Learning Abstract :
This project centered on a new travel course to India aimed at exposing students to the country's religious history and contemporary diversity. This seminar broadened my definitions of teaching, for rather than offering formal classroom instruction, I planned a group learning experience through developing the syllabus, creating a daily journaling guide, and working with others at my institution to prepare our travel schedule. Whereas my students typically privilege text-based knowledge about other religious traditions, in the context of travel the students shifted quite easily to learning through observation, participation, dialogue with Indian hosts, and discussions with one another. Through opportunities for individual reflection, I saw them learning as much about themselves and their own ways of relating to God, self, and others as they did about India. This project has prompted me to consider more holistic methods of teaching regular classes on campus that would similarly engage students – mind, body, and spirit.