Buddhist Psychology (249-0-1)
Instructors
Marcia F Grabowecky
847/467-3044
306 Cresap
Meeting Info
Fisk Hall 217: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
Buddhism is most often considered a religion, but it is also very much a psychological system. The course also provides a concise introduction to key concepts in Buddhism (with minimal discussion of the evolution of different Buddhist schools and sects) and how these ideas relate to topics from main-stream Psychology. As students work through the material, we will examine how the critical Buddhist observation of interdependence, especially of all living beings and their environment, leads to an ethical system based on the view that harming others is also harming oneself. Implications of these foundational concepts will be investigated in relation to class materials.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: Psych 110
Learning Objectives
Students will be expected to understand the essential principles of Buddhism and how these form a psychological system. They will also be expected to understand how evidence from scientific psychology is consistent or inconsistent with Buddhist psychology.
Teaching Method
Discussion; lecture (two 80-min lectures weekly)
Evaluation Method
Final Exam: 45%
Mid-term Exam: 35%
Writing Assignments: Summaries of assigned readings 10%
Other (see below): 10%
Students will document and reflect on their experience with the in class and homework meditation practices in 3 meditation logs which count 10% towards the class grade.
Class Materials (Required)
Thich Nhat Hanh (1996), The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual on Meditation. Beacon Press;
ISBN: 0807012327, 1996
Class Materials (Suggested)
Matthieu Ricard (2006), Happiness: A guide to developing life' s most important skill. Little, Brown ISBN 0316057835
Class Attributes
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Ethics & Values Distro Area
Prerequisites apply, see description