THL340: Introduction to Contemplative Education

June 11-Aug 2 (8 weeks)
Tuesday Evenings
6 – 8 pm
THL340: Introduction to Contemplative Education (1 credit) with Dr. Namdrol Adams

Offered for hybrid synchronous attendance (in-person and online available). Students must be in Oregon to take the course for credit. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

This course will explore the integration of contemplative practices, philosophies, and orientations into educational practices in modern American education. The course content will focus on the development of the field of contemplative education in K-12 and higher education and span its deepening influence there, as well as examine the way it has been integrated into teaching and learning at all levels. Topics covered will include contemplative pedagogy, contemplative research and inquiry, contemplation and the brain, and contemplative pedagogy in culturally diverse classrooms. This course is suitable for students, researchers, and educators at all levels.  See additional details below.

Existing student may register through populi; new continuing education and auditing students please follow the link below.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Duration: 8 weeks 
Course Level: Graduate

Learning Objectives:

1.     Students will be able to explain key principles and practices of contemplative education, including mindfulness, meditation, and reflective practices.
2.     Students will understand the historical development and cultural contexts of contemplative education.
3.     Students will be able to design a simple contemplative exercise that can be incorporated into their educational or professional practice.
4.     Students will explore ways that contemplative practices can be applied across diverse educational and professional settings.

Tentative Course Plan:

Week 1: Introduction to Contemplative Education
Overview of “contemplative education”

Week 2: Historical Development of Contemplative Education
Historical roots and evolution, key figures and movements

Week 3: Cultural Contexts of Contemplative Practices
Cultural perspectives on mindfulness and meditation, crosscultural applications

Week 4: Principles of Mindfulness and Meditation
Definitions, the science

Week 5: Reflective Practices in Education
The role of reflection in learning, techniques for reflective practice

Week 6: Designing Contemplative Exercises
Principles, context-appropriate exercises

Week 7: Application in Educational Settings
Integrating contemplative practices into curricula, case studies

Week 8: Application in Professional Settings
Contemplative practices in the workplace, benefits and challenges of implementation

Assessments for this class will include:

…(1) weekly reflections and (2) the design and presentation of a contemplative exercise, along with a written proposal for its application in an educational or professional setting.