Mysticism: East and West

Catalog description

This course introduces students to mystical texts from a variety of religious traditions, and exposes students to philosophical and psychological questions that arise in the study of these types of texts. The course begins with an examination of definitions of mysticism, then moves on to look at specific themes found in mystical texts. The second part of the class involves asking critical questions about the nature of mystical experience, with an eye towards careful academic reflection on these matters.