BSTD 311: Buddhism and Psychology

This course examines classical Buddhist theories of mind and mental cultivation, the significant impact of these theories and practices on modern psychology and neuroscience, and the ways in which Buddhism and modern thinking about the mind and brain are being transformed through dialogue with each other. Topics to be investigated may include: mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive theory; Buddhist meditation and neuroplasticity; Buddhist and modern scientific conceptions of the mind-body connection; how Buddhist meditative techniques are transformed when they are presented outside of traditional ethical, soteriological, and ritual contexts; and differences between classical and modern theories and language as they pertain to mind and health.

Prerequisites

A prior course in Buddhism or permission of the instructor.