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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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?