Spiritual Activism: Mysticism, Social Change, and Inner Transformation - EDU-X736V

Course Description

Discover How Inner Transformation Fuels Lasting Change in Your Life, Leadership, and the World

This course explores the powerful synergy between mystic spirituality and social activism, examining how inner transformation fuels compassionate, justice-oriented engagement in the world. Students study ‘mystic-activists’ across diverse cultures and wisdom traditions—including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Indigenous perspectives—to illuminate the interconnections between spiritual practice and social change. The model of ‘mysticactivism’ centers on individuals whose recognition of the unity of all life, and love for the Divine in all creation, compels and sustains their work for justice, peace, and community healing. Through readings, videos, lectures, multimedia resources, and reflective practices, participants identify core principles of spiritual activism, examine ethical implications of a unitive worldview, and integrate insights into their personal and professional lives. The course emphasizes both the inner and outer dimensions of transformative work—engaging in discussions, spiritual exercises, and reflective activities that strengthen resilience, discernment, and sustainable activism. Howard Thurman’s reminder to ‘water our roots’ frames a holistic focus on nourishing the inner spirit to support long‑term commitments to justice, care, and social transformation.

Learner Outcomes

Define spirituality, religion, and mysticism and articulate relationships to social activism
Identify foundations of engaged spirituality across diverse traditions and discuss commonalities/distinctions
Explain ethical implications of a unitive (mystic) worldview for public life and social change
Describe reciprocal synergies between personal and social transformation.
Apply spiritual practices and self‑care strategies that support sustainable activism and professional service
Analyze exemplars (e.g., Gandhi, Sojourner Truth, Julia Butterfly Hill) whose spirituality informed justice work
Integrate course learning into lifework through reflection, media assignments, and practical planning

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course is designed for K–12 and higher‑education educators and student affairs professionals; community organizers and nonprofit staff; counseling, healthcare, and social service practitioners; graduate students and lifelong learners seeking to align spirituality with social justice practices and sustainable service

Grading and Feedback: This course is entirely self-paced and automated. Unlike our standard courses, it features no instructor interaction, and no feedback. The final assessment is automatically graded utilizing internal systems.

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EDU-X736V - 001

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self-paced

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EDU PD - $504 credit (3 units)

$504.00

3 units

Section Notes

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for students, educators, community leaders, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of social justice and apply it in personal, academic, and civic contexts.

Refund Policy: To receive a refund, students need to drop the course through the MyPCE@USD student account portal before midnight (11:59PT) on the third day of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% of the course tuition. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.