Overview

Throughout human history community has been a natural and primary source of values, identity and meaning.  One of the major challenges in our modern technologically advanced societies is the loss of a sense of community.  As a result, curiosity about and yearning for community as a source of learning and personal fulfillment is increasing.  In response, the Mount Madonna Institute School of Community Studies will offer participants an exceptional opportunity to live, study and work within a 28-year-old successful, intentional spiritual community while studying the history and underlying principles of community in general.  This unique program will integrate academic and experiential learning.  Courses will include the study of early Utopian societies such as the Shaker and Quaker communities, along with exploration of modern learning community models. This will include emerging theories of organizational development, non-violent social change, and living systems theories.  In addition, students will explore ways in which healthy intentional communities can be created and sustained through skillful dialogue, understanding of common aims, values and goals, and principled compromise.

The School of Community Studies will include an 8-week residential internship at Mount Madonna Center.  This core offering includes participation in regular check-ins, theme discussions, weekly research topics, several written papers, community service and optional daily yoga classes and practice.  University credits and grades will be given based on oral and written presentations with the possibility of an A.A. degree in the future.  The heart of this experience lies in living and working together in the environment of a learning community.

The School of Community Studies is scheduled to present its first programs in 2010.  Meanwhile, those interested are invited to consider the Yoga, Service, and Community program at Mount Madonna Center