Courses Offered by the Rhine Education Center
Academically Oriented Courses
Each of the academically oriented courses listed below are eight (8) week courses. Many of these courses may qualify as part of a Certificate Program. In order for a course to qualify for a certificate program, the course must be taken for a grade, and the student must post a passing grade for the course.
Click here to see a listing of more Academically Oriented Courses
- Introduction to Parapsychology
This survey course covers the basics of parapsychology including the topics addressed by parapsychology, the history of parapsychology, and the role of parapsychology in the sciences. Additional topics may include psi in different cultures, skeptical issues in psi, the theories behind psi phenomena, and the special ethical issues that occur in psi research. - A Scientific Approach to ESP (was Science of ESP)
This course will define the phenomena and experiences related to Extrasensory Perception (ESP) and provide an in-depth study of the current and historical evidence and research of Telepathy, Clairvoyance, and Precognition. The differences and similarities between these categories of psi experience/abilites will be discussed as well as an overview of what has been learned about psychological and physical variables and theories and models of ESP. Some of the basic topics related to Remote Viewing and applications of ESP will also be introduced to the class. - Dreams and Altered States of Consciousness
This course will examine altered states of consciousness including meditation, hypnosis, and drug induced states. In addition, dreams and dream research will be examined in detail.
- Energy Healing & Psychokinesis
Psychokinesis can take many forms including spoon bending and the manipulation of electronic devices. This course will examine the historical and current evidence of psychokinesis. In addition, the different methods of energetic healing will be examined in detail including a review of the research studies of healing energies. Is energy healing PK? – A theoretical outline.
- Human Consciousnes and Survival Studies
This course will review the characteristics of Near Death Experiences (NDEs), Out of Body Experiences (OBEs), and after death communication and examine the current research that is occurring in this area. It will include qualitative investigations, laboratory studies, of the effects of these experiences on individuals, and counselling efforts that have been used to help people with these experiences.
- Research Methods (for Parapsychology)
Parapsychology requires the use of detailed and specific research methods. This course will examine the standard research methods used in parapsychology including the review of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In addition, the language of research will be used in reports summarizing the different characteristics of research studies.
- Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is used in the laboratory to provide a structure for the examination of different phenomena studied in parapsychology. This course will examine quantitative methods in detail through the reading and evaluation of research articles.
- Qualitative Research
Many of the reports of psi experiences have not been captured in the laboratory. Some events cannot easily been studied outside of their natural environments. In these situations, qualitative research methods are more appropriate to conduct a study. This course will examine the methods used to collect qualitative data, analyze the data, and report on the data. This course will involve the review of qualitative studies and an evaluation of the quality of the study methods and reporting.
- Introduction to Analysis Methods
Statistical analysis is a necessary component to any quantitative research. This course will use SPSS software to introduce basic statistical method and analysis tools. Introductory level statistics will be used including the normal curve, descriptive statistics, standard deviation, variance, t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-squared analysis
- Exploring Exceptional Experiences
What types of experiences do people report? Who reports them? What are some of the theories behind some of these experiences? How are these experiences evaluated and investigated?
- A Cultural Approach to Psi: Paranthropology
Psi related events have been reported for hundreds of years in many cultures. This course will examine psi from a cultural perspective including faith healings, shamanistic practices, eastern medicine and chi, and divination techniques
- A Skeptical Approach to Parapsychology
Parapsychology has been criticized since the first attempt to critically examine psi phenomena. From examinations of early spiritualists to the introduction of current psi challenges, skeptics have played an active role in the progress of psi. This course will discuss parapsychology from a skeptical perspective including an evaluation of how skeptics have helped and hindered the progress of the science.
- Psychology and Psi
Introduction to Transpersonal Psychology. Personality and individual differences. The psychology of psi experiencers. Psychology and the psi researcher.
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