Curiositas: Bion’s K-Link and the Study of Curiosity
Instructor: Enika Cocoli Bowen, PhD
The first of its kind, this elective class begins with an overview of Bion’s K-link. It then extends to additional sources from philosophy and theology spanning 25 centuries. From Socrates to the North African shores of St. Augustine all the way to us in the 20th and 21st centuries, this study will dive into the complex nature of curiosity, its benefits and shortcomings. The ultimate aim is the enrichment of clinical work as a whole and the therapeutic activity of each session.
The idea for this class is born from the double-sided nature of curiosity. One side holds that being curious is a virtue that opens the path to learning and discovery. This side requires an awakening to something other than oneself, thought different from one’s own, experiences of other origins, and the possibility to approach the other with helpful intent. On the flipside, curiosity is a vice, best captured by folk wisdom: Curiosity killed the cat. It is the area of looking without seeing, listening without hearing, being unchanged by the reality both within and without.
This duality is of significant interest to clinical work. How do we discover the internal world of the other? Yet, how do we restrain ourselves from gawking, literally and metaphorically? How do we balance them? Or… do we? Ultimately, these questions regard the nature of knowing, knowledge, and related pitfalls. As the concept of curiosity encompasses several others, it will lead us to other areas, as the readings will show.
We will begin far back in spacetime, with St. Augustine through brief passages from Confessions and The Trinity. Then, we will leap sixteen centuries to the outstanding 20th century Canadian theologian Bernard Lonergan. We will dedicate the majority of the class to the evolution of Wilfred Bion’s thought.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Time | Wednesdays at 7:30 – 9:00 pm |
| Dates | February 8, February 15, February 22, March 1 (2023) |
| Location | Online via Zoom |
| Fee | COR Members: $200 |
| Class Size | Minimum of 5 and no maximum limit |
| CEUs | 1.5 for each attended class; 6.0 hours total |
Scholarships Are Available
Course CEU Tests and Evaluation
As as a part of Washington State requirements, each student who is wanting to claim class credits toward their license CEUs is required to complete a quiz, with a passing grade of 70%. You can take the quiz as many times as needed. Once the class is completed the final quiz will also have a course evaluation, which is also required, but can be completed anonymously.
Session | Quiz Links |
|---|---|
| Week 1 – 2/8/23 | Quiz 1 |
| Week 2 – 2/15/23 | Quiz 2 |
| Week 3 – 2/22/23 | Quiz 3 |
| Week 4 – 3/1/23 | Quiz 4 / Evaluation |
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REFUND POLICY
Missed classes, seminars, events are not eligible for partial refunds. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the first class are eligible for a full refund, less a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 30 days in advance of the first session are nonrefundable and non-transferable unless COR is able to fill your spot with another registrant. Cancellations made on or after the start of the first session are 100% non-refundable and nontransferable. In the event of an emergency, each situation will be considered.
INSTALLMENT PLANS
For purchasing an installment plan, a “Free Trial” means there will be a delay of the charge until class begins. The sign up fee is an initial charge to secure your place within the class.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Center for Object Relations does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of contractors and instructors, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and students.