Spirituality and Personal Development (SPD) is an Interdisciplinary academic plan which may be chosen by students in conjunction with a major in any department. It provides a course of study for those who have a special interest in the relationship between religious growth and human development. A Spirituality and Personal Development academic plan is also appropriate for those considering careers in the ministry or other social service oriented vocations. It is administered by St. Paul's University College in co-operation with an advisory committee representing four UW departments — Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies and Sociology.
Core Courses
The core courses provide an introduction to the field and give students a base of knowledge, a familiarity with the subject and an understanding of the concepts involved.
There are six core courses:
- SPD 270 Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (examines the variety of religious experiences from a psychological point of view)
- SPD 271 Personality and Religion (examines personality theory and its relationship to religious development and growth)
- SPD 302 Selected Topics in Psychology and Religion (involves the study of how the disciplines of philosophy, sociology, and religious studies have come to know and understand human behaviour)
- SPD 378 Aging as a Spiritual Journey (studies issues related to the aging process from a spiritual perspective)
- SPD 379 Spirituality and Psychotherapy
- SPD 380 Carl Jung's Theory of Religion (examines the role of religion in Jung's personality theory)