We’ll view and discuss four idea-generating videos that show how psychedelics provide insights into psychotherapy, the neurosciences, religion and spirituality. Three of the videos are from Harvard Divinity School’s Center for the Study of World Religion’s 2020-21 Psychedelic Series.

Topics include psilocybin and mystical experiences, pioneer psychedelic researcher Rabbi Zalman Schacter, psychedelics and ancient religions, and the indigenous roots of the psychedelic movement.

Convener: In 1981, Tom Roberts taught the world’s first psychedelics course for university credit. He co-edited the two-volume Psychedelic Medicine: New Evidence for Hallucinogenic Substances as Treatments and edited Psychedelics and Spirituality. Tom is a professor emeritus in educational psychology and has led several LLI courses on psychedelic-related topics.

The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50 plus who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just Learning for the Fun of It.