Happiness: Meditation & Science

C. Kassor, Lawrence University, December Term 2018

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!

- if you can't get this book by Friday, Nov 30, talk to me

Course Requirements:

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%

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%

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%

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

Introductions, What is Happiness?

Tuesday, November 27

Basic Buddhism and the Problem of Suffering

Wednesday, November 28

The Causes of Suffering

Thursday, November 29

The cessation of suffering

HHDL and Cutler, The Art of Happiness, Part 1

Friday, November 30

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

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!