Syllabus Spring 2018

GIS 4636Yoga: East Meets West

Laurie Greene
G207

T/TH 2:30-4:20

                           

Office: C107

Hours: T/TH 10:30-12:20 or by appointment

Email: laurie.greene@stockton.edu

Phone: 609.652.4564 (X4564)

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 Traditional Yoga: The Vedas Through The Tantras
2. Syncretism in Modern Postural Practice: East Meets West and Back again
3. Yoga as Medicine: ayurveda, kinesiology & healing applications
4. Mind and the Social Body: race, class, gender & ethnicity
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

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will be able to utilize direct experience as a tool for critical thinking
2. Students will be able to compare and contrast the three major philosophical traditions of yoga
3. Students will be able to critically examine American Culture as it is expressed through yoga as a product of globalization.
4. Students will understand the historical and cultural developments which have created modern postural yoga
5. Students will read and critically analyze original texts
6. Students will analyze the ways yoga has been acceptably "integrated" into American Culture

Texts & Readings:

1. The Science of Yoga

by James Broad (Author)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1451641431

https://thaingwizard.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/the-science-of-yoga-the-risks-the-rewards.pdf

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. Baghavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song
Graham Schweig (Author)
Harper One 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061997303

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

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 (1/16 & 1/18)

Introduction to the Study of Yoga: Fiction & Fantasy

The Scope of this Course

                        -Yoga Practice REQUIREMENTS (1/16)

                        -Project REQUIREMENTS (Karma/Service) (1/16)

                        -Writing REQUIREMENTS (1/16)
Introduction to the history and Practice of Yoga (1/18)
Readings:
                        -Film: Enlighten up! (1/18)

            

Week #2: History of Postural Practice (1/23-1/25)

            Readings:

            Yoga Body Chapter 1-3: Yoga in the Indian Tradition (1/23)

                       -Science of Yoga Prologue (1/25)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Starting my practice- 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 (1/30-2/1)
Readings:

Yoga Body Chapter 4-5: Physical Culture Movement (2/1)
The Science of Yoga Chapter 1, Health (2/1)                  
          -Film: Naked in the Ashes (1/30)

Due:    Karma Project Proposals (2/1)
Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: The Studio as Ritual Space-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 (2/6-2/8)

Readings:

The Science of Yoga Chapter 2 Fit Perfection (2/6)

BikramYoga Website (2/8)

            -Pranayama- Khapalabhati 

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

-Practice: Kris Waldron (Bikram Yoga Series 1) (2/8)

Due:    Essay: Yoga, Ancient & Modern---5 pages (2/8)

Due:    Weelky Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as Physical Culture- 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 (2/13-2/15)

          Readings:

Yoga Body Chapters 6-8 (2/13)
Nevrin (XEROX): “Using the Body” (2/15)
The Science of Yoga, Chapter 3 Moods (2/13)

Bikram Practice Basics worksheet (2/15)

             -Pranayama-Anuloma
             -Practice: Annie Stiver  (Iyengar Yoga Sequence)  (2/15)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Practice as Ritual-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 (2/20-2/22) 

          Readings: 

Yoga Body Chapter 9 (2/20)
The Science of Yoga Chapter 4, Risk of Injury

              -Pranayama-Ujjayi (2/22)

Smith (XEROX): “Discipline & Authority in Ashtanga Yoga” (2/20)

Ashtanga Yoga Worksheet (2/22)

                        -Practice: Loren Russo (Ashtanga Primary Series) (2/22)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga Practice as Community -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” (2/27-3/1)
                      Readings:

              The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda (book) (2/27)

                        -Ayurveda and the Eastern notion of Health in Balance

                        -Doshas, Bhava and one’s essential nature

-Film: Ashtanga, NY (3/1)

Due:    Essay: Yoga the Notion of Community & Ritual Space-5 pages (3/1)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as Healing (medicine) -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?

Week #8-9: Yoga and the Science of “Health” (3/6-3/8)

          Readings:

Sivananda Yoga Worksheet (10/26)
The Science of Yoga, chapter 5 Healing (10/31)

                        -Pranayama –nadi shodana

            -Practice: Jenn Kretzer/(Sivananda Yoga: “Right” Practice (3/8)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as a Lifestyle & Culture -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?

SPRING BREAK MARCH 10-18

-Film: Deskashar & Viniyoga Film (Watch Over Spring Break )

     

MIND

Week #10: The Mahabharata & The Baghavad Gita (3/20-3/22)

          Readings:

 The Baghavad Gita  (chapters 1-6) (3/20-3/22)

              -The Principle of Karma and Samsara

              -The Practice of Nonattachment

              -The Three Yogas (Karma, Jnana & Bhakti)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Definitions of Yoga --How is defined in the context of your practice space(s)? What kinds of connections are made to this definition and your group practice? Are there connections made outside of the context of the practice space?

NO CLASS Tuesday, March 27th-PRECEPTORIAL ADVISING

Week #11: Roots of Yoga: Primacy of the Mind & The Yoga Sutras (3/29)

          Readings: 

Yoga Discipline of Freedom (book) (3/29)

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (BLOG) (3/29)

    -background to Classical Yoga

    -meditation as enlightenment

-Film: Doing Time, Doing Vipassana (3/29)

Week #12: Classical Yoga: Meditation and Samadhi (4/3-4/5)

         Readings:

Yoga Discipline of Freedom (book) (4/3)
-Pranayama: Yogic Breath (3 part)

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (BLOG) (4/3)
-Practice: Marcello Spinella (Vipassana Meditation) (4/5)    

Due:    Essay: The “Science” of Yoga/Yoga as a Practice for “self-healing” (4/5)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as “meditation”: -Is yoga used as a form of meditation in your practice space(s)? If so, ow is meditation practiced? explained? If not, why do you believe meditation is absent from your "yoga" practice?

Week #13: Medival Interpretations: Tantra & The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (4/10-4/12)

         Readings:

  Hatha Yoga Pradipika (4/12)

             -Pranayama -Kumbacka (breath retention and suspension)

             -Foundations of Tantra (4/10)

             -Bandas, Mudras and the manipulation of energy (4/12)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: What is the role of the body? How is the body approached and how is the body seen as a vehicle for experience of the divine?

             
Week #14: Yoga and Divine Sex (4/17-4/19)

      Readings:
            Burley (XEROX): “Sex & Sexuality in Traditional and Contemporary Yoga” (4/17)
            The Kama Sutras: The reality of Tantric Sex Practices
            The Science of Yoga, Chapter 6 Divine Sex (4/19)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Pranayama & Practice: -How is pranayama taught/practiced in your practice space(s)? What is the purpose of breath work in your practice space? Is breath the "focus"of your practice? Explain why it is, or is not.

SPIRIT

Week#15: Be Here Now: Yoga as a Spiritual Practice (4/24-4/26)
      Readings:

The Science of Yoga, Chapter 7 Muse (4/26)
-Film: Ram Das: Fierce Grace (4/24)  
Is Yoga a Religion?-Durkheim and spirituality as the trump of individuality

Due:    Essay: Epic Truths, The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras & Hatha Yoga Pradipika (4/26)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: -Is yoga taught as a spiritual practice? How is spirituality defines and expressed in your practice space(s)?

Week #16: Karma Project Presentations (TBA) 

              - Karma Projects/Presentations Due (TBA)

Due:    Final Practice Journals: Theme: My Yoga Experience (TBA)

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)    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. =deductions to grade will be made based on poor class preparedness. =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 / dynaband / etc.(suggested)

DATES:

·      Kris Waldron (Bikram Yoga) -2/8

·      Annie Stiver (Iyengar Yoga) -2/15

·      Loren Russo (Ashtanga Primary Series) -2/22

·      Jenn Kretzer (Sivananda Yoga) -3/8

·      Marcello Spinella (Insight Meditation) -4/5

3)    4 Rhetorical Essays (5 pages each)=50%–Yoga Ancient & Modern (9/23)

–Community & Ritual Space (10/21)

–Yoga As Science & Medicine (11/18)
– Epic Truths: The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras & The HYP (12/10)

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

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.