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)
FREE CLASS SCHEDULE Yoga Nine Ventnor (Click here)
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.