FRS 002 — Sec. 017 — (2 units) — CRN 73061 — W 6:10 - 8:00 pm — 224 Young
Meditation: Buddhism and the Practice of Mindfulness

Instructor: Alan Klima, Department of Anthropology, College of Letters and Science

Description: This course is a hands-on introduction to Buddhist meditation. The course will focus on reading and interpreting the Buddhist text entitled “The Four Foundations of Mindfulness’ (Mahasatipathanasutta and numerous commentaries), while putting it to the test through personal observation of the mind’s behavior in meditation practice as well as in everyday life. Students will do weekly readings and complete weekly journal assignments based on their observations. The seminar will provide tools for understanding the mind as well as skills for a successful life in college.

Format: The seminar will meet for two hours each week. The time will be divided between discussion, oral reports, and practice of observational techniques based on studies of Buddhist theories of mind and body. Outside of class, students will be required to continue investigations of theories from Buddhist psychology using observational techniques during their everyday life activities and report orally each week, as well as complete a short written journal exercise of 1-2 pages each week. Reading material will be provided each week. Grading: The course grade will be based on: quality and degree of thoroughness in completion of the weekly writing assignments (1/3) and oral reports (1/3), and on the frequency and quality of participation in class discussion (1/3).

About the Instructor: Professor Klima is Associate Chair of the faculty in the Department of Anthropology. His research interests include Buddhism in Thailand, with an emphasis on Buddhist meditation. Current projects include a documentary film on spirit mediumship in Thailand. He currently teaches a course on the global transformations and transmissions of Buddhism across cultures.