Credits: 1

Number of Weeks: 8

Typically offered in: Spring

Spoken prayer is at the heart of all of the world’s religions and is both an art and a science. This course covers the history of prayer through the ages and how prayer and the spoken word are used in a variety of settings, both spiritual and secular.

This course includes a study of the science of sound, such as how sound, rhythm, tone and pitch impact matter. Students will study prayer forms used in the various world religions, including the use of mantras, fiats, calls, chants, rosaries, songs and the dynamic decree, along with their background and purpose.

Instruction is included on how to scientifically create an invocation or prayer, the concept and art of using sound and mantra to create a forcefield for personal and group spiritual work and the use of visualization, concentration and meditation with all of these techniques.

This course has an emphasis on reading as well as listening to audio and video excerpts. Students will also engage in dialoging in forums, submit some short papers and have a mid-term and final paper.

Students will be graded on the following course assignments:

Hours per week: Students should plan to set aside 5–6 hours per week to complete their weekly course work. This course consists of eight units and students are expected to complete one unit per week.

Textbook Information: RELS 1180 Textbook Information Sheet [PDF]

To take this course, you must be a credit or audit student in the SU Online School of Theology and Spiritual Studies, and it must be a required or elective component of your program of study. Click here to learn more about the School of Theology. Interested in applying to the school? Visit our Application Process page to apply today!

This information is subject to change without notice.