Contemplative Studies Minor
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Program Description
Contemplative Studies is an emerging interdisciplinary field. It features specific themes from across a wide spectrum of knowledge such as philosophy, religious studies, psychology, sociology, social justice and environmental studies as well as the professions and the arts. Contemplative Studies address the meditative, contemplative or 'mindfulness' practices present in:
Contemporary methods of the social and natural sciences
Concepts and contexts of cultural-historical traditions.
Thus, Contemplative Studies is both an experimental and a critical approach to knowledge; incorporating direct embodied experience into academic discourse. This minor is emblematic Ramapo’s vision of interdisciplinary, experiential, international and intercultural learning.
As an interdisciplinary minor, Contemplative Studies serves as a rich liberal arts compliment to any major or professional training. The minor is divided between four required core areas (12 credits) and two electives (8 credits) that integrate with other liberal arts majors and professional preparations such as psychology, social work, business, medicine, law, geriatrics, education, nursing and environmental studies.
Learning Goals and Outcomes
The central objective of the program is to provide interested students with a comprehensive cultural and historical understanding of contemplative practice and the skills to employ contemplation as a tool throughout their life.
Goal 1: Students will develop proficiency in intra-personal reflective skills.
Outcome 1.1: Students reflective assignment will display self-knowledge by clearly representing perception of sensations, emotions and thoughts.
Goal 2: Students will develop proficiency in interpersonal communication skills.
Outcome 2.1: Students will document and analyze difficult interpersonal communication and suggest more effective strategies for resolving difficulties.
Goal 3: Students will explore ethical standards in their actions, words and thoughts.
Outcome 3.1: Student will discuss ethical issues and their effects on the common good.