Contemplative Studies is an emerging interdisciplinary field.  It features specific themes from across a wide spectrum of knowledge such as Philosophy, Religious Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Justice and Environmental Studies as well as the professions and the arts.  Contemplative Studies address the meditative, contemplative or ‘mindfulness’ practices studied as: 1. elucidated by the contemporary methods of the social and natural sciences, and 2. as embedded within contextualized cultural-historical traditions.  Thus, Contemplative Studies recognizes the importance of both third person and critical first person approaches to knowledge and in this way incorporates direct embodied experience into academic discourse.  On all points, this minor would be emblematic of Ramapo’s vision of interdisciplinary, experiential, international and intercultural learning.

As an interdisciplinary minor, Contemplative Studies serves as a rich Liberal Arts compliment to any major or professional training.  The minor is divided between 4 required core areas (12 credits) and two electives (8 credits) that integrate with other Liberal Arts majors and professional such as psychology, social work, business, medicine, law, geriatrics, education, nursing and environmental studies.

The central objective of the program is to provide interested students with a comprehensive cultural and historical understanding of contemplative practice and the skills to employ contemplation as a tool throughout their life.

• Develop a personal contemplative practice

• Develop intrapersonal and interpersonal reflective skills

• Understand the history, practice and philosophy of contemplative traditions
• Understand various cultural perspectives on religion/contemplative traditions.

• Understand and participate in scholarship on the effects of mindfulness

• Understand practical societal applications of mindfulness across fields and professions
• Apply concepts in contemplative practice across disciplines and professions.

• Demonstrate compassion through service activity

1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the six courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

CONTEMPLATIVE STUDIES MINOR

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