University of Human Unity

Fall semester courses – Sept.- Dec. 2008

Theoretical Linguistics in the light of Sri Aurobindo - An Introductory Course

Every Monday from September 15 th till December 15 th

4:00 pm to 5:15 pm

Savitri Bhavan Facilitator - Vladimir

This course is designed for major studies of the fundamentals of Linguistics in Indian and Western terms , which may lead us eventually to a discovery of a future science of language, about which Sri Aurobindo spoke in his analysis of the Vedic language. To clearly see the difference in approaches to the concepts of meaning and sound in the Western and Indian Philosophical and Linguistic traditions may help a great deal.

Here we will speak also about the influence of Sanskrit on Western Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, etc., which took place at the end of 18 th - beginning of 19 th century in Europe . This course can be of use also for all those who are working on alternative educational models based on integral knowledge .

Topics which we will be dealing with in this course:

• The Theories of Language from the Vedic to Post Vedic traditions (Pratishakhyas, Yaska and Panini);
• The Theory of Sphota by Patanjali, Bhartrihari and Abhinavagupta;
• The Theory of Language according to the Ancient Greek Philosophy by Socrates, Plato, Aristotle;
• Western Linguistics from Humboldt to Saussure;
• From Saussure to Chomsky and Derrida;
• Sri Aurobindo's “The Origins of Aryan Speech”;
• Towards a new science of Language. The theory of transparent etymology

The Philosophy of Evolution

Every Monday from September 15 th till December 15 th

5:30 pm to 6:45 pm

Savitri Bhavan Facilitator - Rod

A twelve weeks course that will explore in detail the scientific theories and philosophical views on evolution of Herbert Spencer, Charles Darwin, T.H. Huxley, Ernst Haekel, Henri Bergson, Sri Aurobindo, Erwin Shrodinger, Ernst Mayr, Richard Dawkins, Stephen Gould, Richard Lewontin, Daniel Dennett, Gregory Bateson, Fritjof Capra, Rupert Sheldrake, Roger Penrose, and others.

Studies of the Upanishads in the light of Sri Aurobindo

Every Wednesday from September 17th

4.00 pm to 5.15 pm

Savitri Bhavan Facilitator - Vladimir

This is a second round of our studies of the Upanishads in the light of Sri Aurobindo. The first part of Isha, Kena, Aitareya, Taittiriya, Mundaka and Mandukya Upanishads was completed during the last round. The next six major Upanishads are:

• Katha Upanishad
• Prashna Upanishad
• Shvetashvatara Upanishad
• Kaushitaki Upanishad
• Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
• Chandogya Upanishad

This course is part of a general philosophical and psychological knowledge of the Vedantic and Vedic systems of knowledge, which, as I believe, is in many respects necessary for the development of an integral paradigm of knowledge. It may help us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the foundations of Indian Culture and of the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

The Poetry of Sri Aurobindo

Every Wednesday from September 17 th

5:30-6:45 pm

Savitri Bhavan Facilitator – Rod

A twelve week course that will open a doorway into the full range of Sri Aurobindo's poetry and theory of poetry, with explorations into other relevant poets and theories of poetry, including lyrical, epic, dramatic, mantric, as well as other forms of creative expression and transformation such as dance, drama, painting and music. Poetic influences explored will include especially Homer and Vyasa, Spenser, Milton and Shelley, as well as trends of the 20 th century.

Saturday Morning Seminar at UHU

From Sept. 13 th 9 - 10:30 presentation, tea break,

11:00 - 12:30 discussion and interaction

Facilitators and presenters determined weekly

A weekly platform for presentations, explorations and discussions focusing on issues relevant to the development of Auroville, to the discovery and development of an integral learning paradigm for higher education, and to creating a living network of communication among researchers and learning activities in Auroville and the world. Guest speakers in many areas will be featured.

Saturdays (see www.universityofhumanunity.org for past presentations and current schedules)

1 st session – Saturday, Sept. 13 th – Introduction to the Fall Program and Courses

Education and Development - Exploring the Integral Learning Paradigm

Starts Saturday Sept. 13 th 4 - 5.30 pm

Facilitators – Rod, Vladimir, Aurelio, Bhavana, Siegbert, Mikael and others

A twelve-week course to pursue further the creative discovery and exploration of an integral learning paradigm, with presenters and facilitators from various disciplines and approaches. The theoretical aspect of this series will include references to Gebser, Wilber, Gardner , Developmental Psychology, Spiral dynamics, the Vedic paradigm of faculties, Sri Aurobindo's psychology of social development, and the Mother. Following the already completed first semester of UHU seminars which were dedicated to this exploration, the practical aspect will include individual/group participation in a variety of learning experiences and practices as well as the exploration of Auroville's development.