Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies Minor

Coordinator:

Rachel A. Razza, Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies,
426 Ostrom Ave. Room 308, 443-7377, rrazza@syr.edu

Description:

Mindfulness and contemplative practice are experiential modes of learning and self-inquiry. Contemplative practices are widely varied and include various forms of meditation, focused thought, writing, creative/performing arts, and yoga. Mindfulness and contemplative practices can foster greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and attention, reduce stress, and enhance creativity and general wellbeing. Given these advantages, these skills are of growing interest to researchers and practitioners from diverse fields. The purpose of this minor is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of mindfulness and contemplative study and practice, and opportunities to cultivate these skills in their courses and apply them in their communities. There is a particular emphasis on the role of mindfulness in children and youth, as these practices contribute to an individual’s growth across multiple developmental domains. This minor would be of interest to students in the Child Life Specialist track in Child and Family Studies, as well as to those in other social sciences, health sciences and education.

Admission:

The minor in Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies is available to all University students with a Cum GPA of 2.0 or above on a space-available basis. To be admitted to the program, students must submit a Declaration of Minor form to their academic advisor, the minor coordinator and their home college dean’s office.

Curriculum Requirements

The minor in Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies requires the completion of six courses (18 credits), three of which are mandatory and three of which are electives. The three mandatory courses include (9 credits):

Students must select three of the following courses as electives for the minor (9 credits):

Total Credits Required: 18

(9 credits come from three required courses and 9 come from three elective courses).

Notes:

Note that students who are CFS majors can take CFS 358 , but this course will count toward their CFS degree requirements not this minor. Thus, CFS students will have to choose non-CFS courses for their electives.