Instr: Nelson, Steve
Office: CRT 504; 229-6022
e-mail: stnelson@uwm.edu
Office hours: TBA
Course Information: TR; 2:00pm - 3:15pm; CRT 468
This Freshman Seminar will offer students an introduction to Zen Buddhism through accessible and engaging works of fiction and nonfiction written by contemporary Western authors. By approaching the subject through stories, such as Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, Eugene Herrigel's Zen in the Art of Archery, and Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums, students will be able to see the philosophy of Zen Buddhism "in action," which will allow them to more easily connect with and relate to these concepts. No previous knowledge of Zen Buddhism is required, though a curiosity about the topic will certainly help. In addition to the readings, the class will watch and respond to American movies featuring Buddhism (Little Buddha, The Karate Kid, etc.) and each student will be instructed in the process of conducting research from the UWM Library and writing a research paper on a related topic of his or her choice.
