While working as an Adjunct Professor at Nichols College I gained experience teaching various types of courses in Technology, Communications, and Humanities. My teaching philosophy embraces a mindful approach to learning that embraces interactive experiences through contemplative practices and nature-based environments. My field of study, Transpersonal Ecopsychology, invites a broad spectrum of contemplative concepts, practices, and learning methods I have applied in my humanities courses. Through each of my courses I aim to develop unique and interactive lessons and curriculum that is relevant, engaging, and creates an experiential learning environment. Below you can find a brief description of the courses I have conducted and their description.
Course Title: New Age: Faith or Fad?
School: Nichols College
Semester: Fall 2017
Course Description: The movement known as New Age or Metaphysical Spirituality has been growing exponentially over the last decades, creating questions as to whether it is truly a religion or a fad movement? This course examines the phenomenon of New Age origins, beliefs, and practices. Students will be expected to keep a regular journal, complete regular tests, a final exam, and a culminating paper. Class participation (and an open mind!) are likewise important components of this course.
Course Title: Digital Applications
School: Nichols College
Semester: Spring 2018, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Fall 2020*, Winter 2020-2021*, Spring 2021*,
Fall 2022*, Spring 2022
Course Description: A hands-on course designed to introduce the student to the software they will be using at Nichols and beyond. Students will become fluent with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), video-editing programs, and graphic design programs including Adobe Photoshop. By the end of the semester, students will create their own online portfolio to showcase the work they completed throughout the semester.
Course Title: Effective Speaking
School: Nichols College
Semester: Spring 2018
Course Description: This course introduces the principles of effective speaking that will allow students to increase their effectiveness in a wide range of public and social settings. Topics covered include content selection and organization, audience analysis, the use of technology, non-verbal communication analysis and the use of visuals. Students will develop and deliver a minimum of eight (8) presentations on a wide range of topics. The primary goal is to increase student’s skill and comfort level in delivering a presentation extemporaneously.
Course Title: The Nature Experience
School: Nichols College
Semester: Fall 2019, Spring 2021*, Fall 2022
Course Description: This course aims to engage students with the living world in various forms. Through this course, students will review philosophical texts, examine/create Art forms, have direct experiences in nature and write reflections based on their observations. The course will also discuss current events, phenomena, and cultural views surrounding the natural world. In doing so, students will gain insight into the possible values and beliefs human beings have towards nature. Course materials, discussions, and experiences will also encourage students to adopt new concepts and think critically in discovering and evolving their own philosophical understanding of the natural world.
Course Title: Awaken: The Art of Becoming
School: Nichols College
Semester: Spring 2022
Course Description: Introspective and self-reflective course which aims to understand and foster the path of Awakening, as applied to personal and spiritual growth, through exploring sacred practices, philosophies, and concepts rooted in spiritual and religious traditions. This course will require direct contemplation and demonstrated knowledge of course topics and ideas through weekly journals, reading reflections, group discussions, contemplative practices, reflection papers, a service-learning project, and a final exam.
* Designated E-Learning or Hybrid Taught course