SOPHIA INSTITUTE
Waldorf Teacher Training and Adult Education Courses
Foundation Studies Courses in Anthroposophy and the Arts
NAVIGATION
Foundation Studies Courses in Anthroposophy and the Arts Foundations of Waldorf Education ~ Art and the world-view of Anthroposophy ~ A modern path of knowledge and self-development
Fall Semester (September - December) - Sessions on Saturdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM and weekend workshops (Friday - Sunday)
Spring Semester (January - May) - Sessions on Saturdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM and weekend workshops (Friday - Sunday)
Summer Intensive - 3 Weekend Retreats - Sessions on Fridays PM, Saturday All Day, Sunday AM
The Foundation Studies Courses in Anthroposophy and the Arts are adult education courses based on the Anthroposophical Foundation Courses offered by the Waldorf Teacher Training Centers in North America. Participants can earn a Foundation Study certificate. The course is designed to meet the needs of those individuals who want to develop their artistic abilities, and acquaint themselves with, or deepen their understanding of the basic world-view of Anthroposophy brought by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). The achievements inspired by Anthroposophy can be seen today throughout the modern world. It is attracting those people who wish to work out of new impulses in the fields of agriculture, the arts, education, curative education, social therapy, and medicine. Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and the Arts, while providing a background for those wishing to become teachers in Waldorf Schools, also offers the opportunity to others who are interested in learning more about how they may work in the world, guided by a foundation in Anthroposophy. In the Foundation Studies Courses broad themes of the essential nature of the human being and human development are taken up on many different levels. The courses concern themselves with the study of evolving consciousness and personal growth, through conversation, on-going group work, artistic activities, guided studies, and workshops.
Part I:
Introduction to Waldorf Education
Introduction to the Path of Self Development as given in Anthroposophy
Artistic Courses
Wet method painting
Rudolf Steiner's Life and Work
Nature of the Human Being
Performing Arts
Child Observation
Handwork
Inner Work
Metamorphosis in Clay
Part II:
Introduction to Waldorf Education
The World View and Psychology of Anthroposophy
Artistic Courses
Nature of the Human Being
Child Observation
Handwork
Inner Work
Karma and Reincarnation
Independent Study Options:
- Philosophy of Freedom
- Veil Painting
- Cosmology
- Knowledge of the Human Being (Study of Man)
- Bio-dynamic Agriculture
- Parzival
The Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and the Arts are scheduled over the period of 1—3 years. Students will be able to fulfill the requirements on an individual basis. Foundation Studies include a variety of artistic courses, independent studies and study courses. Students learn about the different arts, and about the influence of Anthroposophy that has enriched, and transformed traditional art forms, and created new ones, like Eurythmy. Students have the possibility to practice the arts, learn new skills, or deepen their understanding of the arts. Besides Eurythmy, courses in music, speech, painting, drawing, handwork, modeling, and spatial dynamics are being offered. The study courses include in-depth study of the basic works of Anthroposophy, and offer the student the opportunity to explore the philosophical and psychological basis of the world-view of Anthroposophy and of Waldorf Education. Students will be challenged to critically examine the concepts and issues addressed in this world-view, which offers a modern path of knowledge and self-transformation.
Course tuition $350 - $450 per semester or per summer intensive (tuition assistance available for eligible applicants)
Feedback Forum:
"I found the readings, homework and discussions enlivening and awakening, and the artistic work very balancing and enriching. "
"Taking the Foundations Courses was an awakening experience for me. It inspired me to go deep and explore my spirituality. Thank you for this opportunity!"
"I thought the coursework was very thought provoking. The assignments fit well with the chapters we studied and were cleverly thought out."
"I enjoyed the artistic sessions the most and would have liked to have had more ... I liked the combination of some group movement activity followed by individual artistic work. The group leader had a nice way of involving humor, creativity and reflection in the sessions."
"I enjoy listening to and learning from Conrad. He is very knowledgeable and always willing to find answers to questions ... He is very respectful of others and creates a comfortable learning environment."