Drugs that Alter your Mind

The course "Drugs that Alter your Mind" at the Free University Amsterdam is an honours level course that explores the emerging field of psychedelic science.

  • 300 Enrolled
  • University
  • Last updated Mar '23
  • English
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Free University Amsterdam
Course Description

The course "Drugs that Alter your Mind" at the Free University Amsterdam is an honours-level course that explores the emerging field of psychedelic science.

This interdisciplinary course assesses the scientific and social aspects of psychedelics, including their therapeutic potential, effects, and risks. The course covers the scientific history of psychedelics, their neurobiological and psychological function, and current research on their therapeutic benefits. It also delves into the cultural history of psychedelics, their recreational use, social and political perceptions, and legal status.

Students will gain knowledge of the effects of cultural changes on psychedelic policy and research, and will be encouraged to assess both research and practice critically. The course is evaluated through an individual essay, a group-based research plan, and a presentation of the research plan.

This course is only available to honours students at the Free University Amsterdam.

You will learn:

  • What is Bwiti?
  • Roles in Bwiti initiation/treatment
  • Instruments in Bwiti: ngombe, mogongo
  • What is an Nganga
    • Maboundi/Yombo
    • Maboundi/Yombo
  • Sustainability/reciprocity

You will learn:

  • History of the Fang tradition
  • Dissumba vs. Dissumba Fang
  • Ombwiri/Mbumbayano Fang
  • The kambo
  • State of Fang Bwiti in Gabon
  • Impact of Westerners coming to work with the sacred wood

You will learn:

  • History of the Missoko tradition
  • Various branches of Missoko initiation:
    • Miobe/Mioba
    • Ngonde Na Dipuma
    • Sengedia
  • The impact of logging on the tradition
  • What the future of Bwiti could look like in Gabon

You will learn:

  • History of Dissumba
  • Various branches of Dissumba initiation:
    • Abanji/Mabanji
    • Ilombo
    • Ombwiri
    • Ombudi
    • Loro
  • The ngombe (sacred harp)
  • Healing rituals involved in her tradition
  • Training to serve the wood
    • What does it involve?
    • How long does it take?

instructor-image

Tatayo

Instructor

About Instructor

Tatayo (“Fruit of the Wind”) first arrived in Gabon in 1971 at the age of 21 and became a Gabonese citizen. In 1979, he became the first white person to be initiated into the Bwiti Fang tradition in Gabon. In 1994, he was initiated into the Misokko tradition. As a guide for numerous expeditions and missions, including those of National Geographic, the BBC, and others, Tatayo is considered to have “opened the door” to westerners in Gabon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for start and finish dates/times. This course is currently being offered live and dates/times will change throughout the year.

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This course includes

  • Lectures 8
  • Duration 16 Hours
  • Skills University
  • Language English
  • Availability Cohort
  • Certificate No

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