Week 7: Minicourse Syllabus

Meditation Practice for Beginners - Course Syllabus

Scroll on the document below to access my course syllabus and access the public version below. 

Meditation Practice for Beginners - Course Syllabus (Public Version) 

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of meditation, providing practical skills to perform basic meditation techniques and integrate these practices into their daily routines. By the end of the course, learners will have developed a consistent meditation practice that enhances their overall well-being.

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the basic principles and benefits of meditation.

2. Identify and practice various meditation techniques.

3. Develop a personal meditation routine.

4. Recognize and overcome common challenges in meditation practice.

5. Integrate meditation practices into daily life to enhance well-being.

6. Reflect on personal progress and experiences with meditation.

Instructor Contact:

• Name: Faith Steward

• Email: Fsteward@meditation.com

• Office Hours: Mon-Fri. 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST daily 

Course Prerequisites:

• No prior knowledge or skills are necessary.

Technology Requirements:

• Access to a computer or mobile device with internet connectivity.

• Ability to view video lectures and participate in online discussions.

• Recommended: Headphones for guided meditation sessions.

Grading Policy:

• Quizzes: 20%

• Reflection Journals: 30%

• Practical Exercises: 30%

• Forum Participation: 20%

Grade Scale:

• A: 90-100%

• B: 80-89%

• C: 70-79%

• D: 60-69%

• F: Below 60%

Late Policies:

• Assignments submitted up to one week late will receive a 10% deduction.

• Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20% deduction.

• No assignments will be accepted after two weeks past the due date without prior approval.

Schedule of Instructional Events:

Week 1: Introduction to Meditation

• Monday:

  • Reading Assignment: Introduction to Meditation

  • Video Lecture: Overview of Meditation Techniques

• Wednesday:

  • Guided Practice: Breathing Exercises

• Friday:

  • Discussion Forum: Share ideas for creating a meditation space

Week 2: Exploring Meditation Techniques

• Monday:

  • Reading Assignment: Different Types of Meditation

  • Video Lecture: Techniques and Benefits of Mindfulness, Focused Attention and Loving-Kindness Meditation

• Wednesday:

  • Guided Practice: Mindfulness Meditation

• Friday:

  • Guided Practice: Focused Attention Meditation

  • Reflection Journal: Initial experiences with different meditation techniques

Week 3: Integrating Meditation into Daily Life

• Monday:

  • Reading Assignment: Practical Tips for Daily Meditation

  • Video Lecture: Incorporating Meditation into Daily Activities

• Wednesday:

  • Guided Practice: Mindful Eating/Walking

• Friday:

  • Discussion Forum: Strategies for daily meditation practice

Week 4: Overcoming Challenges and Reflecting on Meditation Practice

Monday:

• Reading Assignment: Debunking Meditation Myths and Recognizing Progress

• Video Lecture: Overcoming Common Challenges and Self-Assessment

Wednesday:

• Guided Practice: Body Scan Meditation

Friday:

• Guided Practice: Self-Assessment Meditation

• Reflection Journal: Personal progress and experiences

Academic Honesty/Integrity Policy:

All students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, and any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

If you have a disability that requires special accommodations, please contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

PDF Version:

A PDF version of this syllabus is available on the course site for download.