Fair Oaks • San Francisco
Foundations in Anthroposophy
Full Time Certificate Program
Fulfills prerequisite for all Waldorf Teacher Education Programs
Fulfills prerequisite for all Waldorf Teacher Education Programs
Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able, of themselves, to impart meaning and purpose to their lives.Rudolf Steiner
The Foundations in Anthroposophy program is a creative gateway into the work of Rudolf Steiner and the profound world-view of Anthroposophy (“the wisdom of becoming human”). It is a full-time, 30-week program of discovery, personal growth, self-transformation and practical activity leading toward professions that renew culture and heal the earth.
Each of us bears three essential questions in her/his heart: “Who am I? What is my relationship with others? Why am I here on the earth - what is my mission?” The Foundations in Anthroposophy program provides insights, tools and pathways of inner and outer work through which each individual creatively begins to find her/his own answers.
Only by working with the whole human being – head, heart, and hands/limbs – can we find meaningful answers to such questions. ‘Abstract’ knowledge serves only the head, not the heart and hands. The Foundations in Anthroposophy program balances and interweaves five educational approaches to self-transformation: study, conversation, meditation, artistic activity, and skill-development. In working with others over 30 weeks, the student gains greater certainty in knowing the world, experiences new perceptions and insights, awakens sensitivity in social relationships, develops new capacities to apply in professional development, and becomes more clearly aligned with her/his spiritual individuality and life-task. Like Parzival, all human beings are on a creative quest: we strive to become spirits of freedom and love.
Study of ‘the nature of the human being’ (microcosmos), combined with study of the natural world and cosmos (macrocosmos), is quickened through conversation and questioning, deepened through contemplative inner work, enlivened imaginatively through artistic practice, and honed into skill-development and practical application through projects. Because the Foundations in Anthroposophy Program provides a rich, well-rounded curriculum, many adults who take this program compare it favorably with the child’s experiences in a Waldorf School. Students are amazed at how much growth and transformation they experience within one school year.
A gateway into many professions, the Foundations in Anthroposophy program serves as the first year of Waldorf Teacher Education for those who wish to become Waldorf school teachers in the Grades, Early Childhood and High School. It also prepares the student for further studies in Biodynamic agriculture and horticulture, beekeeping, remedial education, medicine, the arts of eurythmy, drama, speech, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and social sciences. The Foundations in Anthroposophy program at Rudolf Steiner College is known throughout the world for its universality, diversity, and high quality.
Students explore the nature of the human being as body, soul, and spirit, chart the unfolding of their own biographies, seek the deeper meaning of life, grasp the laws of karma and reincarnation, and strive to create new forms through practical work and community building. The Foundations in Anthroposophy program opens exciting vistas into the inner laws of nature and spirit, evolution of the Earth and changing human consciousness, the relationships between East and West, the mysteries of the Grail, freedom, love and individual creativity, and the challenges/opportunities facing us in our time.
Designed to foster individual creative capacities, each day begins with enlivening artistic activity in instrumental music, eurythmy movement, speech, or choral singing, followed by seminar study of Rudolf Steiner’s essential works, then lively presentations demonstrating how his ideas deepen our understanding of the individual, earth, and cosmos. Skill-building afternoon activities include biodynamic gardening, gymnastics, painting, form drawing, clay modeling, handwork, and drama.
Spiritual science is rightly understood if it is assimilated like a spiritual food, and allowed to grow and mature within. It is rightly understood if in moments of sorrow or happiness, of devotion and exaltation, or when life threatens to fall apart, one experiences the hope, strength and incentive to action it brings.Rudolf Steiner
Curriculum
- The nature of the human being and the
world of nature - Human development from birth to death
- Parzival’s Grail quest: an archetypal
modern human journey - Rudolf Steiner’s life and work
- Personal biography and life cycles
- Introduction to Waldorf Education
- Metamorphosis in clay
- Visual arts and performing arts
- Evolution of consciousness through
Art and Music - Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom
- Spiritual streams in American literature
- Exploring the nature and destiny of
America - Stories, fables, myths
- Cosmology and Star Wisdom
- Karma and reincarnation
- Drama and play performance
- Communication skills
- Threefold social forms
- Phenomenology & Projective Geometry
- Form drawing, handwork, gymnastics
This year of anthroposophical study, self exploration, and grooming of hidden artistic talents has been more satisfying than any previous educational endeavor. Carolyn Peterson, Ph. D., 2005-2006
With depth of warmth, wisdom, guidance, and commitment, our teachers nurtured deep relationships within the diverse community of our class. The curriculum has enriched me beyond measure. Prior to this year, learning music, creating visual art, singing in a choir, and gaining a solid, profound foundation in the humanities, particularly world history, seemed a distant possibility. Now these are all significant, joyous parts of my life. In no year prior have I felt such happiness and validation for the path I have chosen. Amber Proaps, 2005-2006
This past year has been a beautful journey and a precious gift. The wise curriculum and loving staff supported me through deep personal transformation, allowing me to live from the place of my greatest potential – the place of my heart. For this I will be eternally grateful. Heather Fields, 2006-2007
This is life training. This is about experiencing deeply who you are and why you are here on earth. This is a training that helps you to reach your potential in this lifetime, not only for yourself, but for all of humanity. The support and guidance from my classmates and teachers have made this journey most beautiful and deep. Jennifer De Renzi, 2006-2007
For information concerning Admissions, Tuition and Fees, and Financial Aid, go to our Admissions page or contact us.