PEAC 280: Introduction to the Concepts, Process and Practice of Mindfullness
Prerequisites: None
Credit Hours: (3)
The purpose of the course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding
of mindfulness through the study of the concepts and practices of mindfulness, and
the research on mindfulness. The emphasis in the course is upon engaging in mindfulness
practices. Students will explore skills and attitudes that enhance self-awareness
and self-regulation, and social awareness and inter-relational mindfulness. Students
will study how fostering inner peace promotes outer peace in the world. The course
will offer opportunities to cultivate these skills in students’ daily lives with opportunities
to apply what they learn to their academic and professional interest areas.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. A daylong retreat is a required
component of this course.
Detailed Description of Course
This course is an interactive, collaborative learning experience that provides students with the opening to explore accessible techniques ranging from mindful awareness in sitting, walking, eating, and resting that may enhance their ability to have greater concentration, focus, and well-being. The development of self-awareness is threaded throughout the course with reflective and personal growth opportunities. The course provides an opportunity to develop and integrate a personal mindfulness practice. If practiced consistently, the results are real and very far-reaching. In the largest sense, mindfulness meditation allows you to live in harmony with the realities of the world—to embrace life's ever-changing impermanence, to live in equanimity with the inevitable ups and downs of being human, and to feel deeply connected to the whole of life. The course consists of readings, brief lectures, small group discussions, journal work, and self-observation practices in home and class settings.
In light of a mindfulness framework, students will examine how their behaviors, communications, and relationships relate to the realities and cultures of other people. They will have the opportunity to analyze how there are conflicts regarding behaviors, beliefs, and cultures. The result of class experiences, through discussion and journaling, students will describe how their background, cultures, and beliefs influence how they understand the world.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will consist of but not be limited to: readings, brief lectures, small group discussions, journal work, and self-observation practices in home and class settings. Learning will require mandatory attendance, active participation, critical thinking, and creativeness on the part of each student.
Student Goals and Objectives of the Course
Through the context of behaviors, beliefs, cultures, social institutions and environments, Students will be able to:
Assessment Measures
Course assessment include but are not limited to tests, class discussions, journal reflections, presentations, self-evaluation papers and other measures.
Other Course Information
A daylong retreat is a required component of this course.
Review and Approval
April 20, 2017
March 01, 2021