Creative Contemplation
2025 Engaging Groups in Creative Contemplation
(DS9207W)
Overview and duration
Parker J. Palmer, an American Quaker scholar, has developed a model for exploring the inner spiritual life by drawing on the insights of Meister Eckhart, Carl Jung, Thomas Merton and other spiritual writers. This has been helpful in the formation of community; exploring religious and secular vocation; discernment and life decisions and the integration of the self with authentic action.
This unit will critique both the work of Parker J. Palmer and the contemplative group approach to spiritual growth. The focus of the unit will be on the principles and practices that lead to inner spiritual development and authentic action. The student will be introduced to and taught to use, the resources of narrative, poetry, art and personal and group reflection with a goal to spiritual growth and wellbeing. These objectives are achieved through lectures, discussion, contemplative group work and a retreat experience.
Duration: one semester
Course requirements / recommendations
Prerequisites
- none
Course dates
Lectures / discussion - Tuesdays 9:30am-12:30pm
- 5, 12, 19 & 26 August; 2 & 9 September; 7 & 14 October 2025
Retreat
- 15–16 September 2025
Next intake: TBC
Course details, learning outcomes, assessments, structure & recommended reading
Additional course information
Lecturer: Rev Dr Christopher Page
This course includes lectures, discussion and a retreat experience. This retreat will be organised by the group and provide an opportunity to learn practical skills and about group dynamics in this context.
- Please note that there will be an additional cost (TBA) for the two-night retreat
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will:
- Show competency in evaluating their personal inner spiritual landscape through a written journal and a critical essay
- Demonstrate an understanding and analysis of the writings of Parker J. Palmer and other spiritual writers both classic and contemporary as to their effectiveness in contemplative group processes
- This will be evaluated through an oral class presentation and a critical essay
- Design, execute and evaluate the effectiveness of a contemplative group/circle which is presented to the class in an oral and written form
- Critically assess a specific aspect of contemplative group work in a sustained and self-directed manner
Participants who audit the unit are encouraged to complete the written tasks to gain full benefit.
Cost (per unit)
This course is offered through Whitley College. Government fee help is available to qualifying Australian citizens.
For academic credit, costs are as per the University of Divinity fees schedule.
There is a reduced cost for Audit participants**. Please use the 2025 Application for Audit form to apply.
- In addition, there will be a cost for a two-night retreat
- Please note the above costs are based on 2024 University of Divinity Tuition Fees, which may change by 2025
Useful links for additional information:
**NB: If you choose to complete the unit as an Audit participant, no academic credit can be claimed for the unit, either at the time of enrolling, or retrospectively.
Enrolment process
Please enrol directly with Whitley College.
Registrar, Whitley College
Email: registrar@whitley.edu.au | Ph: (03) 9340 8100
How to Apply - Whitley College
For more information
Please contact us at WellSpring
