Course Overview: What the Hell is YOGA Anyway?

What is Yoga? (that depends on who you ask)

• "The stilling of the movements of the mind" (YS 1.2)- Yoga is a meditative technique that brings stillness and connects one to the divine force
• "Skill in Action" (BG 4.22) -Yoga is one's ability to perform one's action with the utmost skill so that one might always "act" properly
• "Yoga is a technique which stops death"(HYP 2.16) -yogic techniques are meant to stop the natural processes of time and have one experience the eternal divine force.
• "Yoga is the practice of non attachment" (BG 6.15) -Yoga is the ability to perform all actions according to one's purpose (dharma) without regard to the consequences of these actions.
• "Yoga is a form of exercise which practice a designed to empower you with the focus, training and insight you need to achieve consistent results in the most important areas of your life." (Baron Baptiste)- Yoga is a form of physical culture which helps you succeed in your life.
• "Yoga is a series of postures systematically work every part of the body, to give all the internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all the muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function." (Bikram Chodouroy)-Yoga is a means for healing and maintaining health. 
• "Yoga is a way to reduce the stress in our lives" (Dr. Oz) -Yoga is a form of relaxation.

What are the Origins of Yoga? (that depends who you ask as well)

• The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) believes that yoga has strayed to far in the West from its HINDU roots. They see yoga as Hindu religion in practice.
• Kundalini practitioners claim that yoga is a 10,000 year old practice originating in the pre-hindu northern regions of Kashmir in India.
• Archaeologists have traced yoga "symbology" back 5000 years to the oldest civilization known to exist in the archaeological record Mohenjo-daro.
• The physical postures that are part of the modern yoga cannon are at most 100 years old.
• Modern Yoga practice was formed out of the Physical Culture Movement of the mid-nineteenth century. Before then yoga was a spiritual and alchemical practice.
• Yoga has many different practices and developed through a number of different traditions. The three most prominent are from the Brahmanic period (Baghdad Gita), The Classical Period (the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) and the Tantric Period (Hatha Yoga Pradipika).
• Does Yoga in the West have any connection to these roots today?

Is Yoga a Religion? (that depends on who you ask)

• What is "religion"? and how does this differ from "spirituality"?
• "Yoga is in religion, religion is not in yoga"-the many yoga practices along with their transcendent goal of direct experience, are typically not practiced by adherents of religion. (Swami Rama)
• 
  

Can Yoga Really Heal You? (and other special powers afforded by yoga -siddhis)

• Many health claims have been attributed to yoga (are they true?)
• Many psychological empowerment claims have been attributed to yoga (are they true?)
• Yoga makes you a better person (does it?)

Why is Yoga a Girl Thing? (or is it?)

• Certainly here in the West, Yoga is for chicks. 93 percent of practitioners are women. Why?
• Traditionally, Yoga was (an exclusively) male practice.
• How and why did this happen?

Essays for Fall 2016 Semester

Fall 2016 Essays

WRITING RUBRIC

Film Comparison #1
Due 9/22

After viewing the two documentary films, Enlighten Up and Naked in Ashes, compare and contrast the “meaning” of yoga and its practice in India, and in the United States.

(1) Compare the lives of our two "seekers", "Nick Rosen" and "Santosh Giri".Consider their motivations, cultural preconceptions, experiences and the impact of their study.

(2) How do their experiences illustrate the differences between yoga in  India and the USA:

-the definition of yoga,

-the purpose of yoga practice,

-the methods of practice,

-the ways that one is drawn to yoga and the perception of yogis (those who practice yoga) in India and here in the U.S.

(3) How does the definition yoga reflect and adapt to the culture and time period in which it is contained? Illustrate your analysis with specific examples from the films.

Essays will be graded for content and for rhetorical style and execution. Please make sure to proofread your essays and structure them in a persuasive manner. (see writing rubric for class). Essays should have a formal introductory paragraph and conclusion and address all aspects of the question raised above. Length: 3-5 pages, double-spaced.*DO NOT CITE FROM INTERNET RESOURCES. (thank you)

you can watch the second movie, NAKED IN ASHES on Amazon instant view for $2.99
by clicking here.


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Essay #2

Authority in Practice
Due 10/20

Please base this essay on the readings by SMITH and NEVRIN, and your viewing of the film ASHTANGA NY. You May also comment on your personal experience practicing in a group class. All three sources should be used to answer the question posed below.

The practice of yoga in a group setting is a new phenomenon. The shala (practice space) and the Sangha (gathering for practice) are important components of modern postural yoga in the East and the West. Using the articles by NEVRIN and SMITH, and the film ASHTANGA NY, (1) Discuss the ways in which community and ritual create a meaningful experience for yoga practitioners. (2) Discuss the ways that the authority of the teacher expressed? (Consider language, sequencing, adjusting, discipline in practice, lineage, textual authority, ritual space, respect, etc.) (3) How is heat (ritual and actual) central to the transformational process in yoga practice? Illustrate your points with examples from the articles, the film and your personal practice where possible.

___________________________________________________

Medicine Essay

Essay #3

Yoga as Medicine: A Meditation

Due 11/17

Considering the “science” of yoga from both the Eastern and Western perspective, discuss the role of yoga as a system of health and healing in American culture. To do this, you must discuss (1) the possible application of Yoga and its sister science Ayurveda  (Svoboda book) as an alternative/complimentary medicine, and (2) the medical claims that are made by the yoga systems that we have discussed to date. (Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram & Sivananda & Viniyoga (see blog)). (3) Make sure that you consider health and healing from a broad perspective which considers mind, body and spirit. Note: look to your handouts, the readings, the effects of postures, and your own experience in practice for supporting evidence in your discussion.
_____________________________________________

Epic Truths & Practice

Essay #4
DUE 12/8

The Baghavad Gita , Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are considered revolutionary texts, departing from earlier traditions by proposing many approaches to enlightenment. For this essay, COMPARE and CONTRAST these texts according to the following features:

1. HOW IS YOGA DEFINED?
2. WHO may practice yoga? 
3. How is it PRACTICED? (consider the techniques at the core of practice)
4. What is the GOAL of practice? (consider the philosophical assumptions that underlie practice-dharma/karma, samkhaya, singularity of truth---HINT!!!)
5. How might each text be viewed as a synthetic (brings together a diversity of current teachings)  philosophy which appeals to all religious traditions?

Please illustrate your discussion with examples from the texts where appropriate. Cite as chapter and verse (where appropriate- sutras, HYP) rather than page number.

Selfless Service? Karma Project & Readings

Is Selfless Service Possible?

When selecting your karma projects, keep in mind that you are attempting to define and participate in "selfless service". This participation will be the starting point for your continued REFLECTION on the idea of "karma yoga". Later in the term we will deal with this topic through an analysis of some of the major works of yoga philosophy. You will be required however to give an INITIAL 3 paragraph analysis of selfless service when you turn in your Karma Project Proposals.


Read this article for some ideas about reflection!

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cui-bono/201305/selfless-service-part-i-is-selfless-service-possible

and then read this!!!!!!
http://www.dailygood.org/2014/03/07/a-25-year-old-s-stunning-talk-on-selfless-service/

and then….yup, you got it…these!
http://www.sanatansociety.org/yoga_and_meditation/karma_yoga.htm#.VA9urEtCbwI
http://www.ramameditationsociety.org/karma-yoga-selfless-giving

a "how to"?
http://www.yogamag.net/archives/2009/dapr09/selfl.shtml

and finally?…
http://goldenageofgaia.com/the-global-currency-reset/selfless-service/practicing-selfless-service/
http://yogamodern.com/categories/culture/karma-yoga-serving-others-or-ourselves/




___________________________________________________________________

Name____________________________________

Description of Karma Project___________________________________________________________

Discussion: Why is this "selfless service"?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I _______________________________________________, understand that this "service" must be carried out throughout the semester. As I engage in selfless service, my principle aim is to observe my own motivations, reactions, feelings and observations, and the impact which my service has on the target of my service. I will record these observations in detail as data and reference. Through this observation I will continue to define and redefine "selfless service".
As I observe my own service, I will refer as a method of reflection to the articles above and their analyses. At the close of the semester I will write a final reflection which will both DESCRIBE MY EXPERIENCE OF SELFLESS SERVICE and REFLECT UPON ITS MEANING.

Syllabus Fall 2016

             Syllabus & Reading List Fall 2016

GIS 4636Yoga: East Meets West

Laurie Greene
B126

M/W 2:30-4:20

                           

Office: C107

Hours: T/TH 10:30-12:20, W 2:45-3:45, by appointment

Email: laurie.greene@stockton.edu

Phone: 609.652.4564 (X4564)
Cell Phone (emergency texting) 609.214.6596

Summary:

This course will focus on the history of Yoga in the East and its journey to the West and back again in this “age of globalization”. The course will contain six basic emphases:

1. History and Philosophy of Modern Postural Yoga: Authenticity and Ancient Roots
2. Syncretism in Modern Postural Practice: East Meets West and Back again
3. From Counter Culture to Pop Culture: The Marketing of Yoga
4. Yoga and Science: Health, Medicine and The Social Body
5. The Literary roots of Yoga (The Baghavad Gita, Yoga Sturas of Patanjali & Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
6. Is Yoga a Religion? Yoga & Moral Virtues for the Modern Age

Texts & Readings:

1. 21st Century Yoga: Culture, Politics, and Practice

by Carol Horton (Editor) , Roseanne Harvey (Editor) 

Kleio Books (September 19, 2012) 

ISBN-13: 978-0615617602

2. Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice
by Mark Singleton (Author)
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 10, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0195395341

             3. The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda.
             by Robert E. Svoboda, (Author)
             (TAP) 1980

            ISBN-13: 978-1883725044

4. Gita on the Green: The Mystical Tradition Behind Bagger Vance
Steven Rosen (Author)
Continuum Press 2002
ISBN-13: 978-0826413659

5.Yoga: Discipline of Freedom: The Yoga Sutra Attributed to Patanjali 
by Patanjali (Author) , Barbara Stoler Miller (Translator)
Bantam Books 1996
ISBN-13: 978-0553374285

6. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika [Paperback]
Svatmarama (Author), Brian Dana Akers (Translator)
Publisher: YogaVidya.com (September 1, 2002)
ISBN-13: 978-0971646612

*7. Writing Yoga: A Guide to Keeping a Practice Journal 
by Bruce Black (Author)
Publisher: Rodmell Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1930485280
*THIS BOOK IS OPTIONAL, a journal will be required for the class, but it does not require that you purchase this book.

This course will provide a holistic introduction to yoga as philosophy, Eastern cultural practice and syncretic system of health. The course will view the broad discipline of yoga through the spectrum of first the BODY (physical practice & medical applications), then through the MIND (philosophy of East & West), and then through the SPIRIT (exploring the ethical foundations of yoga as it relates to modern problems). The practice of yoga will be understood as a cultural product of Eastern and Western contact, beginning with the colonial era through the age of globalization. The philosophical underpinnings of first non-dualistic worldview and the gradual development of dualism in the East and West will be studied as a way to understand the various arms of the “classical” tradition. 

This course will also explore the modern practice of yoga with its emphasis on the pragmatic physics of mindful movement and living. This “practice” will be explored as it fits into the “complimentary medical model” of allopathic (Western) & ayurvedic (Eastern) medicine; and its re-exportation back to India as a “New-Age” science of healing and personal transformation. We will also explore specifically Western applications of yoga as a mind-body “therapy” in the school setting.

Experiencing a physical practice will be part of the requirements for this class. Students will keep a “practice journal” and record their experiences over the course of the semester. This practice will consist of the 8 aspects (limbs) of yoga, and will be compared to the reduction of yoga to physical exercise as a complimentary cultural concept in the West. Students are required to fit a MINIMUM OF ONE outside practice PER WEEK (14 total) into their schedule this term (two is suggested). Free classes are available to students at YOGA NINE (Smithville & LBI) and on campus through student activities and health services. Meditation classes are counted as practice, but students must participate in one PHYSICAL YOGA PRACTICE per week. Students may opt to take classes with a RYT certifies teacher at another location. (needs approval).

Attention will also be paid to the going reinterpretation of ancient texts for each generation and the movement of ideas in the pre-globalization and globalization era. In particular the Baghavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika will be examined as an archetypical texts. 

    

                    SYLLABUS & READING LIST

BODY

Week #1: Yoga: East & West Introduction (9/6 & 9/8)

Introduction to the Study of Yoga: Fiction & Fantasy

The Scope of this Course

                        -Yoga Practice REQUIREMENTS (9/6)

                        -Project REQUIREMENTS (Karma/Service) (9/6)

                        -Writing REQUIREMENTS (9/6)
             Readings:
                        -*Writing Yoga Chapter 1 (9/8)
                        -Yoga Body Chapter 1 (9/8)

-Film: Enlighten up! (9/8)
            

Week #2: History of Postural Practice (9/13 & 9/15)
Yoga in The Indian Tradition (9/13)

            Readings:

                        -Yoga Body Chapter 2 (9/13)-3 (9/15)

              -*Writing Yoga Chapters 2 (9/15)

              -21^st Century Yoga Chapters 1 99/13) & 4 (9/15)
-Film: Naked in the Ashes (9/15)

Due Friday (9/16):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme Week#1: Starting my practice- (see also journal suggestions chapters 1-6 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class) A a student new to observing yoga, even if you are experienced at practice, begin your journals by observing the physical environment, the community of people who attend classes and frequent your practice space, and your impressions feelings and observations about what you are doing while "doing yoga". 

Week #3: Yoga & the Physical Culture Movement (9/20 & 9/22)
          Readings: 
                          -*Writing Yoga Chapters 3-4 (9/20)

                -Yoga Body Chapter 4-5: Physical Culture Movement (9/20)
-Film: Ashtanga, NY

Due: Essay#1: Yoga, Ancient & Modern---5 pages (9/22)

Due Friday (9/23):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: The Studio as Ritual Space (see also journal suggestions chapters 1-6 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class) What makes your practice space a "sacred space"? Consider the sounds, decorations, rules, behaviors and other aspects of the practice space that create an opportunity for ritual experience.  

Week #4: Strength, Vigor, Beauty & Empowerment (9/27 & 9/29)

          Readings:

               -21^st Century Yoga Chapter 3 & 2 (9/27)

                        -Nevrin (XEROX): “Using the Body” (9/29)

              -Bikram Yoga Worksheet (9/27)

               -Pranayama- Kapalabhati

            -Lonvola, Rikesh, Goa & Mysore (Indian Healing Centers)

          

          -Practice: Chris Waldron (Bikram Yoga -series 1) (9/29)

Due: Karma Project Proposals (9/29)

Due: Friday (9/30)    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as Physical Culture- (see also journal suggestions chapters 1-6 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class) Is yoga framed as more than exercise? In what ways is it suggested at your practice space that yoga can "empower" you? Why not run, or do zumba?

Week #5: The House of Krishnamacharya: Pune Meets Mysore (10/4 & 10/6)

Readings:

               -Yoga Body Chapters 6-8 (10/4)

                -*Writing Yoga Chapters 5-6 (10/4)

               -Iyengar Practice Basics worksheet (10/6)

                -Pranayama-Pratiloma

           -Practice: Annie Stiver (Iyengar Yoga Sequence)- (10/6)

Due Friday (10/7):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Practice as Ritual (see also journal suggestions chapters 1-6 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class) Based on the article by Nevrin, How might your practice be analyzed as a "ritual"? How does this ritual function to change the nature, impact or intensity of your practice experience? 

Week #6: Showdown at the Mysore Palace (10/11 & 10/13) 

Readings: 

                -Yoga Body Chapter 9 (10/11)

                -Pranayama Worksheet-Ujjayi (10/13)

               -Smith (XEROX): “Discipline & Authority in Ashtanga Yoga” (10/11)

                 -*Writing Yoga Chapters 7-8 (10/13)

                 -Ashtanga Yoga Worksheet (10/11)

       -Practice: Joann McGarrity  (Ashtanga Primary Series) (10/13)

Due Friday (10/14):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga Practice as Community (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class). Looking at Smith and building on Nevrin, does your practice space promote a sense of community? DEFINE this community and discuss its PURPOSE for both the studio and you. How much do you feel part of this community?

Week #7: Ayurveda: Yoga’s “Sister Science” (10/18 & 10/20)
          Readings:

                          -The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda (book) (10/18)

                          -Ayurveda and the Eastern notion of Health in Balance

                        -Doshas, Bhava and one’s essential nature

Due: Essay: Yoga the Notion of Community & Ritual Space-5 pages (10/20)

Due Friday (10/21):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as Healing (medicine) (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class). How is yoga seen as a healing practice at your practice space? How is this communicated to you? Is thia part of the class practice? How do you feel after doing yoga?

No Class Preceptorial Advising Tuesday, 10/25

Week #8-9: Yoga and the Science of “Health” (10/27, 11/1 & 11/3)

Readings:

               -21^st Century Yoga: Chapters 5 & 6 (10/27) 

               -*Writing Yoga Chapters 9-10 (10/27)

              -Viniyoga Worksheet (11/1)

-Film: The Healing Science of Ayurveda (11/1)
-Film: Yoga & Recovery (11/1)

 -Practice: Laurie (Viniyoga of Deskashar Yoga): (11/3)

Due Friday (10/28 & 11/4):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as a Lifestyle & Culture (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class) Yoga has made a transition from "traditional culture" to "counter culture" to "pop culture" here in the West. What have you observed about yoga that firmly establishes it as "pop culture"? What has been the effect on yoga in the West?

MIND

Week #10: The Mahabharata & The Baghavad Gita (11/8 & 11/10)

          Readings:

                        -Sivananda Yoga Worksheet (11/8)

                        -Pranayama –nadi shodana

                        -Gita on The Green  (book) (11/8)
                        -Excerpts from the Gita (11/8)

                               -The Principle of Karma and Samsara

                               -The Practice of Non-attachment

                               -The Three Yogas (Karma, Jnana & Bhakti)

            -Practice: Jenn Kretzer (Sivananda Yoga): “Right” Practice (11/10)-

Due Friday (11/11):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as a Lifestyle & Culture (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class)

Week #11: Roots of Yoga: Primacy of the Mind & The Yoga Sutras (11/15 & 11/17)

Readings: 

                        -Yoga Discipline of Freedom (book) (11/15)

              -Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (xerox) (11/17)

              -Meditation Worksheet (11/17)   

 -Practice: Marcello Spinella (Vipassana Meditation) (11/22)    

Due: Essay: The “Science” of Yoga/Yoga as a Practice for “self-healing” (11/17)

Due Friday (11/18):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as “meditation” (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class)

NO CLASS, Thursday, 11/24- Thanksgiving

Week #12: Medieval Interpretations: Tantra & The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (11/29)

Readings:

                        -Burley (XEROX): “Sex & Sexuality in Traditional and Contemporary Yoga” (12/6)

                        -*Writing Yoga Chapters 11 & Afterward (11/29)

                          -*Hatha Yoga Pradipika (11/29)

               -Pranayama and Tantric Practice-Kumbacka

              -Mudras & Bandas (the great seals)

              -Shakti Power: Charas, Gruntee & Koshas

              -Tantra as Method for the Kali Yuga (Dark Age)

Due Friday (11/30):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Pranayama & Practice (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class)

SPIRIT

Week#13: Be Here Now: Yoga as a Spiritual Practice (11/29 & 12/1)

              Eastern spirituality and the Western Mind

              Efficacy: Science versus Experience (Sruti & Smriti)

              The Triumph of Individuality (Durkheim)
        Readings:

                      -21st Century Yoga : Chapters 7-10 (12/1)

            -Hatha Yoga Pradipika (cont) (11/6)

-Film: Ram Das: Fierce Grace (12/1)   

      -Practice: Laurie-(Pranayama-medieval practice, from the HYP) (11/29)

Due thursday, 12/2):    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Is Yoga a Religion? (see also journal suggestions chapters 7-10 in Writing Yoga along with journal prompts from topics suggested in class)

              

Week #15: Karma Project Presentations (12/8)       

Due:    - Karma Projects & Presentations Due 

Due:    Essay: Epic Truths: From Counterculture to Pop Culture (12/15 online)

           - Final Practice Journals: Theme: My Yoga Experience (12/15-online)
Assignments:

All assignments and due dates are noted on the syllabus. I will not accept late assignments (without good cause). Assignments submitted by email to yoganine@comcast.net. I reserve the right to amend any due dates or assignments based on the needs of the class. YOU are responsible for knowing about any changes to this syllabus! (I will try to avoid these).

Assignments ARE NOT OPTIONAL. Failure to complete any assignment may result in a failing grade for the term. If for any reason you cannot complete an assignment on time, let me know BEFORE the due date. Here is the list of legitimate reasons to for late assignments:

• Your own death---or the death of a loved one (obit required)
• Sickness---(Doctor’s note required, call before you miss class)
• Alien abduction (untouched, verified photo required)
• Hot Date in Court (You are not the defendant in a felony or misdemeanor-Note required for subpoena)

Therefore, I suggest you take the following precautions: Muzzle your dog, tune up your car, fix your computer and buy extra ink cartridges, save and email your work to yourself in three formats, check on your ailing relatives, eat right, and above all, don’t procrastinate. If you do have a legitimate excuse (listed above) I need to get a call BEFORE the assignment is due.

ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY: You will FAIL this course if you do not attend. I will take attendance every class session. Missing class, even with an excused absence may result in a demotion to your grade. The experiential nature of this class requires that you attend every session. There is a wait list for this class so, please do not make excuses.

CLASS ETIQUETTE:

Ø  Smoking Breaks are not allowed. Quit smoking...it is bad for you!

Ø  Daily bathroom breaks are discouraged. Pee before you attend, I do.

Ø  Eating of food LOUDLY is just outrageous. (Do not eat a heavy meal BEFORE class when we are to do physical practice. Physical practice sometimes makes students ill on a full stomach.)

Ø  Sleeping in class is inappropriate and hurts my feelings.

Ø  ALL PHONES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF! The professor will answer cell phones. Please inform me if you have an emergency. 

Ø  Late arrival is rude, get here on time. (If you are always late—leave early, constant lateness will result in a grade demotion).

Ø  Do NOT leave during class unless you have an emergency!

Ø  PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN CLASS DISCUSSION & COME PREPARED TO WORK.

Ø  Express your opinion directly and with compassion and respect for others.

Requirements:

1)    Pop Quizzes: Readings & Class Discussion

It is critical that you come to class prepared. This is a SENIOR LEVEL SEMINAR course. You will EARN your grade in here by carefully preparing for class and participating fully. Refer to reading study sheets to “guide” you & take notes on your readings. -2 quizzes missed equals automatic +/- grade demotion. =10%

2)    Class Attendance - mandatory attendance-ready to practice w/mat, etc.

Students must come prepared to do a physical yoga practice. This will entail that you have the following:

o   Yoga mat (mandatory)

o   Yoga Block (4” foam is best)(suggested)

o   Thick wool or Mexican blanket for sitting (suggested)

o   Yoga strap or old necktie / dyna-band / etc.(suggested)

DATES:     

.    Chris Waldron (Bikram Yoga) -9/29

·    Annie Stiver (Iyengar Yoga) -10/6
.    Joann McGarrity (Ashtanga) -10/13

·      Laurie (Viniyoga Yoga) -11/3
.     Jenn Kretzer (Sivananda Yoga) -11/10

·      Marcello Spinella (Insight Meditation) -11/17

·      Laurie (Hatha Yoga Pradipika)-11/29

3)    4 Rhetorical Essays (5 pages each)=50%–
       --Yoga Ancient & Modern (9/22)

–Community & Ritual Space (10/20)

–Yoga As Science & Medicine (11/17)
– Epic Truths: The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras & The HYP (12/8)

4)    Practice & Practice Journals (weekly on your blog-due FRIDAYS)

Yoga class attendance should be documented by your yoga teacher by initialing the practice log. Reflections can be made informally, before and/or after class, but should be re-evaluated for these journal submissions. Journals will be submitted on BLOGS…which you will construct and posted EACH WEEK by the day after you attend practice. Final reflection will be due in your blogs on the last day of the term =25%(final write-up due 12/16)

5) Karma Projects & Presentations (weekly participation for the entire term). Karma projects are meant to explore and practice the concept of “selfless service” (karma yoga). What is nonattachment, is selfless service possible, and what are the struggles associated with this practice? =15%(final write-up due 12/16)

FREE CLASS SCHEDULE Yoga Nine Ship Bottom, LBI (Click here)
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FREE CLASS SCHEDULE STOCKTON (Click here)


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Afterthought....Thinking Critically

Thinking critically is one of the best skills you can acquire in your college education. You WILL forget 90% of the information presented to you, BUT it will all be worth the cost of your tuition if you can gain skills that will serve you in your professional and personal life.

Critical thinking can be defined a the ACTIVE, PERSISTENT and CAREFUL consideration of knowledge (facts and opinions) (Dewey). It is a way of reflecting on what you and others believe and why you believe it. It is a way to learn how to be persuasive and articulate, but also how to judge the information that is constantly presented to you throughout your life with confidence.

Here are the important elements of critical thinking we will want to always employ in class:

In any discussion consider these:

·        The purpose of the argument

·        The question (s) which are being posed

·        The assumptions which underlie the argument

·        The conclusions that are drawn from the argument

·        The consequences of these conclusions

When you present an argument in verbally or in writing, remember to go through the following steps as one way to PRACTICE critical thinking:

·        State your position fully and clearly

·        Elaborate on your point by expanding your position and clarify your points if needed

·        Illustrate your point and exemplify your arguments

Without critical thinking and discussion, your points and the points of any author no matter how famous, are JUST OPINIONS. Persuasion comes when an argument is understood (WHAT), explained (WHY), and illustrated (HOW).

Our opinions and feelings are important, but in discourse they must be supported. It is also important that we feel comfortable having open and free conversations with consideration to POLITE and APPROPRIATE language and interaction with others. You will NEVER be judged negatively for your statements or opinions in class, but these should be presented carefully and mindfully when subjects might be sensitive in nature, as they often are in this class where we QUESTION our VALUES, BELIEFS and IDEALS.

You are all novices! Give yourself a break and remember that learning is a process and critical thinking like writing takes practice. You will be rewarded in this class for your EFFORT in this process and practice, not your perfect execution of it.