Syllabi for course that explores contemplative approaches to learning and knowing in communication and media studies taught at the University of Virginia,

Participants in this exercise observe an object, image, or person three different ways and, each time, write what they “know” about the object.

Writing descriptively about a familiar experience or scene with as much cinematic detail as possible and then, at a later date, rereading the descriptive writing from an outside perspective, looking for subtexts in the language used.

Lying at the foot of Géphel (dge ’phel) Mountain, the highest point in the lha saValley, Drepung offers an impressive sight with its hundreds of large buildings nestled in an impressive mountainous surrounding. It is one of the most important religious institutions in Tibet and hence its study offers a great avenue to penetrate Tibetan civilization, its religion, politics, economy, and culture. For in Drepung, all these aspects of traditional Tibetan life, which are often thought to exist apart, come together.

Students sit cross-legged and take three deep breaths, inhaling through their noses and exhaling through their mouths.

Students come to hands and knees position with hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. 

Lying on their backs, students bring their knees toward their chests; grasp their feet, ankles, or shins; and draw their knees wide.