Fall 2015: Seminar in Ethical Values - LAW 9098

Instructor: Michael Livermore

 

Seminars in Ethical Values are designed to enhance students' understanding of ethical issues and address the broader ethical and moral responsibilities of the lawyer as citizen and leader. The seminars are graded on a pass/fail basis; students earn one credit in the spring semester upon successful completion of the seminar.

 

This seminar will examine “mindfulness” (or “contemplative”) practices both as a cultural phenomenon and as a set of practical tools to promote professional and personal development for lawyers. Practices commonly described as “mindful” include sitting meditation and movement-based practices such as yoga and tai chi. Proponents of these practices have claimed that they are associated with stress reduction, emotional well-being, improved work performance, and personal growth. There is a growing body of research supporting at least some of these claims. Students will be encouraged to experiment with a mindfulness-based practice during the course of the year, and discussions will be based on that experience as well as on readings drawn from the mass media, psychology, and contemplative studies. 

 

This class will be held on Tuesday evenings, location and time TBA.