Contemplative Studies
In this course, we will survey contemplative practices from different spiritual and secular traditions, exploring similarities and differences among the systematic ways humans have altered their attention and consciousness. With a focus on contemplative music, mysticism, and stories, we will look at traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Transcendentalism. Along the way, we will ask questions about contemplation’s relationship to: action and social change; community and solitude; time and space; the spirit and the body; and secularization and appropriation. Some assignments will ask students to reflect on their own attention; conduct interviews with members of local contemplative communities; and experiment with a contemplative practice of their choice, reporting on the process in a written or creative project.