Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies Minor

Coordinator

Matthew Mulvaney, Undergraduate Program Director

144C White Hall

315-443-5654

mmulvane@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 Human Development and Family Science, 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 undergraduate program director of Human Development and Family Science and their home college dean’s office.

Student Learning Outcomes

In this minor, students will gain a fundamental understanding of mindfulness and contemplative study and practice, and have opportunities to cultivate these skills in their courses and apply them in their communities.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Explain, discuss, and analyze principles of mindfulness and contemplative practices

2. Analyze how research is utilized to understand how mindfulness influences individual development

3. Critically evaluate mindfulness-based practices across diverse settings

4. Cultivate mindfulness and contemplative practices to apply to selected communities

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).

Restrictions:

This minor is open to all CFS Majors and Non-Majors.

Notes:

Note that students who are CFS majors can take HFS 458 , 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.