The Psychedelic Universe
This course provides an in-depth exploration of psychedelic consciousness across space, time, and culture. We analyze the imbrication of psychedelic drugs and human culture, from the mystery cults of the ancient world and indigenous societies to postwar hippie culture, ayahuasca tourism, and today’s “Psychedelic Renaissance.” Special attention is placed on the deep historical interconnections between psychedelics, culture, and religion. This two week programme offers learners a comprehensive examination of psychedelics.
Course Overview
This course provides an in-depth exploration of psychedelic consciousness across space, time, and culture. In this two-week summer course, we will analyze the imbrication of psychedelic drugs and human culture. The program starts by exploring the use of psychoactive substances in the mystery cults of the ancient world, moving across indigenous societies and the major world religions into the postwar hippie culture and the later boom in ayahuasca tourism, finally culminating in today's “Psychedelic Renaissance”.
Special attention is placed on filling in the gaps within the emerging field of psychedelic science, which has neglected the deep historical interconnections between psychedelics, culture, and religion from pre-history to the present day. This program offers learners from various backgrounds something they cannot find anywhere else: a comprehensive examination of psychedelics across time, space, and cultures.
Who is this for?
Advanced bachelor’s and master’s students; professionals working as clinicians, therapists, mental health workers, policy makers, educators, and psychedelic guides; PhD students and post-docs with sufficient background.
Prerequisites
Applicants should have a strong academic background and a desire to deepen their understanding of how psychedelics have shaped human history.
About the Provider
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the Netherlands' leading research universities, with its Amsterdam UMC Department of Psychiatry conducting clinical trials on psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapies for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
View University of Amsterdam profileCourse Details
- Price$1,500
- FormatLive Classes
- Lifecycle statusNo New Dates
- Skillshistorical analysiscultural interpretationanthropological studysociological explorationethical reasoningpolitical understandinginterdisciplinary researchcritical thinkingglobal perspectivesspiritual insightsHistorical analysis of psychedelic useUnderstanding of psychedelic spiritualitiesAnthropological and sociological interpretationAssessment of cultural and ethical issues
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