This conference introduces Pacifica Graduate Institute’s new M.A. Degree Program in Education, Mythology and Depth Psychology – Click for details. Both the conference and the degree program have been inspired by Joseph Campbell’s belief that, through myth, the inexhaustible energies of the universe pour into human history and culture. It follows that symbol and metaphor add invaluable meaning to our lives, capturing our attention and leading fantasy into imagination. Functioning as a comprehensive introduction to the degree program, this conference explores the exciting world of archetypal study and the many ways it can enhance the teaching/learning experience by:

• Integrating myth into vocational and personal pursuits
• Stimulating the deep psyche through image, theater, storytelling, dreamwork, and dialog
• Demonstrating applied tools and methods of a mythological education curriculum
• Reawakening imagination in oneself and in the learning process
• Collaborating in a community of like-minded individuals

The Need for a Mythological Education

In most American schools, myth, art, and imagination are marginalized, while science, technology, and math take center stage. The absence of these important elements signals a loss of soul in the educational process and ultimately in the learner, no matter what the age. When personal learning and formal educational processes are rooted in the rich soil of myth, literature, and image, they emerge organically. Mythic education opens our archetypal heritage, stimulating natural tendencies toward growth and development. Learning, informed by psyche’s stories, unfolds with creativity and passion. Learning becomes ensouled and imagination is restored. As our experiences are understood through myth and metaphor, we deepen our ability to carry life’s joys and sorrows.

Conference Presentations Include:

Education, Imagination, and Myth James Hillman, psychologist, scholar, international lecturer, author

The Roots of Learning: Myth, Knowledge, and the Sacred Michael Meade, mythologist, author, founder/ director of Mosaic Multicultural Foundation

The Mythic Intervention: Stimulating Adolescent Psychological Development Maren Hansen, psychotherapist, teacher, author

Educating the Global Citizen: A Mythic Perspective Robert Walter, President and Executive Director of The Joseph Campbell Foundation

Teaching the Teachers: A Return to Mythopoetic Knowing Dennis Patrick Slattery, author, Pacifica Graduate Institute core faculty member

Arrowmakers: Mythology in Early Childhood Education Gerald McDermott, author, artist, Caldecott medalist

Harvesting Mythologies: Resources for Educators and Lifelong Learners Cindy Carter, Pacifica Graduate Institute core faculty member

Myth in the Classroom: Practical Applications of Mythic Education Selden Edwards, educator, Pacifica alumnus

Waters of the Earth: Multicultural Tales of the Sea (a performance)

Dancing with Dionysus: Reigniting Myth through Theatre BOXtales Theatre Company, a multicultural, multi-disciplinary theatre

Location, Accommodations, and Meals
We have chosen La Casa de Maria on Ladera Lane for the site of this weekend conference. Located on 35 acres in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains overlooking the Pacifica Ocean, this residential retreat center provides a unique and peaceful environment for this event. The center has lodging and dining facilities as well as a swimming pool and hiking trails.

A limited number of rooms are available at La Casa-Ladera for participants on a first-come, first-served basis at a special rate of $70 per person, single occupancy per night and $75 per person, double occupancy per night. Couples accommodations are also available. Accommodations are simple, retreat-style rooms with shared bath and shower. Reservations for rooms must be made through Pacifica’s Public Program office. Please reserve your room on the registration form. Other accommodations in the Santa Barbara area may be arranged by calling one of these services: Coastal Escapes at 800.292.2222 or Hot Spot Accommodations at 800.793.7666.

Meals are included to encourage ongoing dialogue and exchange throughout the weekend. Meals include Saturday breakfast & lunch, and Sunday breakfast. Friday and Saturday dinner is optional and is offered for an additional $15 each.

Travel
Major airlines provide service into the Los Angeles International Airport located 90 miles south of Santa Barbara. Some flights are also available directly into the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. Both airports have shuttle service between the airport and Santa Barbara. Information on ground transportation will be included with your confirmation letter.

Registration and Cancellation
To register, please click here complete the registration form online or return it with your payment to Pacifica Graduate Institute, Public Programs, 249 Lambert Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013; fax to 805.565.5796; e-mail to publicprograms@pacifica.edu; or call 805.969.3626, ext. 103.  

A limited number of partial scholarships are available to those who find it prohibitive to pay the full cost of the workshop. To apply, send a letter of request with your registration. You will be contacted, and if accepted, payment arrangements will be made.  

To obtain a refund, send a written cancellation request postmarked no later than March 8, 2005. Tuition less a $50 processing fee will be refunded. No exceptions will be made.

Continuing Education Credit
11 hours of continuing education credit are available for RNs through the California Board of Registered Nurses (provider #CEP 7177), for MFTs and LCSWs (provider #PCE 2278) through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and for National Certified Counselors (provider #5436), through the National Board of Certified Counselors. Pacifica adheres to NBCC continuing education guidelines. A $15 processing fee will be charged for each certificate requested.  

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