Modiwl PMP-4008:
Buddhist Background
Buddhist Background 2024-25
PMP-4008
2024-25
School Of Human And Behavioural Sciences
Module - Semester 1 & 2
30 credits
Module Organiser:
Cerys Gadd
Overview
The module will explore key elements within the Buddhist psychological background to those mindfulness-based approaches which are used as clinical interventions: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). It will investigate the historical origins of mindfulness approaches and the part played by Buddhist thought and practice in their evolution. Students will be taught to investigate the boundaries between the religious / spiritual context of Buddhism and the modern clinical and scientific context of mindfulness-based approaches. They will also be encouraged to research and investigate for themselves how a deeper understanding of its Buddhist historical and spiritual background might enrich their understanding of the clinical and personal applications of mindfulness. The assessment for this module will be by an individual presentation made by each student, and a substantial piece of textual and practical research given as a single written assignment, to demonstrate the student’s in-depth understanding of the area of study.
Learning Outcomes
- 1. Explore, evaluate and analyse aspects of the early Buddhist psychological background to mindfulness-based courses, both experientially and theoretically.
- 2. Investigate the relationship between mindfulness as a spiritual tradition and as a therapeutic approach, and understand the boundaries between the two.
- 3. Conduct investigative research into how an understanding of the early Buddhist tradition of mindfulness may enhance and enrich the clinical and personal applications of mindfulness.
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
40%
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
60%