IST 220 - Art and Science of Meditation (2)

Though most often associated with spiritual practice, meditation has long played a role not only in many religious traditions but also in disciplinary traditions from philosophy to biology. With the broad goal of cultivating greater understanding of the diverse contexts and histories of meditation, this course will engage students in critical discourse on individual and interdisciplinary perspectives on meditation, as well as in personal practices to enhance academic and personal learning. As part of this course, students will: read texts that inform and challenge us to think and reflect about meditation; discuss how meditative practices can be incorporated into methodologies of various disciplines and sectors; explore disciplinary perspectives on meditation, from current brain function and health sciences to empathy, sympathy, and compassion toward others in the larger world community. As a way to assimilate knowledge with personal experience, we will engage in individual and group meditative practices throughout the semester. Spring.