2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

REL 200 - Asian Mysticism


Description: Fundamental theories of Indian, Chinese, and Japanese metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. Exploration of the mystical traditions and spiritual practices of yoga and meditation in the Asian traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoisim.

Prerequisites: Eng 101 or Eng 103. Reading Proficiency.

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

Course Content:
  1. Introduction to Eastern conceptions of philosophy and metaphysics and comparison with the Western philosophical tradition
  2. General features, historical developments, and practices of Chinese philosophy, including Confucianism and Taoism
  3. General features, historical developments, and practices of Indian philosophy, including Samkyha, Yoga, Nyaya, Mimamsa, Vedanta, Jain Hinduism, and Buddhism
  4. General features, historical developments, and practices of Japanese philosophy, including Shinto, Confucianism, and Zen
  5. The nature of the self, reality, knoweldge, morality, and beauty
  6. The nature and purpose of meditation

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Explain the historical development, key features, and practices of major Asian philosophical traditions. (1-6)
  2. Analyze key philosophical texts and their influences. (1-6)
  3. Explain how different Asian traditions consider fundamental philosophical questions. (1-5)
  4. Demonstrate how meditation has been used in different Asian traditions. (6)

Required Assessment:
  1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2,500 words of monitored writing.