classes

Cases and Conflicts in Engineering Ethics

Engineering is challenged by issues of security, poverty and under-development, and environmental sustainability. These issues intersect with those of race, class, and culture in U.S. society. This course focuses on engineering ethics case studies as they apply to issues of workplace diversity, sustainable practices, economic impacts on neighborhoods and nations, and issues of security and identity. The goal of this course is to broaden the understanding of engineering ethics from individual and business-based practices to those affecting communities and nations.

Meditation: Theory and Practice -- Peace & Conflict Studies

A practicum using a modern method for systematically reducing random activity in the mind, with comparative studies of relevant texts from monastic and householder traditions, East and West.

Nonviolence Today -- Peace & Conflict Studies

Nonviolence today embraces a holistic spectrum of movements for social justice, peace, environmental renewal, and more; it is beyond (yet includes) protest marches, boycotts, or political engagement. Perhaps, the most important under-reported news story of our time is that countless individuals and groups are using nonviolent methods in building pathways to transform our world, nations, communities, organizations & individual lives. This course will use the practices of consciousness, dialogue, research, and action; for envisioning, planning and implementing specific "dreams" of a nonviolent future. The methods of Socratic dialogue, case studies, and constructive program development will be extensively used.

Introduction to Nonviolence

Nonviolence is the art of attaining results without weapons of injury and death. Since ancient times, nonviolence has been a moral imperative, a way of life, and a strategic option in struggles for freedom, social justice, defense of borders and protection of the environment. In this course we take a holistic perspective on the origins, history, theory, and practice of nonviolence; including pacifism, direct action and related approaches. Nonviolence will be examined at the levels of spirituality, self, family, local communities, nation state, transnational corporations and the media. Special attention will be given to the lives and work of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez. Principled nonviolence, as well as the reality of mixed or strategic nonviolence, will be considered as applied to problems of social justice, defense, etc.

The teaching/learning method is a mixture of lecture, readings, in-class comments on readings by students, and instructor directed dialogue. Readings will be from required textbooks, handouts, and content from the Internet. Students will research and comment on local, national, and global organizations/groups dedicated to the practice and theory of nonviolence. Periodically, the class will have exercises to move communication skills and group experience beyond the dualistic thinking of "us and them".

Time, Money, and Love in the Age of Technology

Many people in technological societies complain of "time poverty." What are the real relationships between time, money, and love in our lives? Where is love in a world dominated by the technological paradigm? Is there a balance to be found? Does technology make us happy? What is the good life? How can we cultivate peace of mind in a world of rapid change? These and other fundamental questions will be at the heart of a Socratic dialogue.

Religion, Peace and Conflict

Religions, which preach peace and love, are often blamed for causing the bloodiest wars. This is the great paradox of religion and war. Can we resolve it? The "golden rule" is expressed by all major world religions. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Essentially, great religions are rooted in love. But, we often see love replaced by fear and the hate that follows. How can the great world religions reaffirm their common roots?

Mysticism and Physics

Mysticism and physics are paths to knowledge of "ultimate reality". Academic culture often assumes that physics is the true path to knowledge, while mysticism is illusionary. There are many, however, who hold that mysticism and physics are complimentary, or even that the two point to the same thing. What are the relationships between mysticism and physics? What are the distinctions between mysticism and religion; between science and scientism? These and other fundamental questions will be at the heart of this semester-long Socratic dialogue. Students will be introduced to ancient texts such as the Upanishads, to modern physics theories, and to scientific findings regarding human consciousness.

Meditation in the Marketplace

Theory and practice of meditation in the middle of your ordinary world; which is where you need it the most.