Syllabus and Reading List Fall 2019

 GIS 4636Yoga: East Meets West

Fall 2019

AC 313

T/TH 12:30-2:30

Laurie Greene
AC Campus Office: AC-224g

Office Hours: T/TH 10:30-12:20
                        M/W 12:30-1:30
                        or by appointment

                           

Email: laurie.greene@stockton.edu

Phone: 609.761.1251

Summary:

This course will focus on the history of Yoga in the East and its journey to the West and back again in this “age of globalization”. The course will contain six basic emphases:

1. History and Philosophy of Traditional Yoga: The Vedas Through The Tantras
2. Syncretism in Modern Postural Practice: East Meets West and Back again
3. Yoga as Medicine: ayurveda, kinesiology & healing applications
4. Mind and the Social Body: race, class, gender & ethnicity
5. The literary roots of Yoga (The Baghavad Gita, Yoga Sturas of Patanjali & Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
6. Is Yoga a Religion? Yoga & Moral Virtues for the Modern Age

Texts & Readings:

1. The Science of Yoga

by James Broad (Author)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1451641431

https://thaingwizard.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/the-science-of-yoga-the-risks-the-rewards.pdf

*2. Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice (suggested but not required)
by Mark Singleton (Author)
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 10, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0195395341

             3. The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda.
             by Robert E. Svoboda, (Author)
             (TAP) 1980

              ISBN-13: 978-1883725044

4. Baghavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song
Graham Schweig (Author)
Harper One 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061997303

5.Yoga: Discipline of Freedom: The Yoga Sutra Attributed to Patanjali 
by Patanjali (Author) , Barbara Stoler Miller (Translator)
Bantam Books 1996
ISBN-13: 978-0553374285

6. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika [Paperback]
Svatmarama (Author), Brian Dana Akers (Translator)
Publisher: YogaVidya.com (September 1, 2002)
ISBN-13: 978-0971646612

This course will provide a holistic introduction to yoga as philosophy, Eastern cultural practice and syncretic system of health. The course will view the broad discipline of yoga through the spectrum of first the BODY (physical practice & medical applications), then through the MIND (philosophy of East & West), and then through the SPIRIT (exploring the ethical foundations of yoga as it relates to modern problems). The practice of yoga will be understood as a cultural product of Eastern and Western contact, beginning with the colonial era through the age of globalization. The philosophical underpinnings of first non-dualistic worldview and the gradual development of dualism in the East and West will be studied as a way to understand the various arms of the “classical” tradition. 

This course will also explore the modern practice of yoga with its emphasis on the pragmatic physics of mindful movement and living. This “practice” will be explored as it fits into the “complimentary medical model” of allopathic (Western) & ayurvedic (Eastern) medicine; and its re-exportation back to India as a “New-Age” science of healing and personal transformation. We will also explore specifically Western applications of yoga as a mind-body “therapy” in the school setting.

Experiencing a physical practice will be part of the requirements for this class. Students will keep a “practice journal” and record their experiences over the course of the semester. This practice will consist of the 8 aspects (limbs) of yoga, and will be compared to the reduction of yoga to physical exercise as a complimentary cultural concept in the West. Students are required to fit a MINIMUM OF ONE outside practice PER WEEK (14 total) into their schedule this term (two is suggested). Free classes are available to students at YOGA NINE (Ventnor at Arlins Dance Spot) and on campus through student activities and health services. Meditation classes are counted as practice, but students must participate in one PHYSICAL YOGA PRACTICE per week. Students may opt to take classes with a RYT certifies teacher at another location. (needs approval).

Attention will also be paid to the going reinterpretation of ancient texts for each generation and the movement of ideas in the pre-globalization and globalization era. In particular the Baghavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika will be examined as an archetypical texts. 

SYLLABUS & READING LIST

BODY

Week #1: Yoga: East & West Introduction (9/5)

Introduction to the Study of Yoga: Fiction & Fantasy

The Scope of this Course

                        -Yoga Practice REQUIREMENTS (9/5)

                        -Project REQUIREMENTS (Karma/Service) (9/5)

                        -Writing REQUIREMENTS (9/5)
Readings:
                       -*Yoga Body Chapter 1 (9/5)*
                       -Science of Yoga Prologue (9/5)

            

Week #2: History of Postural Practice (9/10-9/12)

            Readings:

            *Yoga Body Chapter 2-3: Yoga in the Indian Tradition (9/10)*

                        -Film: Enlighten up! (9/12)  LINK
                        -Practice: Diane Polli (BikramYoga Sequence) (9/26)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Starting my practice- A a student new to observing yoga, even if you are experienced at practice, begin your journals by observing the physical environment, the community of people who attend classes and frequent your practice space, and your impressions feelings and observations about what you are doing while "doing yoga". 

Week #3: Yoga & the Physical Culture Movement (9/17-9/19)
Readings:

*Yoga Body Chapter 4-5: Physical Culture Movement (9/17)
The Science of Yoga Chapter 1, Health                       
          -Film: Naked in the Ashes (9/19) LINK

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: The Studio as Ritual Space-What makes your practice space a "sacred space"? Consider the sounds, decorations, rules, behaviors and other aspects of the practice space that create an opportunity for ritual experience.  

Week #4: Strength, Vigor, Beauty & Empowerment (9/24-9/26)

Readings:

          Nevrin (LINK) “Using the Body” (9/24)
          The Science of Yoga Chapter 2 Fit Perfection

Iyengar Yoga Worksheet (9/26)

            -Pranayama- Anuloma

            -Lonvola, Rikesh, Goa & Mysore (Indian Healing Centers)

Due: Essay: Yoga, Ancient & Modern---5 pages (9/26)
Due: Karma Project Proposals (9/24)

Due: Weelky Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as Physical Culture- Is yoga framed as more than exercise? In what ways is it suggested at your practice space that yoga can "empower" you? Why not run, or do zumba?

Week #5: The House of Krishnamacharya: Pune Meets Mysore (10/1-10/3)

          Readings:

*Yoga Body Chapters 6-8 (10/1)
The Science of Yoga, Chapter 3 Moods (10/1)

Bikram Practice Basics worksheet (10/3)

            Pranayama-Khapalabhati
             -Practice: Paige Vaccaro  (Iyengar Yoga Series 1)  (10/3)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Practice as Ritual-Based on the article by Nevrin, How might your practice be analyzed as a "ritual"? How does this ritual function to change the nature, impact or intensity of your practice experience? 

Week #6: Showdown at the Mysore Palace (10/8-10/10) 

          Readings: 

Yoga Body Chapter 9 (10/8)
The Science of Yoga Chapter 4, Risk of Injury

Pranayama Worksheet-Ujjayi (10/10)

Smith (XEROX): “Discipline & Authority in Ashtanga Yoga” (10/8)

Ashtanga Yoga Worksheet (10/10)

                        -Practice: Lauren Russo (Ashtanga Primary Series) (10/10)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga Practice as Community -Looking at Smith and building on Nevrin, does your practice space promote a sense of community? DEFINE this community and discuss its PURPOSE for both the studio and you. How much do you feel part of this community?

Week #7: Ayurveda: Yoga’s “Sister Science” (10/15-10/17)
          Readings:

              The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda (book) (10/17)

                        -Ayurveda and the Eastern notion of Health in Balance

                        -Doshas, Bhava and one’s essential nature

-Film: Ashtanga, NY (10/15)

Due:    Essay: Yoga the Notion of Community & Ritual Space-5 pages (10/17)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as Healing (medicine) -How is yoga seen as a healing practice at your practice space? How is this communicated to you? Is thia part of the class practice? How do you feel after doing yoga?

No Class 10/22 Preceptorial Advising

to prepare furor section on Philosophy Check out this linked article: PHILOSOPHY

Week #8-9: Yoga and the Science of “Health” (10/24 10/29-10/31)

          Readings:

Sivananda Yoga Worksheet (10/24)
The Science of Yoga, chapter 5 Healing (10/29)

                        -Pranayama –nadi shodana

            -Practice: Jenn Kretzer (Sivananda Yoga: “Right” Practice (10/24)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as a Lifestyle & Culture -Yoga has made a transition from "traditional culture" to "counter culture" to "pop culture" here in the West. What have you observed about yoga that firmly establishes it as "pop culture"? What has been the effect on yoga in the West?

-Film: Deskashar & Viniyoga Film (10/31)
 -Practice:  film (Viniyoga Sequence) (10/10)

     

MIND

Week #10: The Mahabharata & The Baghavad Gita (11/5-11/7)

          Readings:

 The Baghavad Gita  (chapters 1-6) (11/5-7)

              -The Principle of Karma and Samsara

              -The Practice of Nonattachment

              -The Three Yogas (Karma, Jnana & Bhakti)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Definitions of Yoga -Think about the ways that yoga has been defined in word and action in your practice space and other experiences. What do you believe accounts for these definitions here in the United States? How does the definition differ from the way yoga is defined in India?

Week #11: Roots of Yoga: Primacy of the Mind & The Yoga Sutras (11/12-11/14)

          Readings: 

Yoga Discipline of Freedom (book) (11/14-16)

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (BLOG) (11/14-16)

Meditation Worksheet (11/16)

Due: Essay: The “Science” of Yoga/Yoga as a Practice for “self-healing” (11/14)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Yoga as “meditation”: Discuss the ways in which meditation is used in your practice space (or not). How important is the meditative aspect of yoga and how (if it is important) is it presented? What is your impression of meditation?

Week #12: Medieval Interpretations: Tantra & The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (11/19-11/21)

          Readings:

  Burley (XEROX): “Sex & Sexuality in Traditional and Contemporary Yoga” (11/21)

  Hatha Yoga Pradipika (11/21)
  The Science of Yoga, Chapter 6 Divine Sex (11/28)

              -Pranayama and Tantric Practice-Kumbacka

              -Mudras & Bandas (the great seals)

              -Shakti Power: Charas, Gruntee & Koshas

              -Tantra as Method for the Kali Yuga (Dark Age)
 -Practice: Marcello Spinella (Vipassana Meditation) (11/21)    

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Pranayama & Practice Yoga is described as a breath-based practice. How much attention is given to the breathing in your yoga practice space? How is breathing explained and taught (yes, taught)? What is your experience with pranayama?

-Film: Ram Das: Fierce Grace (11/26)  

NO CLASS NOVEMBER 28th-Thanksgiving

SPIRIT

Week#13-14: Be Here Now: Yoga as a Spiritual Practice (12/3-12/5)
Readings:

The Science of Yoga, Chapter 7 Muse (12/5)

              Eastern spirituality and the Western Mind

              Efficacy: Science versus Experience (Sruti & Smriti)

              The Triumph of Individuality (Durkheim)

 -Practice: Laurie-(Pranayama-medieval practice, from the HYP) (12/3)

Due:    Weekly Practice Journals: Theme: Is Yoga a Religion? Much of the criticism of yoga in the West as "cultural appropriation" comes from the position that yoga in India is part and parcel of the religious traditions of Hinduism. Do you believe Yoga is a religion? Support your position from experience and the materials presented in class.

Week #14: Karma Project Presentations (Thursday, December 10) 

              - Karma Projects/Presentations Due (12/14)

Due:    Essay: Epic Truths, The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras & Hatha Yoga Pradipika (12/10)

Due:    Final Practice Journals: Theme: My Yoga Experience (12/14-online) Summarize your practice experience over the semester. Your final journaling should reflect the knowledge you have gained over the course of the semester, using your experience to make sense of the history and philosophy of practice. Final grades will be based on the timely posting of journals each week, the attention you have paid to observation and analysis and the way your growing academic knowledge is reflected in your journals, and your ability to REFLECT on your progress over the course of the semester. Please make sure to answer the prompts as thoroughly and completely as you can.

Assignments:

All assignments and due dates are noted on the syllabus. I will not accept late assignments (without good cause). Assignments submitted by email to yoganine@comcast.net. I reserve the right to amend any due dates or 
assignments based on the needs of the class. YOU are responsible for knowing about any changes to this syllabus! 
(I will try to avoid these).

Assignments ARE NOT OPTIONAL. Failure to complete any assignment may result in a failing grade for the term. 
If for any reason you cannot complete an assignment on time, let me know BEFORE the due date. Here is the list of
 legitimate reasons to for late assignments: :) 

• Your own death---or the death of a loved one (obit required)
• Sickness---(Doctor’s note required, call before you miss class)
• Alien abduction (untouched, verified photo required)
• Hot Date in Court (You are not the defendant in a felony or misdemeanor-Note required 

        for subpoena)

Therefore, I suggest you take the following precautions: Muzzle your dog, tune up your car, fix your computer and 
buy extra ink cartridges, save and email your work to yourself in three formats, check on your ailing relatives, eat 
right, and above all, don’t procrastinate. If you do have a legitimate excuse (listed above) I need to get a call BEFORE 
the assignment is due.

CLASS ETIQUETTE:

Ø  Smoking Breaks are not allowed. Quit smoking...it is bad for you!

Ø  Daily bathroom breaks are discouraged. Pee before you attend, I do.

Ø  Eating of food LOUDLY is just outrageous. (Do not eat a heavy meal BEFORE class when we are to 
     do physical practice. Physical practice sometimes makes students ill on a full stomach.)

Ø  Sleeping in class is inappropriate and hurts my feelings.

Ø  ALL PHONES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF! The professor will answer cell phones. Please inform me
 if you have an emergency. 

Ø  Late arrival is rude, get here on time. (If you are always late—leave early, constant lateness will 
result in a grade demotion).

Ø  Do NOT leave during class unless you have an emergency!

Ø  PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN CLASS DISCUSSION & COME PREPARED TO WORK.

Ø  Express your opinion directly and with compassion and respect for others.

Requirements:

1)    Readings & Class Discussion

It is critical that you come to class prepared. This is a SENIOR LEVEL SEMINAR course. You will EARN your grade
in here by carefully preparing for class and participating fully. Refer to reading study sheets to “guide” you & take 
notes on your readings. =deductions to grade will be made based on poor class preparedness. =50 POINTS

2)    Class Attendance - mandatory attendance-ready to practice w/mat, etc.

Students must come prepared to do a physical yoga practice. This will entail that you have the following:

o   Yoga mat (mandatory)

o   Yoga Block (4” foam is best)(suggested)

o   Thick wool or Mexican blanket for sitting (suggested)

o   Yoga strap or old necktie / dynaband / etc.(suggested)

DATES:     5 POINTS each= 50 POINTS

·      Chris Waldron (Bikram Yoga) -9/26 

·      Annie Stiver (Iyengar Yoga) -10/3 

·      Joanne McGarrity (Ashtanga Primary Series) -10/10 

·      Jenn Kretzer (Sivananda Yoga) -10/24

·      Marcello Spinella (Insight Meditation) -11/21

·      Laurie (Hatha Yoga Pradipika)-11/28

3)    4 Rhetorical Essays (5 pages each)=25 POINTS each=100 POINTS
       –Yoga Ancient & Modern (due 9/24)

–Community & Ritual Space (due 10/21)

–Yoga As Science & Medicine (due 11/18)
– Epic Truths: The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras & The HYP (due 12/10)

4)    Practice & Practice Journals (weekly on your blog-due FRIDAYS) 50 POINTS

Yoga class attendance should be documented by your yoga teacher by initialing the practice log. Reflections 
can be made informally, before and/or after class, but should be re-evaluated for these journal submissions. 
Journals will be submitted on BLOGS…which you will construct and posted EACH WEEK by the day after you 
attend practice. Final reflection will be due in your blogs on the last day of the term =(final write-up 
due 12/16)

5) Karma Projects & Presentations (weekly participation for the entire term). 25 POINTS
Karma projects are meant to explore and practice the concept of “selfless service” (karma yoga). What is nonattachment, is selfless service possible, and what are the struggles associated with this practice? =(final write-up due 12/16)

FREE CLASS SCHEDULE Yoga Nine Ventnor (Click here)
FREE CLASS SCHEDULE STOCKTON (Click here)

Total POINTS =275 (no extra credit!)
grading as follows:
265 points A+
255 points A
245 points A-
235 points B+
225 points B
215 points B-
205 points C+
195 points C
185 points C-
175 points D+
165 points D
155 points D-
Below 155 F

-----------------------
Afterthought....Thinking Critically

Thinking Critically

Thinking critically is one of the best skills you can acquire in your college education. 
You WILL forget 90% of the information presented to you, BUT it will all be worth the 
cost of your tuition if you can gain skills that will serve you in your professional and 
personal life.

Critical thinking can be defined a the ACTIVE, PERSISTENT and CAREFUL consideration 
of knowledge (facts and opinions) (Dewey). It is a way of reflecting on what you and others 
believe and why you believe it. It is a way to learn how to be persuasive and articulate, but 
also how to judge the information that is constantly presented to you throughout your life 
with confidence.

Here are the important elements of critical thinking we will want to always employ in class:

In any discussion consider these:

·        The purpose of the argument

·        The question (s) which are being posed

·        The assumptions which underlie the argument

·        The conclusions that are drawn from the argument

·        The consequences of these conclusions

When you present an argument in verbally or in writing, remember to go through the 
following steps as one way to PRACTICE critical thinking:

·        State your position fully and clearly

·        Elaborate on your point by expanding your position and clarify your points if needed

·        Illustrate your point and exemplify your arguments

Without critical thinking and discussion, your points and the points of any author no matter 
how famous, are JUST OPINIONS. Persuasion comes when an argument is understood
(WHAT), explained (WHY), and illustrated (HOW).

Our opinions and feelings are important, but in discourse they must be supported. It is also 
important that we feel comfortable having open and free conversations with consideration to 
POLITE and APPROPRIATE language and interaction with others. You will NEVER be judged negatively for your statements or opinions in class, but these should be presented carefully 
and mindfully when subjects might be sensitive in nature, as they often are in this class where we QUESTION our VALUES, BELIEFS and IDEALS.

You are all novices! Give yourself a break and remember that learning is a process and 
critical thinking like writing takes practice. You will be rewarded in this class for your EFFORT
in this process and practice, not your perfect execution of it.