The Transformative Power of Dream
Studies
Fariba Bogzaran, PhD, is an associate professor and the
founding director of the Dream Studies Program at John F. Kennedy
University (JFKU). She co-authored the book, Extraordinary
Dreams and How to Work With Them, and is currently the
president of the Lucid Art Foundation.
Marilyn Fowler, MA, is an assistant professor and the current
director of the Dream Studies Program at John F. Kennedy
University (JFKU). She is also the director of the MA program in
Consciousness and Transformative Studies at JFKU and adjunct
professor in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology and
the School of Management at JFKU.
Ryan Hurd is an MA candidate at John F. Kennedy University in
the Consciousness and Transformative Studies and dream studies
programs. He holds a BA in anthropology, and has worked
extensively as a field archeologist. After fifteen years of dream
journaling, he is interested in exploring dreams from the
crossroads of culture, ecology and spirituality.
Abstract
In this presentation, panelists will
explore the unique Dream Studies program at John F. Kennedy
University and its impact on the lives of current students and
alumni.
In the first part of the panel,
Bogzaran and Fowler discuss the interdisciplinary approach used to
develop the dream studies program at JFKU, then present the
results of their research on transformational change in the lives
of Dream Studies students and alumni at JFKU. Using ten case
studies, they explore common transformational themes and elements
that occur among these students and discuss the relevance of
personal and cultural changes to the Interdisciplinary coursework
in the program.
Ryan Hurd, a current student in the
program, presents the results of his independent study, an
analysis of personal transformations as shown in his lucid dream
reports over the period of the last 2 ½ years.
In the last part of the panel,
Bogzaran and Fowler talk about the practical challenges of
developing and implementing a Dream Studies program “from scratch”
within a university setting and what it takes to sustain and grow
a program over time, including how to keep it fresh and alive, and
what is needed to create a supportive community.
Time will be set aside at the
conclusion of the session for discussion and dialogue among
participants about their own successes and challenges in Dream
Studies education.
