June 2008

I. INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINARS

Social Change in Theory and Practice Tuesday
Tuesday, June 10, 6:30-8:30pm
Anthony Hernandez, WISR BA Student and John Bilorusky, PhD, WISR Faculty

This seminar will begin by exploring the merits and limitations of several leading theories. It then reveals the origins of social class structure and how those origins have been perfected to maintain power and status quo. It concludes by examining some of the ways in which people have sought to alter the status quo for better or for worse. Anthony is nearing the completion of his BA at WISR and plans to go on for his MA in Psychology at WISR, with an emphasis on evolutionary psychology, which seeks to understand human behavior by examining humans as animals who evolved next to and from other animals.

Discussion of Readings On Economic Development and Moral Philosophy
Monday, June 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Ellen Furnari, WISR PhD Student, Vera Labat, MPH, & John Bilorusky, PhD, WISR Faculty, Facilitators

We will review analyses of writings by the philosopher, John Rawls, and of the Nobel Prize winning economist, Amartya Sens. Sens applied some of Rawls' ideas of social justice to look much more expansively than most at economic development. As an economist, Sens is not just concerned about income and the like, but also with issues of freedom, equality and the environment. This is an ongoing discussion group, providing an opportunity to reflect on and discuss some common readings on social theory and philosophy, as related to practical concerns and our larger interests in social change. To arrange to get a copy of the readings for the seminar, contact John Bilorusky at 510-655-2830.

II. MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY (MFT) SEMINARS

These seminars are designed for students pursuing an MFT license. Other interested persons are welcome to attend but are requested to RSVP.
The MFT seminars are on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm and include a short break to eat a bag lunch.

Child Abuse Reporting - Part 2 of 2
Saturday, June 14, 10:00am-2:00pm
Ronald Mah, MA, MFT, WISR Faculty

Topics to be discussed will include: specifics of the California Child Abuse Reporting law; defining areas of abuse; historical, professional, and legal foundations to child abuse intervention; and family interventions based on child abuse principles. This seminar and the August seminar will be held at Ronald Mah's office at:

433 Estudillo Ave., #305
San Leandro, CA 94577-4915

For directions go to www.RonaldMah.com for a Yahoo Map link, or call Ronald at (510) 614-5641. (Upcoming monthly Saturday seminar(s) with Ronald Mah will be July 12.)

Psychopharmacology - Part 1 of 2
June 28, 10:00am -2:00pm
Carole Morton, MFT, WISR MA Alumna, Faculty

Carole Morton, MFT, WISR MA Alumna, Faculty. Psychopharmacology is the use of psychotropic medications in the treatment of psychological disorders. This seminar will examine the role of the psychotherapist and psychotherapy in their use. This seminar will also explore the new trends in psychopharmacology, the pros and cons of usage, and alternative therapies (what they are and when they are appropriate to use). (Upcoming seminar(s) with Carole Morton will July 26.

III) OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING /EVENTS

*If you prefer to receive this announcement by email, please contact WISR and keep us updated with your addresses for monthly emails and occasional snail mails.

**Prospective students and others wishing to learn more about WISR are invited to attend these seminars. WISR is on Sacramento at Harmon Street, one block north of Alcatraz. ~ mail@wisr.edu

***If you need a ride to an event at WISR or can offer one, contact WISR re possible carpool possibilities.