A 12-hour online PodCourse with Tessa Watt, PhD and Senior Teaching Fellow.

This PodCourse is the first in a series entitled, Mindfulness in the Modern World taught by Tessa Watt, PhD at SOAS University of London. This PodCourse is 100% pre-recorded and the course material can be accessed at anytime, from anywhere. This PodCourse focuses specifically on ‘Mindfulness in the Modern World’ and is divided into three modules:

Module 1: The Roots of Modern Mindfulness.

Module 2: Controversies in Modern Mindfulness.

Module 3: Mindfulness in Public Discourse.

Each module includes:

• A 1-hour pre-recorded lecture.
• 3 hours of self-guided study material.
• A 15-minute virtual quiz to test comprehension of all the material in this module.

This programme will take place on the YSO website (the online study platform within SOAS University of London). By submitting payment for this PodCourse, your application will be processed by SOAS University of London administration. Access details will be sent to you once enrolment administration is complete. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to those that successfully pass all of the assessment material in the PodCourse.

PodCourse Description

In this course we will look at the rise of the modern mindfulness movement from its roots in Buddhist traditions to its role in 21st century public discourse.

Module 1: The Roots of Modern Mindfulness.

In the first module, we will consider: definitions of modern mindfulness, the difference between mindfulness and meditation, the roots of mindfulness practice in Buddhism, and the key figures and practices of modern mindfulness in therapeutic and clinical settings.

Module 2: Controversies in Modern Mindfulness.

In the second module, we will examine some of the critiques and criticisms that modern mindfulness has encountered during its rise in popularity. We will consider scholarly debates about its definition, whether it is a religion by stealth, the potential dangers and ethical challenges, and its role as a tool for/against capitalism and activism.

Module 3: Mindfulness in Public Discourse.

In the third module, we will consider the suggestion that mindfulness is ‘an essential skill’ that can help with the pressing challenges of our age. We will attempt to answer the important question ‘what is mindfulness for? ‘ to determine whether it assists or impedes social resilience and innovation.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes anticipated for this course are:

• Understand the roots of modern mindfulness in Buddhist traditions;
• Identify the key features and practices of modern mindfulness;
• Recognise and distinguish the important strands and influential figures of the modern mindfulness movement;
• Recognise and critically evaluate some of the major debates and controversies around mindfulness in the 21st century;
• Explore the role of mindfulness in public policy, social values and societal vision.