REL 200 - Asian Mysticism

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, knowledge, morality, and beauty
6. The nature and purpose of meditation

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

1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2,500 words of monitored writing, which includes a 1,500 word essay that undergoes iterations of the writing process (i.e., outline, rough draft, and etc.), using academically appropriate sources.