This course introduces students to meditation/mindfulness practices, as well as the growing body of research in fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and the social sciences about the effects of meditation. Students will work together on a group project where data is gathered on the outcomes of simple daily mindfulness practices that undergraduate volunteers will engage in over a ten week period during the semester. Statistical tests such as chi-square and t-tests will be used to measure these survey outcomes quantitatively. Students will also do research on a topic of their choice and give oral presentations on this topic. Key learning objectives include developing familiarity with how to conduct a survey and examine survey data results, engaging with complex academic literatures, and strengthening public presentations skills.
- Teacher: Bruce Podobnik