Course Descriptions
To learn more about specific programs and which courses are offered this term, visit Our Programs.
FC 101
Eastern Cosmology l
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the fundamental cosmology of Chinese Science. A basic introduction to Confucian, Daoist, and Animist world-views uncovers universal principles of feng shui. Upon completion of this course, students will be introduced to Chinese cosmology and its resources.
FC 102
Eastern Cosmology ll
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: FC 101
In this course students will broaden and deepen their understanding of Chinese cosmology, science and art. Focus will be placed on the central principles of yin and yang, five elements, and qi. Upon completion of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of the specific applications of Chinese cosmology in the practice of TCFS.
FC 103
History of Feng Shui l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: None
This course surveys 4000 years of history in central and northern Asia. Focusing on the human relationship to nature, we follow the transition of nomadic life to sedentary agricultural life at the foundation of Chinese civilization. Upon completion of the course, students will have insight into the unique history of TCFS.
FC 104
History of Feng Shui ll
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FC 103
In this course we continue to examine the history of TCFS. Using the Imperial Palace and the traditional court-yard house as models, we follow the development of traditional Chinese architecture. Upon completion of the course, students will have an overview of TCFS and its history.
FC 105
Images of Feng Shui, Expressions of Qi l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
In this course students will learn key Chinese characters related to and used in a TCFS Practice. Students will learn both usages and imagery ("the moving Qi") of characters such as- Qi, Yin/Yang, Wu Xing (5 Elements), Shi Tian Gan (10 Heavenly Stems), and more. Students will learn to research and analyze characters to enhance understanding and depth of practice. Upon completion of the course, students will have a significantly deeper understanding and felt experience of these key concepts of Chinese cosmology.
FC 106
Western Geomancy l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FC 101 and FS 203
In this course, students will learn analytical procedures to be able to evaluate inherent properties of a site. An introduction to dowsing will enhance students' abilities to be aware of the subtle, energetic qualities of a site. Upon completion, students begin to develop analytical and intuitive procedures.
FC 107
Western Geomancy II
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FC 106
In this course, we take a virtual tour of American and European cities to practice evaluating regions based on a synergy of its geology, geography, ecology, position on the continent, weather, seasons, natural history and the culture that natives and emigrants created as they adapted to and altered the natural environment. Upon completion, students will have practice evaluating a site by looking at regional influences.
FC 108
I Ching Divination
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: None
The I Ching or “Yì Ji¯ng also known as the Book of Changes is one of the oldest of the classic Chinese texts. The book contains a divination system which is still used widely throughout Asia and the Western world to this day. The I Ching is also the foundation of all Compass school feng shui. Students will learn the best methods for consulting this book and the meanings of key phrases. Upon completion of this course students will have developed a relationship with the I Ching.
FS 201
Environmental Assessment l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: None
TCFS theory applies the dynamic cosmological principles to landforms, architecture, and design. In this course the students will explore the influence of regional and local landforms on architectural design. Upon completion of this course students will have a basic understanding of the oldest form of TCFS, sometimes called "form school".
FS 202
Environmental Assessment ll
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FS 201
In this course,we survey TCFS and how the traditional Chinese garden is a storehouse of TCFS principles. Upon completion of this course, students will have evaluated sites and landscapes and their impact upon inhabitants.
FS 203
Principle Application I
(2.5 units; 2.5 -hour lecture/30 hours) Prerequisites: FS none
This course revisits principles of cosmology with an eye to practical application in TCFS. Focus will be placed on the practical applications of the central principles of yin and yang, five elements, and qi. Upon completion of the course, students will have been introduced to the basic tools of Chinese Cosmology in the practice of TCFS.
FS 204
Principle Application II
(2.5 units; 2.5 -hour lecture/30 hours) Prerequisites: FS 203
This course continues the study of the application of feng shui principles. Focus will be placed on room analysis and recommendations for optimal qi circulation. Upon completion, students will begin to develop practical skills for making feng shui recommendations.
FS 205
Principle Application III
(2.5 units; 2.5 -hour lecture/30 hours) Prerequisites: FS 203 - FS 204
This course brings all the practical applications of TCFS together using five element theory and to this end, will include office and retail assessments. Upon completion, students will have developed practical skills to create optimal environments for health and prosperity.
FS 206
Landform and Topography l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: None
In this course, we walk the land and are introduced to the invisible essence within the physical environment. We will train in developing our abilities to read the qi in various environments. With observation and exercises we begin to decode energetic structures by using our bodies and consciousness as main perception tools. Upon completion, students will be introduced to techniques for developing sensitivity.
FS 207
Earth's Blood and Dragon Veins
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FS 206
This course further reveals how landscapes impact our prosperity, our power, and our health. Students will learn to observe patterns in the topography by hiking along the curves of local landforms, as well as, utilizing Google Earth. Upon completion, students will participate in locating dragon veins and power spots in a land-scape.
FS 208
Earth Acupuncture
(2 units; 4-day intensive/28 hours) Prerequisites: FC 105-106, FS 206-207
The course introduces esoteric practices such as European Goddess traditions, Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Cherokee Tai Ch'i, and Geomantic Dowsing. Students will participate in a variety of traditional rituals. Upon completion, students will develop an understanding and appreciation for various esoteric practices.
CS 301
Luo pan Compass
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
This course introduces students to the use and interpretation of the luopan compass. Students develop the ability to recognize the vibrational energies that are affecting a site as well as how the position of a building is related to cardinal directions. Upon completion students will be able to understand and decipher luopan for client support.
CS 302
Ming Gua and Bazhai (Directional Analysis for Inhabitants and Structure)
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: CS 301
Students learn the ming gua compass method for determining the auspicious and inauspicious locations and directions for inhabitants, as well as the bazhai compass method for determining the auspicious and inauspi-cious locations in a structure. Upon completion, students will have knowledge of the supportive positions for optimum potential in areas of business, health, relationships, and sleep.
CS 303
Flying Stars l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FC 101-106, FS 205 and CS 302
Flying Star Feng Shui is the most dynamic and accurate technique for analyzing and interpreting the astrology of structures. Time and space are incorporated in the assessment of a dwelling. Upon completion, students will learn how to construct a flying star chart.
CS 304
Flying Stars ll
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: CS 303
This course introduces students to star chart pattern recognition. Upon completion, the students will be able to make correlations about a site's potential, based on the patterns that are revealed in the star chart.
CS 305
Flying Stars lll
(2 units; 4-day intensive/28 hours) Prerequisites: CS 304
In this course, students will see multiple examples of interpreting the flying stars. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze areas that are adversely affecting a site and its inhabitants, and make recommendations for adjustments which will enhance potential for health and prosperity.
CS 306
Flying Stars lV
(2 units; 4-day intensive/28 hours) Prerequisites: CS 305
In this course, students will study advanced methods of flying stars. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze areas that are adversely affecting a site and its inhabitants, and make recommendations for adjustments which will enhance potential for health and prosperity.
AC 401
Nine Star Ki
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: FC 102 and FS 205
In this course students begin to learn to decipher Nine Star Ki, the complex sequencing system embedded in the nature of reality. Upon completion, students will be able to make travel recommendations through observ-ing the cyclical nature of the patterns of qi.
AC 402
Four Pillars Astrology l (Bazi)
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: FC 102 and FS 205
The focus in this course is to familiarize students with learning the qualities of qi associated with the heavenly stems and the earthly branches. Upon completion, students will have learned basic chart structure and broadened their understanding of the components that illustrate character.
AC 403
Four Pillars Astrology ll (Bazi)
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: AC 402
By learning this ancient method used for revealing aspects of a person's destiny, constitutional dynamics, and beneficial elements, students will deepen their understanding of the qualities of qi associated with stems and branches. Upon completion, students will be able to use the information they decipher from individual charts to offer a more comprehensive presentation to their clients.
AC 404
Almanac (Tong Shu) 24 Qi Nodes
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AC 403
In this course we take a look at the Chinese almanac (tong shu), originally used to determine appropriate times for digging the earth, sowing seeds, and harvesting crops. With knowledge of these natural cycles, we can make date selections for important events such as breaking ground, construction and remodeling. Upon completion of this course students will be able to read the Chinese almanac and use it to select auspicious dates for implementing feng shui adjustments.
AC 405
Pole Star Astrology l (Zi Wei Dou Shu)
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AC 402-403
Pole Star Astrology is a Song dynasty method for calculating individual natal charts. Using solar and lunar data, this method provides both character and fate information. Focus will be placed on developing an understanding of qi associated with character. Upon completion, students will be able to see the significance of each client's character and fate in relationship to TCFS.
AC 406
Pole Star Astrology ll (Zi Wei Dou Shu)
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: AC 402-405
Students will learn the qualities of qi associated with all major and minor stars, as well as the potency of each star. An emphasis is placed on the practitioner's relationship with the client, and upon completion, students will have the skills and confidence to perform a client's chart reading while expressing a sense of qi play.
AC 407
Pole Star Astrology lll (Zi Wei Dou Shu)
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: AC 402-406
Students will continue to synthesize character and fate by practicing readings with clients. Progression read-ings will be introduced and students will learn how to read a chart with the inclusion of the passing of time. Upon completion, students will be able to use pole star astrology to enhance their feng shui consultations by bringing timeliness into their recommendations for adjustments.
AD 501
Introduction To The Creative Process
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of the creative process through a series of hands on exercises. This course introduces students to the use of various mediums and styles of graphic communication. Students will develop freehand and technical drawing skills so that they will be able to communicate their ideas on paper. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to sketch and illustrate their ideas.
AD 502
Exploration Of The Creative Process
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AD 501
This course will continue to explore the creative process with hands on two and three dimensional exercises. Students will explore technical drawing and 3-d modeling and will advance their drawing and modeling skills to communicate their design ideas. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to communicate spatial ideas in drawings and 3D models.
AD 503
Survey of Contemporary Architecture
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
Students will study the evolution of modern concepts of architecture and interior design from the Industrial Revolution to present. Social philosophy is explored with special attention to the historical, political, and geographic influences. Upon completion, students will be able to discuss the societal, political, and economic influences pertaining to these architectural themes.
AD 504
Design of the Built Environment l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
Students are introduced to the principles and elements of design process as it applies to the built environment. Upon completion, students will have learned to use line, scale, balance, texture and patterns as they relate to the human experience.
AD 505
Design of the Built Environment ll
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AD 504
Students will be participating in a commercial project while exploring the essential principles and elements of the design process. Upon completion, students will begin to understand the interrelationships between urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, interior design and industrial design.
AD 506
Sacred Geometry
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
This course introduces sacred geometry and how it can serve feng shui practitioners, architects, designers, and artists. Students will see how master builders used geometry to symbolically and energetically express the intended use of a place. Upon completion, students will have been acquainted with the forgotten design principles that guided the creation of the world's greatest architectural treasures.
AD 507
Natural Building l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
This course surveys the diverse styles and modalities of natural building. Students participate in constructing using diverse methods for building such as clay, straw, bamboo, and other resources. Upon completion, stu-dents will have a basic overview of modern applications of traditional building styles.
AD 508
Natural Building ll
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
In this course, students will look at ways to create healthy, nurturing homes with affordable green remodeling techniques. We will make and use natural paints, plasters, and pigments to provide a non-toxic option for adding color to interior walls. Upon completion, students will be informed of the many resources available for recommending and developing ecological and sustainable design practices.
AD 509
Building Construction l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AD 501-505
Students learn to convey the intent of a design by learning to draw plans, sections, elevations, and details. Interior architectural depiction and the tools and methods for drawing sets of plans are introduced. Upon completion, students will have developed drafting skills and as well as how to approach the act of drawing for the building process.
AD 510
Building Construction ll
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AD 509
Students will further develop construction document drawing techniques and application. Interactions between the designer, consultants, contractors, and building officials will be discussed. Upon completion, students will have advanced their drawing and rendering skills.
AD 511
Zang Fu and Architecture l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
This course gives an introduction to the ten organs, their association with the five elements, and the relationship these organs have to architecture. Learning the parallels between the body and architecture will help students see health related issues revealed in their client's house. Upon completion, students will be able to suggestadjustments that offer support for healthy emotional and physical bodies.
AD 512
Zang Fu and Architecture l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: AD 511
This course gives depth and breadth to the previous study of organs in relationship to architecture. Using TCM theory, students will broaden their scope of how qi permeates internal and external environments. Upon completion, students will be able to see the implications that one's living and working environment has on one's health, and use their knowledge of five element dynamics to mitigate imbalances.
PP 601
Consultation Practical l: Theater
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
A comprehensive introduction and orientation to feng shui consultation processes and protocols, this course provides the opportunity to see how feng shui theory and practice are combined. Upon completion, students will have a view of professional conduct within the context of a consultation, as well as the basics of analysis and adjustment recommendations.
PP 602
Consultation Practical ll and lll: Theater
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601
Students engage in in-depth case study examination and discussion. Upon completion, students will have an understanding the steps to take in interviewing their clients, making observations, completing calculations, writing report presentations, and communicating adjustment recommendations to clients.
PP 603
Digital Presentation Techniques
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: none
Students create effective concept and design drawings using two-dimensional and three-dimensional software to augment creative ideas and visually represent compass data. Upon completion, students will be able to create professional presentations for their clients, and organize their learning into concise symbolic formats.
PP 604
Supervised Internship (with faculty)
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601-603
Small groups of students meet together weekly for live observation of the instructor's feng shui projects. Upon completion of this course, students will have had direct experience of their instructor's consultations, and working in groups to determine outcome of findings, and practice writing and presenting adjustment recommendations to clients.
PP 605
Supervised Internship (with ninth trimester student)
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601-604
Students will meet together weekly for a review of one another's feng shui projects. Upon completion of this course, students will have had experience observing their peers' live consultations, experience working in groups to determine outcome of findings, and practice writing and presenting adjustment recommendations to clients.
PP 606
Mentoring (with third year students) (2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601-605
This course challenges the students to begin to take a leadership role as a feng shui practitioner. The students will be leading small groups on consultations, as well as, observing and offering support to seventh and eighth trimester students in their consultations. They will also facilitate discussions regarding analysis and adjustment recommendations. This course helps the feng shui student turn into a feng shui professional.
PP 607
Undergrad Tutoring
(1 unit; 1 hour meeting/13 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601-605
During the seventh or eighth trimester, senior students will mentor new students for one hour each week, and answer questions regarding content and homework. A greater sense of leadership and authority will be reinforced in student mentors upon completion of this course.
PP 608
Feng Shui Practice Management l
(3 units; 3 hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601-603
This course teaches students how to set-up and create their own business. It also provides appropriate strategies for networking, marketing, and the establishment of referral networks so that students can develop their professional practices. Upon completion, students will have gained organizational and communication skills, as well as and knowledge in self-promotion.
PP 609
Feng Shui Practice Management ll
(3 units; 3 hour lecture/36 hours) Prerequisites: PP 608
Students will identify for themselves a niche market, practice pitching their business, and present workshops to enhance their skills in finding clients. Upon completion, students will have the practical skills needed for implementing feng shui into a current practice or developing a client-based business.
PP 610
Individual lnternship
(3 units: 3 hour independent study/36 hours) Prerequisites: PP 601-609
Students will be consulting regularly, building their businesses, and reviewing their cases with a faculty member. Upon completion, students will be more confident in developing their professional practice as a consultant by refining their presentation, communication, and technique.
SC 701
Qigong
(1.5 units/18 hours) prerequisites: none
This course will serve as an introduction to a the fundaments of this classical Chinese healing art. Upon completion, students will have experienced the art of feng shui as it would apply internally within oneself, through the practice of qigong.
SC 702
Yoga
(1.5 units/18 hours) prerequisites: none
This course introduces the ancient discipline of personal development that balances body, mind, and spirit. Upon completion, students will have learned a series of physical postures, as well as practical methods for alignment, relaxation, proper breathing, meditation, and concentration.
SC 703
Food and Health l
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) prerequisites: none
This course offers an introduction to the five elements and their corresponding flavors and organs. Upon completion the students will have a basic introduction to five elements in relationship with physiology.
SC 704
Food and Health ll
(3 units; 3-hour lecture/36 hours) prerequisites: SC 703
In this course the spiritual and cosmic nature of the body and patterns of its physiology are revealed. We look at the respiratory, digestive, and central nervous systems as well as their palaces (organs) as streams. We will explore the natural possibilities inherent in simply eating, resting, and breathing in accordance with the 24 qi nodes. This course will also include seasonal cooking classes for health and longevity. Upon completion, students will have insight into self-care as related to calendar cycles.
SC 705
Self Cultivation - Personal Practice
(2 units; 2-hour lecture/24 hours) prerequisites: None
Formal meditation practice and text study have always been part of the Chinese Daoist cultivation.
The practice of meditation in the life of modern people often takes on the flavor of antidote - a kind
of sedative antidote to busy-ness. Traditionally however disciplined meditation practice grows to
pervade all our activity and, in doing so, takes on numerous forms.
In this course we will look at and learn the various forms of practice that invite this pervasive growth of wisdom.
How can we use sitting, ritual, hygiene and conduct to develop the life of a true Cultivator of the Way?