Course reflection

Even though we are now taking this to a virtual experience, this project is still a way for you to dive into this material in a deeper way. With these new, adapted circumstances, we’re going to explore some alternative (digital) ways to still get you an opportunity to learn in an immersive way aside from a textbook.
Please note the changes below in the guidelines/requirements (changes are in bold). Instead of 3-5 pages, I’m adjusting the project to 2-3 page minimum to accommodate the virtual format.
You have three (or more) different choices as to what project you would like to do. (Though if you come up with an idea or find something outside of this, feel free to ask! I’d be happy to know what other alternatives we can find! Choose ONE of the following options and write a 2-3-page reflection.

PROJECT ONE: RELIGIOUS SERVICE REFLECTION

The purpose of visiting a religious service other than one you may be familiar with is both to broaden your perspectives and to experience firsthand what we might otherwise just read and talk about.

You will find an Eastern Religious Service ONLINE (this can be live-stream or a recorded service). This can be Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Taoist, ISKCON, etc. You can also choose a Yoga class/session on YouTube, etc., but I highly encourage you to find a holistic style which includes at least some aspects of the 8 limbs. I will be sending some specific ideas/links via email.

Your written reflection should include the following:
A description of the space, both inside and out
The service itself (Who was involved?
What rituals were performed? What was said? Sung? What was involved?
Reflections on your own experience (Did you feel comfortable? Strange? What intrigued you? What puzzled you?)
Please be respectful online and represent Sinclair in a positive light.

II. PROJECT OPTION TWO: SERVICE LEARNING (I think this one will be the hardest)
For this option, you can find a cause ONLINE (there are a myriad of opportunities right now) and volunteer your virtual TIME (not just money). This can be volunteering for a local church/temple/yoga studio related to class or any local business(just ask them if you can help with any online stuff – they are bombarded). This can include helping to advertise for them on social media, make spreadsheets, organize addresses for deliveries, etc. Get creative! Make this a project that really helps the world right now from your phone or laptop. We need it! A minimum of 1-2 hours of virtual volunteering is required.
This is an assignment in which you can apply course skills and knowledge, gain exposure to cultural and religious diversity, and acquire a sense of giving back to our community. This project is Hindu Seva (selfless service), karma yoga (yoga of action) as well as principles of Gandhi and Buddhism in action.

Your 2-3 pg. service-learning report should include the following:
1)A detailed description of the place/business/organization
2)The service learning itself: Who was involved? What tasks were you given? How did you help this group/organization specifically? Who did you communicate with? (Names can be kept anonymous). What were the goals of the project you were involved with (both short term and long term)?
3)Reflections on this experience.

III. PROJECT THREE: ART MUSEUM REFLECTION
In lieu of a field trip, you can STILL experience some beautiful and inspiring re-purposed art VIRTUALLY.
Follow the same guidelines of the paper as before, but you will search out and choose an online exhibit/museum (the sky’s the limit now) and look through Eastern themed (often under “East Asian” or “Asian” or perhaps organized by religion (i.e. Buddhist, Hindu) art.
After your art museum “trip” (it should take at least 1-2 hours of your time), you will write a detailed and descriptive 2-3-page response of your experience. You may focus on just a couple of pieces IN DETAIL that stood out to you OR give an overall summary/theme of the art you experienced and how it relates to the course material.
Note: I don’t just want a regurgitation of the online info provided next to the piece (I don’t care about dimensions, gold-plated, that kind of stuff, in other words). I care about what you saw, how you felt, what this artist is trying to express, how it brought what you’ve learned in class to life…
Have fun with this and be creative, particularly relating it to what you have learned in class. This can be a very fulfilling choice for you, especially if you have an interest in art!