Contemplative and Well-Being Studies, Minor
School of Education
Program Overview
A minor in contemplative and well-being studies is a holistic program in wellness and well-being that promotes personal and societal growth, development, and transformation. Blending intellectual rigor with experiential learning, the minor explores the cultural, historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of contemplative and well-being practices. A strong emphasis is placed on hands-on somatic and spiritual experiences. Core subjects include yoga, meditation courses, nutrition, lifestyle, health maintenance, and end-of-life preparation, complemented by contemplative practices for individual and collective well-being. The program’s flexibility allows students to tailor their coursework to evolving interests and needs across departments and subject areas.
Minor Details
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Minor Requirements (15–18 credits)
Students choose courses from each of the following two categories:
At least any two of the following courses:
- CHIN 1910 or MVMT 1910 Tai Chi
- CHIN 2080 or MVMT 2080 Introduction to Zen Meditation
- MVMT 1080 Gentle Yoga Meditative Writing
- MVMT 1105 Self-Defense
- MVMT 1130 Pilates
- MVMT 1131 Yoga
- MVMT 2501 Introduction to Meditation
At least any two of the following courses:
- BUSN 3251 Workplace Values and Happiness
- CHIN 1111 or MVMT 2111 Chinese Calligraphy
- CHIN 3080 or MVMT 3080 Intermediate Zen Meditation
- CHIN 3930 Chinese Multispecies Stories
- HNSC 1100 Personal and Community Health
- HNSC 2111 Health Psychology (cross-listed as PSYC 3180)
- HNSC 2181 Human Sexuality
- HNSC 3314 Human Encounters With Death and Bereavement
- JUST 4034 Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah (crosslisted as HIST 3103)
- MVMT 2500 Personal Fitness, Health & Wellness
- MVMT 2502 Intermediate Yoga
- MVMT 2801 Crafting as Contemplative Practice
- MLAN 2012 The Animal Self
- MLAN 3434 Chinese Contemplative Traditions: Theory and Practice
- PHIL 3121 Modern Philosophy
- PHIL 3335 Workplace Values and Happiness
- PHIL 3722 Asian Philosophy
- RELG 3040 Mysticism, Magic, and Ritual in Ancient China
- SEED 1401 Mindfulness for Everyday Living and Transformation
- SEED 4108 Research, Education & Wellness
- THEA 4102 Performance Techniques in Embodied Practice: Yoga and Performance Research
Contact
Alexakos Konstantinos, Program Coordinator
2617 James Hall
E: alexakosk@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000 ext. 3869
The Support You’ll Find
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
