ASIAN 580: geophilosophies
About:This graduate seminar explores different traditions of philosophical thought from around the world, and asks the following questions: 1) what are ‘world philosophies’ and why are they relevant to the contemporary geopolitical moment? 2) What does it mean to think between and across cultures and traditions? 3) how is philosophy practiced in other cultures and what impact can it have on our own lives? We engage with different ways of living and thinking grounded in concrete situations, memories, and living practices that express understanding and interpretations of meanings with respect to all aspects of existence. The course also examines methodologies that enable decolonized images of thought to flourish in a world that is becoming increasingly intertwined (the current resurgence of global nationalisms notwithstanding). Emphasizing the unity of thought and practice, the courses will encourage students to explore the potential of philosophical thinking as a way of healing our fractured relationship to the self and the world at a time of global crisis. The course will be taught as 3-hour intensive graduate seminar. Assessment will be through short weekly written responses and/or podcasts posted to a Canvas Discussion forum.
ASIAN 390: Spirituality and Consciousness
About: This course explores the intersections between spirituality and the study of consciousness. It draws on a variety of philosophical and spiritual traditions from around the world bringing them into conversation with recent discourses on neuroscience. The encounter between Asian philosophical traditions and neuroscience, in particular, is seeing a steadily growing interest in research, conversations, cultural products, and new ways to frame, understand, control and deconstruct the self. Drawing from a variety of practice-based Asian traditions (including Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and Daoist ) this course will challenge students to engage across the borders of their own experiences, interests, and cultural backgrounds. Assignments will be composed of weekly written responses based on specific, instructor-designed questions at the intersection of two short readings, and the preparation of podcast at the end of the semester.
