• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content

What's Your Digital Flavor?

  • Documentary Film
    • Pre-Planning
    • Production
    • Post Production
  • Documentary Short
    • Interviewing Best Practices
  • Video Ethnography
    • Interviewing Best Practices
    • Auction Exercise
    • Baraka Exercise
    • Interview Exercise
    • Ethnography Films
  • Podcast Production
    • Podcast Resources
  • Digital Story
    • The Process
    • Storycircle
    • Image Exercise
    • Digital Story Drafting Process
      • Direction of Snow
      • Welcome to America
  • Digital Essay
  • Digital Stessay
  • Animation
    • Animation Resources
  • Digital Critique
  • Concept Videos
  • Interactive Documentary

Digital Stessay

Mysticism and diverse forms of spirituality have been found in all religious traditions in all ages, and are keystones of human experience in general in personal, cultural and universal contexts. This course studies the nature, role and meaning of mysticism and spirituality for Western audiences by focusing on different models, practices, and accounts. Analysis of classical expressions of mysticism and spirituality will be included along with newer forms. We will also inquire into “perceived” unique aspects of the “mystical consciousness” and the worldviews that support it.

There are two special aspects to this course. First, there is a reflective, experiential dimension. For all of the obvious reasons, students will be asked to keep a personal “academic” journal that may help them to gain a fuller appreciation of some of the ideas and concepts we will be discussing and exploring. Second, there is an experimental assignment (creation of a “digital” essay), which will culminate in a special oral presentation at the end of the semester.

Project Description:

Each student will participate in a digital learning workshop throughout the semester and will present to the class a creative, original digital essay on any research topic within mysticism and spirituality. This assignment may reflect your further understanding of a topic or theme that continues to inspire, intrigue, or fascinate you. (You may also introduce a topic that has not have been discussed or covered in class. All presentations should incorporate at least a three-fold development of thought: 1) identifying a topic or theme; 2) articulating some of the traditional perspectives, issues, and theories surrounding the chosen topic or problem; and 3) providing in-depth reflections, expanded perspectives, or discussion of key ideas and forms of knowledge beyond what has been discussed in class. On the day that you give your digital presentation, you must submit to the professor a brief written abstract or overview of your topic (2 pages, typed, double- spaced, including important notes and bibliography).

Course:RELI 311: Perspectives in Spirituality and Mysticism
Instructor: Professor of Religion, Carol White
Project: 3-5 minute Digital Stessay
Students: 4
Semester: Spring 2013
Duration of Assignment: Entire Semester, 15 weeks
Technology: iShowU, FCPX, Whisper Room Audio Booth
311Syllabus2013Mysticism_SpiritualityWhite
Finding_Images_Handout

COURSE-SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1) To explore the various forms of knowledge (esoteric, scientific, and philosophical) that are part of current approaches to mysticism and spirituality, and what they suggest about our views of the human, the diverse worlds we inhabit, and our desires for self-transformation.

2) To foster an appreciation for the interdisciplinary approach endemic to studying this topic by examining and exploring the wide range of ideas, practices, and definitions of spirituality and mysticism to better understand their appeal and value in the contemporary West.

3) To consider various definitions of mysticism and spirituality, and the practices, concepts, and worldviews associated with them, utilizing insights from psychology, religion, philosophy, and science, literature, and the arts.

4) To engage each other in productive conversations about the various approaches and styles of spirituality and mysticism in the contemporary era;

5) To improve basic skills in critical/analytical reading and writing.

CCC LEARNING GOALS

The following course objectives are in accordance with the disciplinary requirements of the Division of Arts & Humanities, as specified by the new Core College Curriculum. They emphasize textual analysis and interpretation.

1) Students will interpret texts with awareness of the texts’ basic orientation in the world (historical, philosophical, religious, linguistic, etc.).

2) Students will be able to construct arguments and evaluate canons using the evidence and tools of critical analysis appropriate to the object of inquiry.

3) Students will develop an appreciation of the fundamental ambiguities and complexities involved in all human attempts to answer questions about knowledge, values, and life.

RELI 311: Perspectives in Spirituality and Mysticism Scaffolded Semester Calendar

Wed. 16-Jan                  Introduction to Course and to Each Other

(Syllabus Overview and Objectives of Course Explained)

Introduction of the Digital Essay (DE)

(Brianna Derr and Debra Cook-Balducci, Instructional

Technicians, will discuss components and workflow of DE)

     

            SECTION ONE: WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY? WHAT IS MYSTICISM?

                                    (Important Concepts, Definitions, and Theories)

Wed. 23- Jan                 Wiseman Article (MOODLE)

SECTION TWO:  CLASSICAL THEORIES OF MYSTICISIM

 

Wed. 30 – Jan                PM: All Chapters

*William James, “4 Stages of Mysticism” (MOODLE)

(Reflection Paper #1 Due)

Film and Discussion

                             Cultural Expressions of Mysticism & Spirituality

Wed. 6-Feb.     *Harvey:  “Introduction” and “Voices of the First World”

*Harvey: Taoism: “The Way of the Tao”

*Harvey: Judaism: “The Way of Holiness”

*Harvey: Christianity: “The Way of Love in Actio

                                    Digital Workshop Session # 1

(Show examples of Digital Essays and discuss Technical Rubric/Equipment Training)

SECTION THREE: CONTEMPORARY THEORIES: SPIRITUALITY & MYSTICISM

Wayne Teasdale:  Notion of Interspirituality

Wed.13-Feb.                  TMH: Introduction, Chapters 1-3

(Reflection Paper # 2 Due)

Digital Workshop Session # 2 (Meet in Library Lab)

(Chloe Barnett, Humanities Library Liaison, discusses image selection and citation, resources, and the importance of research. Brianna and Deb discuss audio resources)

*Students bring at least 6-12 images to March 20th workshop

Wed. 20-Feb.                 TMH: Chapters 4 -7

Guest Speaker: Arlyne Hoyt (Qigong Session)

Digital Workshop Session # 3

(Video Editing; Final Cut Pro X, Students bring video, images, and media to workshop;

Review importing of media and develop timeline;

Chloe will assist with selection of images)

Wed. 27 – Feb.             In-Class Essay Exam

Wed. 6-Mar.                 *Aldous Huxley, “The Perennial Philosophy” (Handout)

Guest Speaker  (Dashain McCabe: Buddhist Spiritual Practice)

Digital Workshop # 4

(Introduce Storyboarding and Script [Narration]; Introduce AudioBooth)

*Storyboard and Narrative due at March 27th workshop

Wed. 13-Mar.                 NO CLASS – SPRING  BREAK

SECTION FOUR: THICH NHAT HANH & THE PRACTICE OF MINDFULNESS

 

Wed.  20- Mar.               EW:  All Chapters

Digital Workshop # 5

(Storyboard Review; Students should have complete Storyboard containing Narration; Chloe joining class; AudioBooth)

 

SECTION FIVE: NATURE AND SPIRITUALITY

                             

Poetic Expressions of Mary Oliver and Others

 

Wed.  27-Mar.                HOL:  Selected Poems TBD

TMH: Chapter 8

(Reflection Paper # 3 Due)

Digital Workshop # 6

(Continue editing)

 

Annie Dillard: Nature and Mystery, Death, Beauty, and Violence

Wed. 3-Apr.                  PTC:  All Chapters

Digital Workshop # 7

                                    (Peer Group Review)

SECTION SIX: SPIRITUALITY AND SCIENCE

Wed. 10-Apr.                 USA:  Chapters TBD

Digital Workshop #8

                                    (Continue Editing)

                                   

Wed. 17-Apr.                 USA: Chapters TBD

MIB: Chapters TBD

Yoga Session & Guest Speakers

(Digital Presentations Begin)

Wed. 24-Apr.                 MIB: Chapters TBD

                                    (Reflection Paper # 5 Due)

(Digital Presentations Continue)                                     

 

Save

Save

Save

  • Bucknell University
  • Digital Pedagogy & Scholarship Group
  • Digital Scholarship Center
  • Library & Information Technology