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.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50%Reasonably comprehensive information is given, indicating generally accurate understanding of the Buddhist psychological background to mindfulness-based approaches, based on lecture material and some core readings. Student shows some understanding of the ways early Buddhist material is related to mindfulness as a therapeutic approach. Somewhat limited critical appraisal, but an attempt at scholarly objectivity is made. Student conveys interest in and investigative exploration of the subject matter through the way the material is presented.

-good -60%Comprehensive and accurate information is given, showing good use of teaching material and core readings, and further exploratory work. Student is able to articulate the relationship between Buddhist psychology and mindfulness-based approaches, and understands the boundaries between them. Student demonstrates a knowledge of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness-based approaches from both an experiential and a conceptual/ theoretical angle. A clear ability to appraise the evidence critically is demonstrated, and to take an objective and scholarly approach. The subject matter is well presented with interest and genuine investigative exploration, which opens up issues, and creates interesting discussion topics.

-excellent -70%Presentation shows a comprehensive and relevant knowledge and understanding of Buddhist psychology in relation to mindfulness-based approaches, from both experiential and conceptual/theoretical angles. Coverage of the subject matter indicates that that the student has gone beyond the core readings and explored the topic in depth. Student shows excellent understanding of the way early Buddhist material relates to mindfulness as a therapeutic approach, and is able to outline and critically appraise key elements within that relationship, with reference to the literature and to personal experience. The subject matter is excellently presented with in-depth investigative research shown in the issues, creating new and useful discussion topics.

Learning Outcomes

• 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.

• Explore, evaluate and analyse aspects of the early Buddhist psychological background to mindfulness-based courses, both experientially and theoretically.

• Investigate the relationship between mindfulness as a spiritual tradition and as a therapeutic approach, and understand the boundaries between the two.