| Unit name | Asian Traditions of Meditation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30182 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Shiri |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
What is meditation? What is the relationship between the body and the mind in meditative practice? How have meditation practices evolved and adapted to different contexts?
This unit tackles these questions by exploring a selection of Asian meditation systems, their techniques, theories of the mind, doctrinal foundations, as well as monastic and lay regimens. While the unit focuses on traditional models of meditation, their distinctive soteriology, and institutional contexts, we also pay attention to their historical developments. Thus, we also assess how traditional forms of meditation have transformed or adapted in a modern context.
In addition to leading scholarship on meditation and primary sources compiled by meditators, we will rely on material culture and visual materials as well.
The class is open to all students interested in learning about meditation in Asian contexts. There are no formal prerequisites, although students will benefit if they have taken the first-year unit Living Religions East, as well as other Asian religion units taught in the department of Religion and Theology.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Specialist subject options are offered in the third year of the Religion and Theology programmes. It is standard practice for single honours students to take two specialist options in each of those years (one per TB), and for joint honours students to take two. Specialist subject options are available to students on Liberal Arts programmes and are also available to taught postgraduates (MA Buddhist Studies, MA Theology and Religious Studies). The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the Religion and Theology department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
As part of this unit, you will explore major traditions of meditative practice in Asia, with special emphasis on their methods, theories, soteriology, and communities of practitioners.
Although we will not necessarily meditate in class, you will become aware of the mental and physical experiences of meditation practices, as written about by its theorists and actors. In this sense, you will learn how to critically appraise received ideas regarding Asian forms of 'meditation, grounded in in-depth understanding of insider discourses and claims, as well as leading scholarly works.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which do not count towards your mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
1 x Seminar-discussion leading (0%) [ILO 6]
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 x 2000 word portfolio (40%) [ILOs 1-5]
1 X 3000-word summative essay (60%) [ILOs 1-5; 7]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRS30182).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
