Thursday, May 7, 2026

Summer semester 2026

 Canvas courses do not open until 5/11 so I amy not be able to complete my planning until then. 

World Religions - Async  

Major Assignments:

  • Reading Presentation 25%  - Present on one of the course’s readings. A sign-up sheet shall be provided during the first week of class
  • Field Trip Presentation - Visit a religious site or service and present on it in the “Field Trip” section of the course. Keep presentations to under 10 minutes in length. Tell us about the site or service and about your experience visiting. 
  • Final Paper - Write a paper 10-15 double-spaced pages in length on a relevant topic within the scope of the course. Submit the paper by the end of the term. Yes, so long as it relates to the topic of the course seriously, you can write about it! The vast world is yours to contemplate and to write about! 
  • Will most likely have weekly discussion boards and recorded lectures. That was his style last semester. 

Books:

  • Perry, W. N. The Spiritual Ascent: A Compendium of the World’s Wisdom. Louisville: Fons Vitae, 2008. 
    • ISBN-13: 978-1887752046. 
    • ABE BOOKS - $34
  • Smith, H. The World’s Religions. New York: HarperOne, 2009.
    • ISBN-13: 978-0061660184
    • ABE BOOKS - $6

Spiritual Companionship 2
  • Weekly Written Reflections for ALL readings. Reflections should be 1 or 3 short paragraphs (per reading) that engage some of the following questions: What surprised you in this week’s readings/video as particularly interesting or curious? What confused you? What resonated with you? Where in the reading did you experience resistance? What topic(s) had you thinking realignment was needed? - Due before class on Thursdays. 
  • Professional & Ethical Materials Preparation (a document/brochure describing your services) - Due Thursday, 06/6, 5pm: Complete practical project relating to the professionalism and ethical practices of spiritual direction/companionship
    • 1) design a written agreement regarding accompanying relationship (sample in Spiritual Direction Student Manual, Form 5); https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sK9FhFd3gscyT-t0UVrQpkOBSCONjNeZ/edit#bookmark=id.6vx2xmw0i795
    • Include but not limited to: confidentiality statement, fees, time and session changes, etc.
    • 2) compose a list of contacts for referral purposes; If a directee’s case is outside of your skill set use referral list for consideration
    • 3) complete personal growing edges/gifts reflections. (Evolving Document)
    •  The reflection is for you to talk to me (write a paragraph or 2) reflecting on your growing edge(s) as you see them and your gifts that you have identified/are developing and/or that others have identified that they see in you and your thoughts about that.
  • Dyad Reflections - Due Thursdays, 6/18, 25, 7/2, & 23 at 5pm : Complete Dyad Reflections assessing skills required and processes for grounded and ethical praxis regarding one-to-one spiritual direction/companionship.  A one page reflection on each role you played: Directee, and Director. Reflection on the Process not Content of each role. Write 1-2 paragraph(s) on One Learning from your experience in each role
  • In Class Supervision Reflection: Complete in class Introductory Supervision Review. Due Thursday, 7/16 (Supervision introduction presentation - guest)
  • In Class Group Spiritual Direction/Companionship Reflection: Complete reflection assessing skills required and processes for grounded and ethical praxis. Due Thursday, 7/23 - A one page reflection that includes 1-2 highlights and/or concepts and write why you think they are or could be important to spiritual formation.
  • Spiritual Direction/Companionship Conversation: One-to-one conversation with professor regarding skill set, praxis capabilities and desire to continue to Supervision phase of Spiritual Direction/Companionship Certificate Program. Please schedule a 45-60 minute, one-to-one session with Professor Johnson (on Zoom) sometime between 07/09 and 08/06. Due between 7/9 - 8/6.
  • “Niche” Presentations of Contextual Spiritual Direction/Companionship Final Project: Research a specific “community” of interest to accompany, e.g., young adults, neurodivergent, aging, LGBTQ+, activists, etc., and in a 15 minute class presentation, in media or print format, share relevant information regarding accompanying this community in one-to-one or group spiritual direction/companionship. Also prepare a hand-out or visual which includes resources about the community.  Due 8/6 or 8/13 at 5pm (Final Submission on Sunday, 8/16 at 11:59pm)
Books:
  • Mark Nepo. SevenThousand Ways to Listen: Staying Close to What Is Sacred.  New York, NY: 
    • ISBN 978-1-4516-7468-2
    • Online library 
    • https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.theoref.idm.oclc.org/lib/dtl/detail.action?docID=5681990
  • Todd Macalister. Looking to Nature: Exploring a Modern Way of Being Spiritual Without the Supernatural. Berkeley, CA: 
    • ISBN 978-1-949643-54-1
    • Online libary
    • https://libguides-thedtl-org.theoref.idm.oclc.org/c.php?g=1262648
  • Spiritual Direction International, Guidelines for Ethical Conduct (2018 edition). This is a brochure available for purchase from the SDI website: 
    • https://www.sdicompanions.org/media/guidelines-for-ethical-conduct/
  • Loretta Pyles. healing justice: Holistic Self-Care For Change Makers: New York, NY. 
    • ISBN 978-0-19-066308-7
    • Online livrary: YESSSSS ITS PDF
    • https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.theoref.idm.oclc.org/lib/dtl/reader.action?docID=5313237&c=UERG&ppg=1


Week 0
Monday 5/11
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Tuesday 5/12
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Wednesday 5/13
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Thursday 5/14
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Friday 5/15
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Week 1

Saturday 5/16

    • Reflections of a Soul Companion (Manns)   --- In Module - Wk 1
    •  Nepo: Intro & pages 1-27/Intro - Section 3 The Gift in Receiving (If arrived) - Wk1
    •  https://www.sdicompanions.org/docs/guidelines/Flip/guidelines_ethical_conduct.html
    • Write Reflection. 1-3 paragraphs for EACH. 
    • Read "ascend" - maya and illusion 

Sunday 5/17

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Monday 5/18
    • Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
Tuesday 5/19
    • SDI Guidelines for Ethical Conduct - Sections 3-4 -- WK2
      • https://www.sdicompanions.org/docs/guidelines/Flip/guidelines_ethical_conduct.html
    • Nepo: Pages 28-50/Sections 4-6 Being Lost - WK2
    • Write Reflection. 1-3 paragraphs for EACH. 
Wednesday 5/20
    • Pyles: Intro-59/Intro - Chapter 3 - WK2
    •  Write Reflection. 1-3 paragraphs for EACH.
Thursday 5/21
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Friday 5/22
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 5/23
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Sunday 5/24
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Week 2
Monday 5/25
    • Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board
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Tuesday 5/26
    • Nepo: Pages 51-74/Sections 7-10 A Conversation with the Elements - WK3
    • https://www.sdicompanions.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/comparison_of_helping_fields.pdf
    •  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2iv3YHb9sY
    • Write 1-3 paragraphs about EACH. 
Wednesday 5/27
    •  Pyles: Pages 60-130/Chapters 4-6 -- WK3
    • Write 1-3 paragraphs about EACH. 
Thursday 5/28
    • Work on  -  Professional & Ethical Materials Preparation - WK3
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Friday 5/29
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
    •  Work on  -  Professional & Ethical Materials Preparation 
Saturday 5/30
    •  Finish: Work on  -  Professional & Ethical Materials Preparation 
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Sunday 5/31
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Week 3
Monday 6/1
    • Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board - "Turn to any one of the entries in The Spiritual Ascent that resonates with you, and write it out here. You are welcome to let the quotation speak for itself or to add why you find it resonant and/or to comment on its content." - Maya and Illusion
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Tuesday 6/2
    • Nepo: Pages 75-96/Sections 11-12 Deep Listening - WK4
    • Write 1-3 paragraphs about EACH. 
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Wednesday 6/3
    •  Pyles: Pages 131-196/Chapters 7-9 -- WK4
    • Write 1-3 paragraphs about EACH. 
Thursday 6/4
    •  DUE: Professional & Ethical Materials Preparation
    •  Assignment: Dyad Reflection (Canvas) - do it right after class. - WK4
Friday 6/5
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
Saturday 6/6
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Sunday 6/7
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Week 4
Monday 6/8
    • Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board
    •  Pyles: Pages 197-216/Chapter 10 - WK5
    • Write 1-3 paragraphs about EACH.
Tuesday 6/9
    •  https://www.sdicompanions.org/docs/guidelines/Flip/guidelines_ethical_conduct.html
    •  Nepo: Pages 97-126/Sections 13-17 What Happens When You Really Listen
    • Write 1-3 paragraphs about EACH. - WK5
Wednesday 6/10

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Thursday 6/11
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Friday 6/12
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 6/13
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Sunday 6/14
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Week 5
Monday 6/15
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
    •  Pyles: Pages 217-256/Chapters 11-12 - WK6
Tuesday 6/16
    • Read: Nepo Pages 127-149/Sections 18-20 Seasons of Listening - WK6
Wednesday 6/17
    • Date night? Darts?
Thursday 6/18
    •  Dyad Reflection (Canvas) - do right after class
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Friday 6/19
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 6/20
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Sunday 6/21
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Week 6
Monday 6/22
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 

Tuesday 6/23
    •  Asynchronous Assignment 1) Post in Canvas under Discussion your answer to the following prompt: Share at least two highlights from each of the reading share why they are important to you and your spiritual formation - based on the readings
    •  Macalister: Intro-pages 48/Part 1 - WK6
Wednesday 6/24
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Thursday 6/25
    •  Dyad Reflection  - do right after class so its fresh 
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Friday 6/26
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 6/27
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Sunday 6/28
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Reading Week
Monday 6/29


Tuesday 6/30
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Wednesday 7/1
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Thursday 7/2
    • Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMrNdxQfAZI
    • 1 hr watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ffSWcYBxM 
    •  Watch 1 hr - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9W7pYOlqps
    •  write reflection - WK 7 
Friday 7/3
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Saturday 7/4
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Sunday 7/5
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Week 7
Monday 7/6
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
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Tuesday 7/7
    •  Nepo: Pages 150-182/Sections 21-25 Knowing Where We are - WK8 
    •  Articles/Videos (Canvas) -- ???? - WK8
    • Write reflection 1-3 paragraphs EACH.

Wednesday 7/8
    •  Come prepared to share your experience in a conversation you have had lately that 1) required you to stretch your listening skills and 2) you asked an evocative question that you weren't sure you should ask. Remember we ALL have growing edges and learn from each other. - Not on Canvas - WK8 
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Thursday 7/9
    •  Do the In Class Supervision Reflection? right after class so its fresh ?
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Friday 7/10
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 7/11
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Sunday 7/12
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Week 8
Monday 7/13
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
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Tuesday 7/14
    •  Nepo: Pages 183-219/Sections 26-31 The Endless Search - WK 9
    •  Write reflection 1-3 paragraphs EACH 
Wednesday 7/15
    •  Macalister: Pages 77-110/Part 3 Nature as a Focus of Religious Attention to the end/Wrap Up - WK 9
    •  Articles/Videos (Canvas) -- ???? - WK 9
    •  Write reflection 1-3 paragraphs EACH - WK 9 
Thursday 7/16
    • Dyad Reflection, do right after class so its fresh 
    • Do: In Class Supervision Reflection: Complete in class Introductory Supervision Review?
Friday 7/17
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 7/18
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Sunday 7/19
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Week 9
Monday 7/20
    • Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board  
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Tuesday 7/21
    •  Nepo: Pages 220-255/Sections 32-38 No Strangers in the Heart
    •  Write Reflection 1- 3 paragraphs.  - WK 10 
Wednesday 7/22
    •  Work on Final presentation!!!!!
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Thursday 7/23
    • DUE: In Class Group Spiritual Direction/Companionship Reflection due 07/30/26 - WK 9 do right after class so it is fresh
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Friday 7/24
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 7/25
    • Obod meeting @ savanna circle 4pm 
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Sunday 7/26
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Week 10
Monday 7/27
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
    •  Start writing final paper  - gather sources etc. 
Tuesday 7/28
    •  Work on Final presentation!!!!!

Wednesday 7/29
    •  Finish  Final presentation!!!!!
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Thursday 7/30
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Friday 7/31
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
    •  Camp early?
Saturday 8/1
    •  Lunasughd camping trip 
    •  Obod ritual 
Sunday 8/2
    •  Camping come home 
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Week 11
Monday 8/3
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
    •  Work on final paper
Tuesday 8/4
    •  Work on final paper 
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Wednesday 8/5
    •  Finish Final paper. 
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Thursday 8/6
    •  DUE: “Niche” Presentations of Contextual Spiritual Direction/Companionship Final Project (Canvas)—due August 16 at 5:00 pm CST
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Friday 8/7
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 8/8
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Sunday 8/9
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Week 12
Monday 8/10
    •  Watch Lecture 
    • Discussion Board 
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Tuesday 8/11
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Wednesday 8/12
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Thursday 8/13
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Friday 8/14
    •  Respond to Classmate's Discussion boards 
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Saturday 8/15
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Sunday 8/16
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