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About Contemplative Studies

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.
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The Core Courses:

  1. Foundation Course. The first 2 credit core course is a systematic 8 week mindfulness training program that was developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
  2. Contemplative Studies Course. Students can choose one of two academic courses that are specifically contemplative in their scope and taught by instructors with a background in contemplative studies.
  3. Experiential Course. In the Contemplative Practice category students choose one 2 credit course offered by the Bradley Center.
  4. Cultural-Historical Course. In the Contemplative Culture and Traditions category students select one of four courses that delve into the cultural and historical aspects of contemplative practices.

The Electives:

  1. Elective Courses: Students select 2 courses from a list of 9 courses from across the college.

Classes you can take:

See Full Program Requirements

Career Opportunities

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.

Sample Job Titles

  • K-12 Teachers
  • Preschool Teachers
  • College Professors
  • Artists
  • Writers
  • Athletes
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Yoga Teachers
  • CEO’s
  • Administrators
  • Health Educators
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  • Clinical Counseling, and School Psychologists
  • Directors
  • Religious Activities and Education
  • Arbitrators
  • Mediators and Conciliators
  • Criminal Justice Workers
  • Activists
Hands-On Learning

Required Service Learning Project (noncredit 15 hours): Students participate in a service activity related to promoting mindful values and projects in the Ramapo community and beyond. Activities such as promoting sustainability through work with Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization Farm, bringing meditative activities to underserved populations through Kula for Karma, and/or the creation of CSM service projects, could enhance students’ capacity for compassion and commitment to use mindfulness and contemplative practices for the greater good.

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