advancement of AI, treatment of mental illness, etc. The mystery of consciousness is a worthy pursuit per se. Combining all the perspectives in the field will only enhance our understanding of consciousness

Addressing Administration OK, again, why should we start a degree in Consciousness Studies? Will it directly prepare students for the work-force? Admittedly, no, it probably will not directly prepare for students for the work force at this time, but Jobs of the future do not exist today. Consciousness as an interest permeates many fields within STEM programs. Also, any undergraduate degree has students earn $17,000 more per year.

Addressing Administration Consciousness Studies sounds too mystical. Clearly consciousness emerges from brain function. Why not just have a neuroscience degree? Actually we do not know this for certain. Certainly emergent theories are possible, even likely. But in order to address the full issues in the mystery of consciousness all viewpoints need to be included.

Addressing Administration We’re on a tight budget. We really do not want to risk taxpayers’ money on student loans. How much is this going to cost? Nothing! Much of the degree is a re-arrangement of currently existing courses. Courses specific to Consciousness Studies won’t run unless there are enough students registered to have them pay for themselves.

Addressing Administration What caliber of students should we expect? The highest. The curriculum has academic rigor, a wide range of topics and fields, and a focus on quality. Consciousness is a “hard problem”. It requires highly intelligent, motivated students who can excel with an extensive educational curriculum.

Remaining Questions Where would this degree be “housed”? Neuroscience? Philosophy? Psychology? Its own division? Who is going to teach these courses? Home university with online adjuncts? Consortium? How will an undergraduate degree transition into graduate degrees in consciousness studies? Should there be a standardization of curriculum? Should students have to apply and be accepted?