J o h n F K e n n e d y U n i v e r s i t y

PHR 4412 INTRODUCTION TO EASTERN MEDITATIVEPRACTICES* 2The course explores philosophies and meditative practicesof the Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions. The insightsof ancient texts as well as modern commentators will bebrought to an experiential engagement of Eastern models ofmeditation.PHR 4413 INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN MEDITATIVEPRACTICES* 2Introduces Western meditative practices from the Jewish,Christian, Islamic, and Nature traditions. The course willemphasize the connections between meditative practices andbasic religious theoretical foundations.PHR 4415 TAOISM 2The course examines the origins of Taoism in Chineseculture and the thought of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. Thedevelopment of Taoism is traced through its dialogue withConfucianism and its decisive influences on Ch’an, or Zen,Buddhism. The resonance of Taoist ideas with contemporarymovements in psychology and science is also covered.Prerequisite: PHR 3405 or the equivalent.PHR 4418 THE TAO OF THE WEST 3The various understandings of the Tao (literally way) fromthe traditions of China have found different resonances inthe West. The course will examine and assess the varieties ofexpressions in the West since the 18th century.PHR 4420 ZEN BUDDHISM* 2The course traces the spirit of Zen from the roots ofBuddhism in India through the rise of Ch’an in China and itsmigration to Japan and North America. Taoist influences inZen are highlighted, and psychological methodology of Zenmeditation is critically assessed.PHR 4430 CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM* 2Mysticism in a Christian context has often been fraughtwith accusations of heresy. The course examines a varietyof Christian mystics from ancient times to present whosespiritual quest has challenged orthodoxy and served as abasis for re-evaluating the Christian vision. Prerequisite: PHR3405 or the equivalent.PHR 4440 THE GODDESS RELIGION 2Goddess worship and matriarchal tradition has its roots inprehistoric culture and has persisted, albeit often in disguise,to the present day. The course will explore ancient goddessreligions as well as the Wicca tradition and movementsidentified with Neo-Paganism. Prerequisite: PHR 3405 or theequivalent.PHR 4460 CHRISTIANITY: A CRITICAL HISTORY 3Christianity is undergoing a sweeping process of selfanalysisand revision—more so than any other major worldreligion. This creative ferment is not new: it began with St.Paul. We will explore various attempts, both successful andunsuccessful, to rethink Christianity that have defined thecourse of Christian history. The course will be a historicalpresentation of Christianity and its role in Western culture.Our investigation will begin with the Judaic and non-Judaicroots of the Christian outlook, and end with an examinationand assessment of contemporary attempts to refashion theChristian vision for the 21st century.PHR 4800 SERVICE LEARNING A 2An opportunity for experiential learning, exploring careerpaths, and contributing to the community. With the serviceproject coordinator, students select an internship appropriateto their specialization or interests and spend an average of sixhours per week over two academic quarters applying theorieslearned in the classroom to supervised training and practice.With instructor’s approval, students may forgo the secondquarter of internship and instead engage in other serviceprojects such as researching and presenting a public policyproposal or writing a grant request for a nonprofit agency.PHR 4805 SERVICE LEARNING B 2A continuation and conclusion of Service Learning A. (Seeabove.)PHR 4900 TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION 1–3Topics vary according to instructor and student interest. Maybe repeated for credit with a change in topic.PHR 4995 INDEPENDENT STUDY INPHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION 1–3Studies and projects to be arranged with the instructor andthe department chair. May be repeated for credit with achange in topic.PHR 4998 SENIOR PROJECT A 3A consecutive two-quarter course which is intended to serveas the capstone of the BA program. The course providesstudents the opportunity to thoroughly explore and researcha topic of their choice within their area of emphasis and writea lengthy essay on their findings and conclusions. The courseis divided into two quarters. The first quarter, Senior ProjectA, is dedicated to selecting a topic, conducting research,receiving feedback and assistance in writing, and draftingsections of what will become the final product.PHR 4999 SENIOR PROJECT B 3A continuation and conclusion of Senior Project A. (Seeabove.) Students concentrate on drafting, revising, andpolishing their essay complete with appropriate bibliographyand footnotes according to APA guidelines.68 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND LIBERAL ARTSJOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY