Course Description:
This course will incorporate a number of experimental and experiential pursuits. We will study Zen in its classical expressions in China and in Japan, with earlier Buddhist antecedents in India. But the primary thrust of the course will be to test Zen's portability, the possibility of its adaptability to the Western scene. We will also explore how it may be incorporated into various life pursuits, enhancing them into art forms. The generic meaning of Zen, or meditation, and the related practice of mindfulness, will also be studied, with attention to different styles of meditation, from both Eastern and Western traditions. Several classes will be devoted to meditative sessions, so that we will do more than simply discuss meditation. Zen is about practice.

Several enrichment opportunities beyond class sessions will also be encouraged. Each student will be part of a small group of perhaps four persons, and these groups will meet as needed to pursue course requirements, including class presentations. Media presentations will be incorporated into the schedule, also, along with guest presenters. One or two off-campus activities will be planned as well, with the possibility of a weekend trip to Atlanta. Since a part of each class will be devoted to meditation and other exercises, you should bring your cushion to each session.

Journals will be submitted on three occasions, during the weeks of Feb.16-20, March 22-26 and April 26-30. These will be devoted to all aspects of the course, but brevity is a virtue- not more than three of four pages per week. Each student will also reflect on his/her experiments with trying to apply Zen practices and insights to a given pursuit during the term, also in the journal (Zen and the Art of . . ." You name it!). During the two weeks following the first and second journal submissions, semi-dokusans, or personal sessions of up to half an hour, will be scheduled with the prof. and each student. These will be held in the Preston office, and the prof. will be available there at other times as well.

Evaluation:
Two exams (but no final) will be given, and each of these, with the three journal submissions, will be weighed as 20% of the course grade. Class participation and group presentations will be additional variables. You are a primary resource for the course.

Texts:
Kapleau, Philip. The Three Pillars of Zen Suzuki, Shunryu. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind Watts, Alan. The Way of Zen French, Hal. Zen and the Art of Anything (available from prof. at drastically reduced price of $5!)

Course Schedule:

	Getting acquainted and course introduction. French, chapter one.
	Watts, ix-xiv; Suzuki, 9-22; Kapleau, Foreword and Editor's Prefaces
	History, Watts, 3-28; Suzuki, 25-49; French, 2
	Watts, 29-76; Kapleau, Parts 1 and 9
	Watts, 77-112; French, 3; Video, "Buddha in the Land of the Kami"
	FIRST EXAM, Student-led discussion- Kapleau, Part 3; French, 4
	Watts, 174-201; Suzuki, 53-71; FIRST JOURNALS DUE
	Kapleau, Part 2; Video- "Buddhism, Path to Enlightenment"
	Student-led discussion, Kapleau, Part 4; French, 5
	SECOND EXAM; Watts, 115-173; Video, "Buddhism, Man and Nature" SECOND JOURNALS
	Class will not meet; Professor giving presentations in Florida
	French, 6; Awareness session at Congaree Swamp, with Pizza Party at Prof's house following
	Student-led discussion- Kapleau, Part 5: French, 7
	Suzuki, 71-95; Video- "Buddhism Comes to America"
	Student-led discussion; French, 8; Suzuki, 99-138; THIRD JOURNALS DUE