Brooklyn College, CUNY
Department of Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
CHIN 2081, Fall 2025
2 hours; 2 credits
Zen Koan Meditation-I
Prof./Dr. Chia-ju Chang (Pronouns: she/her/her)
Meeting Time: TH, 8:00-9:40 pm
Place: online
Office hours: TBA by arrangement
Email: cchang@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Note: The best (only) way to contact me is by email. You can expect a reply within 24 hours. Also, please exchange phone numbers or email addresses with at least one classmate.
Course Description
As a “companion course” to CHIN/MVMT 2080, this is a hands-on sitting meditation class or "lab" (zuochan in Mandarin; zazen in Japanese). In this course, you will learn the so-called “koan study” to launch the journey of spiritual awakening, which is accompanied by a sense of compassionate social and communal sensitivity and connectivity. Students will develop critical first-person (introspective) and no-person contemplative perspectives. While open to all students, it is a core requirement for those pursuing a minor in Chinese and Zen Contemplative Studies (CZCS). Taught in English. Requirement Designation: Regular Liberal Arts.
Course Requirements and Checkpoints
Grading:
1. Attendance: Attendance for every class and throughout the entire class period is mandatory. After one absence, every absence will bring your final grade down by half a letter grade. Four absences will automatically lead to a failing grade of the course. Two latenesses (of 10 or more minutes each) will count as one absence.
2. Etiquette (20 points): During class, the use of electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) is strictly prohibited. Students are expected to sit on the floor; please bring a cushion and a yoga mat for your comfort. Wear loose, comfortable clothing suitable for meditation. Grading will be based on your cooperation, respect, and participation.
Policy on Cameras: All students must keep their cameras on during class. You may blur or add an image to the background if you wish. Failure to comply will result in being marked absent. Attending class while in transit, at work, or during a doctor’s appointment is not permitted. It will be counted as "absence." You are required to participate from a quiet and appropriate location.
3. Weekly journal entries (60 points): Personal reflection on readings and practice. No word limit and will not be graded. Submit after the class.
4. One Final Reflection Paper (20 points): Deadlines: 12/10 before mid-night. 1000-1200 words in English.
Grade Range: Your final grade will not be altered unless it is a calculation mistake.
94-100 A 90-93 A- 86-89 B+ 82-85B 79-81 B- 76-78 C+
72-75 C 69-71C- 66-68 D+ 62-65 D 59-61D- 58-below F
* All late assignments are subject to these additional penalties and requirements:
1. Each late homework after the deadline will result in a lowering of the final course point total by 0.5 points (for log exercises) and by 1 point (for reflection papers). Assignments past the last day of the course will only be accepted at the discretion of the instructor (i.e. in very unusual circumstances and arranged and agreed in writing before the end of the course).
2. A grade of Incomplete (INC) may be given only at the discretion of the instructor when 1) a student has satisfactorily completed most, but not all, course requirements and 2) a student provides to the instructor evidence documenting the extenuating circumstances that prevent the completion of all course requirements by the end of the course as stated in the course syllabus. This agreement with the instructor must be in writing by the last day of the class.
Zoom link: https://brooklyn-cuny-edu.zoom.us/j/89618137761?pwd=UENrWXU1U2RneWRBeWtGSDkrNmcrQT09
Meeting ID: 896 1813 7761
Passcode: 899148
Reading/Listening Materials:
1. Cold Mountain Sangha Teishos
2. Guo Gu, Passing through the Gateless Barrier
3. Sengcan, “Verses on the Faith Mind”
Course Policies
Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct
"Academic Dishonesty is prohibited in the City University of New York and is punishable by penalties,
including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion, as provided herein.”† -- CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity. Adopted by the Board of Trustees 6/28/2004 †Please go to http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/policies/
for further information about:
* CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity
* BC Procedures for Implementing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity
* Flow Chart of the BC Procedures for Implementing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity.
Policy on Incompletes
Students have only one semester to submit work for a course in which they have received an INC. Please check the upcoming semester for deadlines. A grade of Incomplete (INC) may be given only at the discretion of the instructor when 1) a student has satisfactorily completed most, but not all, course requirements and 2) a student provides to the instructor evidence documenting the extenuating circumstances that prevent the completion of all course requirements by the end of the course as stated in the course syllabus. This agreement with the instructor must be in writing by the last day of the class.
Non-attendance because of religious beliefs
As you read the syllabus/calendar, please note any conflicts between any assignments given here and possible nonattendance because of religious observance or for any other reasons you may have. Please notify me at the beginning of the semester (first two scheduled class meetings) via e-mail so that appropriate accommodation can be arranged. For further information, please see the BC Catalog.
Immigration Status
As an educator, I support the rights of undocumented students to an education. If you have any concerns, feel free to discuss them with me, and I will respect your wishes concerning confidentiality. For resources and support, please visit Brooklyn College’s Immigrant Student Support Office, 117 Roosevelt Hall, email: Jesus.Perez@brooklyn.cuny.edu, website: Immigrant Student Success Office or visit: https://libguides.brooklyn.cuny.edu/DACA
Student Support Services
Visit here for links to the wide range of Brooklyn
College’s Student Support Services: http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/offices/studentaffairs/student-support-services.php