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PSYCH 231The Psychology of Spiritual Experiences

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Psychology
Cross-listed
RCS 265

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course invites students to explore the predictors, variations, and consequences of spiritual experiences ranging from belief to unbelief, and from a sense of paranormal presence to mystical oneness. Students will learn to recognize both the benefits and limitations of using psychological assumptions and research tools to guide this exploration.

Prerequisites

  • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001801825 / 50Th 18:30–21:20

Reviewed on UW Flow

83% liked it50% easy56% useful

From 6 ratings and 3 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Took the course partially. It has the same symbolic mindset (and some overlapping content) as PSYCH 218/232/357 (death & dying, evil, good). And the topic is intriguing and underrated, since you get to connect topics seemingly unrelated to religion and spirituality. It would help you grow your faith if you allow it too.

    May 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • soooooooo awesome!!! i've been wanting to take this course since first year and i'm so happy i finally got to

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This class is extremely interesting content wise, but Burris's exam questions are a bit unfair. Make sure to take extremely detailed notes on everything he says in lectures and read the assigned papers thoroughly.
    Grading based on 3 Midterms + SONA bonus credits.

    Mar 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar