Happiness: Meditation & Science
C. Kassor, Lawrence University, December Term 2018
Important info:
Important info:
- We meet daily in Main Hall 401, from 10am until noon (with a couple of exceptions TBA)
- Your professor is Connie Kassor (you can call me Connie)
- Connie's office: Main Hall 411
- Connie's email: constance.e.kassor@lawrence.edu
- Quick! Get this book!
Course Requirements:
Course Requirements:
Attendance is mandatory. (We only meet 8 times!)
Attendance is mandatory. (We only meet 8 times!)
- Missing one class meeting will result in a full letter-grade deduction.
- Missing more than one class meeting will result in a failing grade.
Meditation journal: 33%
Meditation journal: 33%
- Every day for the duration of the course (November 26-December 7), you will be expected to meditate on your own* for somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes, and reflect on your experiences.
- More instructions here
Participation: 33%
Participation: 33%
- We're a small class, and everything will be so much more fun if we're all engaged.
- Engagement means coming to class on time, participating in class activities, paying attention, and contributing to class discussion if/when you feel comfortable.
Presentation: 33%
Presentation: 33%
- On Wednesday, December 5, you will present a selection from the book Destructive Emotions with a partner or in a small group, and lead the class in a short discussion. More info will be provided in class.
*Note: If you experience any difficulties with your meditation practice, please speak to me. While many people find common kinds of silent or guided meditation useful, sometimes people can have bad experiences with meditation. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to meditate, and meditation practice is not a one-size-fits-all thing! If you experience physical pain, or any mental or emotional issues while meditating, please do not try to tough it out on your own. Talk to me. That's why I'm here.
Monday, November 26
Monday, November 26
Introductions, What is Happiness?
Introductions, What is Happiness?
Tuesday, November 27
Tuesday, November 27
Basic Buddhism and the Problem of Suffering
Basic Buddhism and the Problem of Suffering
Wednesday, November 28
Wednesday, November 28
The Causes of Suffering
The Causes of Suffering
Friday, November 30
Friday, November 30
The path to eliminate the causes of suffering
The path to eliminate the causes of suffering
- Free the Mind (film, 1 hour 20 minutes)
- Pew Research Center, "Are we happy yet?"
Saturday-Tuesday
Saturday-Tuesday
No class
No class
- Take this time to read all of Destructive Emotions, and to plan your short presentation with your partner(s).
- Also, be sure that you're keeping up with your meditation journal!
Wednesday, December 5
Wednesday, December 5
Destructive emotions
Destructive emotions
- Presentations and discussions of Goleman's Destructive Emotions
Thursday, December 6
Thursday, December 6
Compassion
Compassion
Friday, December 7
Friday, December 7
Maybe meditation isn't always good for you?
Maybe meditation isn't always good for you?