Contemplative Inquiry
Earn a Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry
The Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry focuses on creating opportunities for greater inquiry, connection, reflection, insight, and communication. It does so by nurturing and supporting students’ practical and critical first-person experience and inquiry through the use of varied contemplative practices, including mindfulness techniques, meditation, focused thought exercises, beholding, deep listening, reflective writing, contemplative movement, and dialogue.
Career Outlook
Versatile and customizable, an Interdisciplinary Certificate allows students to develop a unique skill set that combines knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines. The Interdisciplinary Studies department equips students with problem-solving skills that address contemporary societal issues on both local and global levels. This prepares them for various career paths, including government, business, law, humanitarian organizations, journalism, the arts, teaching, and many more. Graduates have attained careers in a range of industries as well as entrance into graduate programs at renowned universities.
Create Greater Connection
Designed to foster deeper insight and connection, the Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry prioritizes practical, firsthand student experience. Participants develop strong communication skills by engaging in diverse contemplative practices, ranging from meditation and focused thought to movement and open dialogue
Curriculum
The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry requires the completion of a minimum of four courses and 12 semester hours, including IST 220: Art and Science of Meditation, the cornerstone course for the certificate. Courses must represent at least two different disciplines (as determined by course prefix) from two different departments. No more than eight of the required 12 semester hours that a student applies toward an interdisciplinary certificate may have the same course prefix. No more than 8 hours from a declared major or minor may be applied toward an interdisciplinary certificate. At least 3 of the 12 hours must be at the 300-400 level. All courses used for the certificate must be completed at UNC Asheville. Interdisciplinary certificates may only be completed in conjunction with the completion of an undergraduate degree at UNC Asheville.
Certificate at a Glance
- Minimum of 12 credit hours from four courses
- Courses must represent at least two different disciplines
- No more than 8 hours from a declared major or minor may count
- At least 3 hours at the 300-400 level.
- All courses must be completed at UNC Asheville
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all certificate courses
Required Courses
Courses in contemplative inquiry span a range of disciplines and areas of study, including philosophy, anthropology, economics, dance, literature, psychology, and more.
Foundational Course
Electives
ARTS 310 – Arts and Ideas (3-4)
Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: 30 earned hours
ASIA 313 – Asian Philosophy (PHIL 313) (4)
Spring
ECON 103 – Introductory Economic Analysis (4)
Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: ECON 101 and 102
ECON 331 – Feminist Economics (4)
Every other year
Prerequisite: ECON 103
ECON 450 – Seminar in Economics (4)
Pre- or co-requisite: ECON 365
HS 310 – Community Health Promotion: Theory and Practice (4)
Every year
Prerequisite: HS 222
HS 315 – The Science of Stress, Stress Management, and Biofeedback (4)
Prerequisites: HS 234 or BIO 338
HS 342 – Advancing Health Equity: Domestic and Global Contexts (4)
Prerequisite: HS 310
LANG 120 – Academic Writing and Critical Inquiry (4)
Fall and Spring
LANG 354 – Professional Writing (4)
Every other year
Prerequisite: LANG 120
LIT 364 – Postcolonial Literature (4)
Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: LANG 120
ARTH 201 – Introduction to Art History I (4)
ANTH 380 – Zen Anthropology
Fall and Spring
Supporting Majors
Ready for What's Next?
Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC Asheville empowers you to explore diverse subjects, merge ideas from various fields, and discover unexpected connections that can shape the future. Our program is a gateway to a world of boundless possibilities, where you can delve into the intersection of art and science, business and sustainability, technology, and social impact.