PHIL 141 Philosophy and Practice of Yoga

This introductory course in Yogic philosophy is unique in that it interweaves the intellectual and the experiential, so that the ancient yet timely truths and principles of Yoga are studied, explored, and practiced through Yoga postures, breath, awareness, reflection, writing, discussion, meditation, and action.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

4

Course Objectives

1. Identify and organize the concepts in yogic philosophy that explore the nature of reality, the pursuit of wisdom, ways of knowing and ways of living and recognize them as components of an ethical system.
2. Consider the wisdom in major yogic texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, as constituting a path for acquiring a deep understanding of reality as well as the skill to navigate social and ethical challenges.
3. Analyze and evaluate the philosophical understanding of the yamas and niyamas (yoga’s ethical principles) and Karma Yoga (selfless service) within the context of one’s own core beliefs and the challenge of making ethical choices.
4. Apply yogic philosophy through pranayama, asana, and meditation practice to cultivate thinking, speaking, and acting from a place of greater wisdom, as well as to clarify one’s own values and to live by them. Weekly structured application of yogic principles to asana/meditation practice.

Course Objectives

1. Identify and organize the concepts in yogic philosophy that explore the nature of reality, the pursuit of wisdom, ways of knowing and ways of living and recognize them as components of an ethical system.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Test on assigned reading

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

   Critical Thinking

   • CT1

   Ethics Goals

   • ET1
2. Consider the wisdom in major yogic texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, as constituting a path for acquiring a deep understanding of reality as well as the skill to navigate social and ethical challenges.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Journal entires (Jnana Yoga)

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

   Critical Thinking

   • CT2

   Ethics Goals

   • ET3
3. Analyze and evaluate the philosophical understanding of the yamas and niyamas (yoga’s ethical principles) and Karma Yoga (selfless service) within the context of one’s own core beliefs and the challenge of making ethical choices.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Group karma yoga project, journal entries (Jnana Yoga)

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

   Critical Thinking

   • CT3

   Ethics Goals

   • ET2
4. Apply yogic philosophy through pranayama, asana, and meditation practice to cultivate thinking, speaking, and acting from a place of greater wisdom, as well as to clarify one’s own values and to live by them. Weekly structured application of yogic principles to asana/meditation practice.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Sadhana log

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric
   • Sadhana Log compliance

   Critical Thinking

   • CT4