CONTEMPLATIVE STUDIES MINOR

School of History, Philosophy, and Religion

Corvallis | Ecampus Minor Code: 802 [email protected] Advisor: Kate Gallagher

"The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention, over and over again, is the very root of judgment, character and will. An education which should improve this faculty would be the education par excellence."

William James, Principles of Psychology

ABOUT THE MINOR

This minor combines courses in Tai Chi, Yoga, Philosophy, Religion, Psychology and more to offer a rigorous, experiential exploration of contemplative disciplines, their historical and religious contexts, and their implications for psychological well-being. This minor is a valuable complement to a diverse array of majors, as contemplative inquiry seeks to investigate questions that are fundamental to the human experience, relationships, health, and life itself. Knowledge of and experience in contemplative studies can be especially useful to those seeking careers in healthcare, business, education, psychology, and religion. Perhaps more importantly, research has shown that a contemplative education, such as this minor provides, can have far-ranging effects on the life of the learner, including effects on attention, health, relationships and well-being.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

Effectively practice several contemplative techniques.
Summarize the research-based benefits of contemplative practice.
Contextualize contemporary practices in their historical contexts.
Reflect on personal and professional applications of contemplative philosophies.

REQUIREMENTS

A minor in Contemplative Studies can be earned by satisfactorily completing 27 credits from the following list of courses, which must include 12 upper-division credits (300 and 400 level courses).

Check with your own college's policies to see if the same course can count to meet different degree requirements. Up to 12 credits can be double-counted between the Contemplative Studies minor and the Philosophy, Religion and Psychology majors.

REQUIRED CORE [12 CREDITS]

Combines a “third-person” scholarly approach with “critical first-person” experience and reflection in the study of contemplative practices. Explores both religious and secular contemplative traditions, practices and worldviews in cultures-of-origin, and as adopted by other cultures and adapted over time. Reviews practices including yoga, movement, meditation, prayer, presence in nature, ritual, service, recitation, introspection, writing and creative expression. Analyzes practices in primary philosophical, religious, historical, cultural, and psychological contexts. Emphasizes textual study, expert dialogues, discussion and development of contemplative skills. Applies principles to social issues and integrates values and meaning-making with career development. CROSSLISTED as PHL 308/REL 308. (Bacc Core Course)

Attributes: CPCD – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Cultural Diversity

Equivalent to: PHL 308

Available via Ecampus

Explores the psychological processes of meditation, and requires regular meditation sessions by students. Readings ranging from traditional Eastern philosophy to empirical psychological research journal articles will focus on outcomes and effective methods of meditation practice.

Prerequisite: (PSY 201 with C- or better or PSY 201H with C- or better or PSY 201Z with C- or better or PSY 201HZ with C- or better) and (PSY 202 [C-] or PSY 202H [C-] or PSY 202Z [C-] or PSY 202HZ [C-])

Available via Ecampus

Examination of the major philosophical schools, texts, and thinkers in Buddhist history, emphasizing its Indian origins, but looking beyond to the various Buddhist traditions throughout Asia. CROSSLISTED as PHL 430/REL 430 and PHL 530/REL 530.

Attributes: LACN – Liberal Arts Non-Western Core

Equivalent to: PHL 430H, REL 430

Available via Ecampus

Survey of the historical development of Buddhism in India and its spread throughout Asia and beyond by investigating the literature, rituals, history and social structure of the Buddhist traditions of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, Tibet and the Himalayan region, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and finally its growth in the West. CROSSLISTED as PHL 208/REL 208. (NC)

Attributes: LACN – Liberal Arts Non-Western Core

Equivalent to: REL 208

Available via Ecampus

MOVEMENT

Introduction to techniques that promote relaxation of the nervous system. These may include, but are not limited to: meditation, imagery, yoga postures, and self-massage. Students will be encouraged to reflect on how life choices influence their nervous system.