Photo licensed through Creative Commons Zero from Max Pixel.
Mindfulness: The Art of Living
A First-Year Tutorial offered fall 2021, taught by Dixuan Yujing Chen, assistant professor of religious studies
The course explores the ongoing movement of mindfulness in academic, religious, and secular contexts. Specific topics include what mindfulness is, why it is important, and how to apply research-based mindfulness to reflect upon liberal arts education. Students will learn skills to 1) analyze scholarly works and evaluate the credibility of website resources, 2) define modern transformation of mindfulness in America, and 3) incorporate mindful practices into their academic performance and everyday life.
This is Not a “Meditation” Class
My goal is to use "mindfulness" as a subject of study, allowing students to explore the processes, challenges, and fruits of liberal arts education. The first-year students may experience some difficulties and anxieties in pursuing academic achievement, finding a sense of belonging, and establishing habits to maintain a balanced life. Mindfulness is a practical approach to dealing with day-to-day issues.
Moreover, students will learn how to use "mindfulness" as a research topic to analyze various types of research data, develop reading skills, mindfully engage in class discussions, and present academic writing.
– Dixuan Yujing Chen