Andrew O.  Fort                     Mysticism                                  Office Hours

TBH  214, 257-6448               RS  30733                            11 daily or by appt.

a.fort@tcu.edu                        Spring 2009                       personal.tcu.edu/afort

                                                             

 

               In this course, we shall examine conceptions of "mysticism" and  "mystical experience," and then consider mystical dimensions of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some modern thinking.   We shall thereby explore some of the diversity of human experience and one fundamental aspect of the phenomenon called religion.  Our primary aim is to reflect deeply on our notions of our selves, ultimate reality, and their relationship; existential inquiry is an inevitable component of this course.  Our exploration will, of course, use some of the concepts and modes of inquiry common in the academic study of religion.  Thus, this course will increase your ability to read critically, think analytically, and write effectively through the description, analysis and evaluation of ideas of mystics and themes in mysticism.

 

               You are expected to attend all classes (come on time, but come even if late), and to read (and think about) the assignments before class.  Lectures and discussion are central, and demand preparation; the uninformed or absent student hinders the whole class.  The reading load is generally not heavy, but does take time and commitment.  Bring the relevant books to class; we will analyze the readings.  Be ready to listen, think, question, and speak.   All topics are open, but civil and respectful discourse is required. Other comments on class etiquette may be found on my eCollege site.

 

               There will be four short (4-5 page) papers (15% of grade each), and a final 7-8 page course review (25%).  The papers should inform me about your reactions to the material, and will allow you to investigate the investigator (yourself).  There may be quizzes to confirm that you are doing the reading.  Unless you contact me beforehand, late papers will be permitted only for officially excused absences. If you miss four or more classes, your grade can be lowered automatically unless you have a legitimate and documented excuse.  We will also be using eCollege, and you will need to post an entry weekly. Class participation (including attendance and eCollege journal entries) will be 15% of grade.

 

               If you have a problem affecting your course participation, or must miss class, let me know. Also, if you have a disability which may affect your class performance, please inform me during the first week of class. For information about attendance, disabilities and/or academic misconduct, refer to the appropriate sections under www.studentaffairs.tcu.edu.  Feel free to see me, after class or by appointment. 

 

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

 

Campus Life (257-7926, Sadler Hall 101); TCU Library (257-7117); Center for Academic Services (257-7486, Sadler Hall 11); Writing Center (257-7221, Rickel Bldg. 244); Student Development Services (257-7855, BLUU 2003); Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (257-7830, Jarvis Hall).
REQUIRED TEXTS

 

R. Ellwood,  Mysticism and Religion, 2nd edition

F. C. Happold,  Mysticism

E. Dimock,  In Praise of Krishna

A. Watts,  The Way of Zen

Ram Dass,  The Only Dance There Is

Selections from Hindu texts, Eliade's Patanjali and Yoga, and some Buddhist writings

               (available at FrogPrints)

 

 

DAILY CLASS ASSIGNMENTS (also check if eCollege entry is due)

 

13 Jan.   Introduction to course

 

15 Jan.  Defining mysticism and mystical experience   Ellwood: ix-xiii, 1-17

 

20 Jan.  Mystical experience   Ellwood: 18-33, 39-52

 

22 Jan.  Mystical union  Ellwood: 75-88, 92-103

 

27 Jan.   Communication and techniques  Ellwood: 106-12, 126-32, 134-41

 

29 Jan.   Mysticism: society and path    FIRST PAPER DUE

                       Ellwood: 146-55, 158-60, 164-66, 171-87

 

3 Feb.   Roots of Christian mysticism  Happold: 175-84, 203-17

            (Plato and Plotinus)                 

 

5 Feb.   Love mysticism  Happold: 235-48   Ellwood: 63-67

 

10 Feb.   Eckhart and others   Ellwood: 116-23   Happold: 269-79, 314-32

 

12 Feb.  Sts. Teresa and John of the Cross   Happold: 342-66

 

17 Feb.     "              "            "          SECOND PAPER DUE

 

19 Feb.  Hinduism: Upanisadic monism

             Ellwood: 58-61    Readings from The Hindu Tradition (in reader)

 

24 Feb.  Hinduism: Shankara's Vedanta    Deutsch (in reader)

 

26 Feb.  Hinduism: Patanjali's Yoga    Eliade, to p. 53 (in reader)

 

3 March   "         "        "        Eliade, to end

 

5 March  Hinduism: devotion to Krishna

              Dimock/Levertov: vii-xx, 77-9, 3-69

 

10 March      Ò    Ò      THIRD PAPER DUE

 

12 March  Buddhism: the Buddha    Watts: 29-56

 

SPRING BREAK

 

24 March  Buddhism: meditation     Happold: 170-3

                reader, The Heart of Buddhist Meditation

 

26 March  Buddhism: Mahayana    Watts: 57-76     Happold: 162-mid166

 

31 March  Buddhism: Madhyamika

 

2 April  Buddhism: the Bodhisattva

 

7 April  Buddhism: Ch'an   Watts: 77-133

 

9 April  Buddhism: Zen    Watts: 134-72

 

14 April  Zen  Watts: 173-200        FOURTH PAPER DUE

 

16 April  Modern mysticism    Ellwood: 67-71, 112-16

               (science)  Happold: 22-3, 30-4, 137-40, 394-97

 

21 April  Modern mysticism    Goleman and Smothermon (in reader)

 

23 April   Modern mysticism: Ram Dass  

               The Only Dance There Is, 1-41, 47-75

 

28 April   Be Here Now in The Only Dance There Is,

               80-1, 89-92, 105-26, 138-9, 150-6, 166-74

 

FINAL PAPER DUE (by 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 5)
PAPER WRITING SUGGESTIONS

 

     Papers should be typed and double-spaced.  A clean-looking paper will help you.  Proper spelling and grammar are important, and will affect your grade.

 

     Unless otherwise specified, your paper should focus on an idea or a few ideas which arise from reflections on the course material.  Set aside some time to think about the paper before you write.  Make notes of your thoughts.  Review the assigned material and look for passages related to your topic.  Construct an outline.  Include brief but accurate summation of the relevant readings and do some self-investigation.  Why are you interested in what you wrote about?  After writing a first draft, check to see if you clearly state, then address, the main issue(s) or theme(s), and if your paper has an introduction and conclusion. 

 

     I am looking for clear self-expression and increased self-understanding in addition to understanding and critical analysis of textual material.

 

     You may rewrite, and at times I will encourage you to rewrite.  Remember that there is a library nearby, and that you can consult with me about research resources.  If you refer to or quote course books, page numbers may be put in parentheses after references.  We also have an excellent Writing Center (Rickel Bldg., 257-7221), if you need help.

 

     Your paper will be graded on:

 

          1) form (presentation, grammar, spelling, punctuation).

          2) clarity of focus, organization, and expression.

          3) utilization of course material.

          4) critical reflection and personal insight.