An exploration of how mindfulness-based approaches are being used in biomedical mental health interventions. We study mindfulness from historical, societal, structural, cultural, professional, and personal perspectives, with an emphasis on its Buddhist foundations and on concepts of the embodied mind. We look at how recent socio-political phenomena are inspiring diverse applications and adaptations of mindfulness-based interventions.

A multi-cultural and interdisciplinary study of therapeutically-oriented practices and theories of the mind. Areas considered include positive psychology, psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness meditation, and Jungian psychology, with comparison to various Buddhist teachings and practices.

An interdisciplinary exploration of how cognitive science may connect with Buddhist terms, concepts, and practices, studying topics such as wisdom, mindfulness, meditation, insight, self-control, flow, or mystical experience.

Provides a conceptual and contemplative interdisciplinary exploration of “wisdom traditions.” Buddhist approaches to self-actualization and wisdom will be compared to traditions from Mesopotamia, classical Greece, Christianity, the Renaissance, etc. Coursework includes guided experiential exercises for various traditions.

An overview of scientific research on the psychological and neurophysiological effects of meditation. We explore the effects of different meditation styles on brain structure, brain activity, neurochemistry and other biological processes. Effects of meditation on mental health, pain, social behavior, aging, memory, and cardiovascular function are also a major focus. The use of meditation in the treatment and prevention of illness is critically reviewed.

Topics vary from year to year depending on the instructor.

Topics vary from year to year.

An overview of mindfulness as a systematic investigation of subjective experience, with a survey of classic descriptions and contemporary scientific literature. Students will explore meditative practices in class and maintain a meditation practice outside class.

An interdisciplinary study of theories of mind, consciousness, and the self, placing Buddhist traditions in dialogue with scientific theories of the mind in psychology.

Explores teachings and principles in Buddhist canonical sources and considers their application to a wide range of social, political, and environmental crises we are facing today, including climate justice, systemic racism, burnout and mental health. We explore how Buddhist teachings are applied and adapted across different sectors of society including healthcare, education and business.

This seminar-based course prepares students for advanced research on meditation by exposing them to diverse theories, tools and techniques used in the field. Students will learn about the scientific method and develop critical thinking skills; critique scientific research articles on meditation; practice communication skills; and propose their own original study on meditation.

An in-depth, interdisciplinary exploration of how Buddhist teachings are set in conversation with contemporary scientific research on topics such as suffering, wellbeing, and compassion, through a mixture of lecture, textual analysis, discussion, and hands-on experiential practice.

An exponential increase of scientific research on aspects of Buddhist theories of mind and mindfulness meditation has contributed to the growing popularity of mindfulness across the sectors of healthcare, education and business. Examines the theoretical and empirical basis of mindfulness-based interventions and applications in healthcare settings and beyond. Critically addresses the roots of mindfulness, current models and adaptations, relevant applications, interventions and outcomes. Quantitative and qualitative research methodology will be reviewed, and conceptual, methodological, statistical, and interpretive limitations of the scientific literature will be discussed. The course aims to build scientific literacy skills through the assessment, critique, and discussion of peer reviewed journal articles.

An upper-level seminar. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor.

A joint graduate/undergraduate upper-level seminar. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Consult the Program Office for course enrolment procedures.

Explores the complex and diverse languages, geographies, regional and national histories, cultural practices, intellectual traditions and political and economic landscapes of the Caribbean region, its people and its diasporas. Students will be introduced to the main questions, themes, and debates in Caribbean Studies. Lectures and readings develop the skills to take an interdisciplinary approach to Caribbean Studies. This is a team taught course.

Examines the historical roots of regional Caribbean food from the colonial period to the present day, and then moves to study Caribbean food in the global and Caribbean-Canadian diasporas, in the literary imagination, as a marker of personal, group and national identity, and as cultural expression.

Introduction to the rich and multi-linguistic literary traditions of the Caribbean and its diaspora, focusing on both canonical and emergent texts of Caribbean literature. Texts not originally written in English are read in translation.

Focuses on recent literary and visual texts produced in the last decade, from the Caribbean, insular and continental, and its diaspora. Texts not originally written in English are read in translation. While CAR220H1 is an excellent companion course, CAR221H1 can be taken independently.

Offers an interdisciplinary introduction to Caribbean sociology, focusing on the writings of thinkers and scholars from the era of decolonization to the more contemporary period. Themes may include: colonial encounters in the making of Caribbean societies; the role of religion; popular consciousness; histories of capitalism and exploitation; the relationship between political institutions and the wider society; "development", dependency and "underdevelopment".

Examines currents of Caribbean political thought from the Haitian Revolution to the present. Themes may include: struggles for independence and liberation, particularly the Haitian and Cuban Revolutions; theories of dependency; Caribbean political systems; regional integration; contemporary political issues facing Caribbean societies today; analyses of capitalism by Caribbean thinkers.

Explores the complex and dynamic practices, philosophies and political and cultural contexts of Caribbean religions. Topics may include the profound impact - in both the Caribbean and its diasporas - of Caribbean Christianities, Hinduism and Islam as well as Afro-Creole religions such as Vodun, Rastafari and Santeria.

A critical feminist reading of selected works of fiction, poetry and essays by Caribbean women writers. The aim is to appraise the development of this literature, situate texts within the key social and political debates which have influenced the region's literary output, as well as to consider the implications of the environments within which these writers function.

Explores themes relating to visual arts, social media and theatre in the Caribbean. Topics may include: theatre, film, mixed media arts, the role of the internet and online publishing in the arts and the relationship between artists, the state and wider society.

This upper level course examines the interplay between wider global processes and intra-regional responses that together help shape contemporary Caribbean realities. Topics include: economic crisis and structural adjustment; tourism; the agricultural sector; the Caribbean Single Market and Economy; migration and diaspora.

An examination of the historical and political significance of writings (literary, political, scholarly) by Caribbean women who engage problems within Caribbean culture and provide insights into the endeavours of the peoples of the region.

Explores indentured migration and its legacies from the 17th century through to the present. Encourages students to think comparatively and transnationally about indentureship and diaspora, as well as indentured migration's relationship to contract and labour law.

An upper level course. Topics of study vary from year to year.

Based on readings, lectures, experiential activities and discussions, CAR332Y0 examines the cultural and environmental history of Puerto Rico. The course explores debates on colonialism, capitalist modernity, development, ecosystems, religion, race and politics. Such analysis will help with the consideration of Puerto Rico as the last colony of the Americas within the larger context of the Caribbean. The course will include on-site excursions related to the lectures and reading material covered. This course will be taught in English.

This course examines the cultural and environmental histories of the Dominican Republic. It traces key moments in the nation’s history which have been significant for both the environmental destiny and the cultural character of the society. We will pay special attention to the social and ecological consequences of the nation’s tourist industry in the 21st century. In the process we cover a range of issues concerning global capitalism, ecopolitics, race and cultural production. The course includes weekly excursions and will be taught in English.