Additional Course Offerings*

Building with Spirit
Designed for those who want to learn the building trades used by professional builders, to learn how to "build with spirit", and to build communities. Theory classes cover energy, consciousness, intuition, cooperation, infusing spiritual vibrations in your work, seeing the Divine Creator manifest in all that you do. Topics include planning, design, alternative and "green" building, site development and landscaping, excavation, concrete, framing, roofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, drywall, finish carpentry and cabinetry, painting and flooring.

Holistic Health & Healing
Explores in theory and practice a yogic approach to a variety of topics related to health of body, mind, and spirit, as well as selected alternative and complementary healing modalities. For example: death and dying, hospice, Ayurveda, affirmations, vegetarian diet & cooking, healing prayers, mantras, flower essences, aromatherapy, use of subtle energy and prana in healing, bodywork (massage), energy work (polarity), and more.

Ananda Institute Study Abroad Program
A dynamic experiential learning program that includes foreign travel, classes, lecture, tours and adventure. The study abroad program is an integral part of the institute and usually takes place in India with the possibility of visiting other foreign countries as well. This program may take place during the winter term, usually February and/or March. Students from other colleges, or those not enrolled in the institute proper may take this program for college credit.

Vedic Sciences
Explores the Yuga cycles of time, Vedic mathematics, Vedic Astrology, Ayurveda, and Vastu, the Vedic art of placement and design.

The Art of Oral Expression
Topics include effective speaking techniques, "the voice", overcoming stage fright, drama, clarity, humor, creativity, spontaneous speaking, and expressing oneself in a meaningful and uplifting manner.

The Art of Written Expression
The focus of the following three courses will be clearer if the difference between art and science is also clarified. An art involves greater use of the right side of the brain (synthesis into a whole). A science involves greater use of the left side of the brain (analysis of details). Art and science are, or should be, in complementary balance in the same way as yin and yang or "the forest and the trees." To soar with true artistic expression, mastery of underlying principles and skills is needed as a runway from which to take off. For this reason, the Institute requires performance testing for entry into The Art of Written Expression I & II. The Introduction to Written Expression class also serves as a prerequisite to the more advanced classes.

Introduction to Written Expression
Development of ability to express oneself clearly using standard college-level English grammar. A standard English grammar performance test can be taken in lieu of taking this course.

The Art of Written Expression I
Development of ability to express oneself in a variety of written formats and predict audience reaction: statements of fact; announcements; write-ups; publicity; letters; summaries; outlines; reports; essays; journals; memoirs. Stages of the writing process. Relationship of writing style to personality. Choice and attribution of sources. Constructive feedback. Use of writing assistance. Cross-cultural and historical influences on writing. Attunement to audience; "crystal clarity"; objective vs. subjective viewpoint; enhanced word power and imagery. Word processing tips for writing tasks.

The Art of Written Expression II
Continued development of ability to express oneself in a variety of written formats and predict audience reaction: technical writing; critiques and reviews; Web site writing; biography; documentaries; short story; play; book; poetry. Team writing. Writing-oriented discussion groups. Marketing oneself.

Directional Psychology
This is another new area of study created by Swami Kriyananda. The goal of Directional Psychology is viewed in terms of the needs of each individual, and not in terms of abstract concepts. It is to help people to understand what they really want; the directions in which they themselves would like to move. It is to help them clarify their own ideals. Since most people have many hopes, ideals, and hoped-for attainments, the purpose of Directional Psychology is to help them determine which of these will be the most ultimately satisfying and beneficial for them.