The History of Yoga

Caleb Simmons
Fall 2021
Tuesdays |  
9 AM - 12 PM (AZ Time)
September 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 30, and December 7, 2021
Course Format: Hybrid
Location: Main Campus
Tuition: $265

Yoga is a ubiquitous presence in the landscape of American fitness culture. For many, it is synonymous with selfcare and holistic healthy living. While yoga is often vaguely connected to Asian traditions, its long history as a philosophical and religious system can be elided with our contemporary focus on the physical and mental benefits of the practice. In this course, we will examine the philosophy, practice, historical roots, and development of yoga over its 2,000-year history. Additionally, we will explore the multiple manifestations of yoga within its original ritual context and as a global phenomenon as a spiritual practice and form of exercise. Over the course of our time together, we will discuss the philosophies associated with yoga as a ritual discipline and identify and analyze key historical and cultural factors that influenced global yoga.

NEW – Hybrid Course Format

  • All classes will be delivered both in person and online via live video streaming. Students will enroll in their preferred format during registration.
  • In person classes will be held in the Rubel Room at the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center (1508 E Helen St, Tucson, AZ 85721). Enrollment for in person classes is limited by classroom capacity and offered on a first come, first served basis. All students attending on campus will observe the relevant University of Arizona policies designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 (more information here). Students who enroll to attend in person will also have complete online access to the course including all class recordings.
  • Online students may attend all classes via live video streaming and will be able to participate in all course Q&A sessions with the professor in real time. Students may also access class recordings for a limited time to assist those who may not be able to attend the live class times. Online access will be password protected and only available to enrolled students.

Registration will open online on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 8 AM (AZ Time)

Required Reading
  • Mallinson and Singleton. Roots of Yoga. New York: Penguin Classics. Patton.
  • The Bhagavad Gita. New York: Penguin Classics.
  • Singleton. Yoga Body. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Singleton and Goldberg. Gurus of Modern Yoga. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Additional recommended reading materials may be distributed to enrolled students electronically.

Meet Your Instructor

Associate Professor

CALEB SIMMONS is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Classics. He has published on religion in South Asia, especially Hinduism: Devotional Sovereignty: Kingship and Religion in India, The Navarātri Festival in South Asia, and Nine Nights of the Goddess (coeditor and contributor). He is currently working on ecological issues and sacred geography in India, South Asian diaspora communities, and material and popular cultures stemming from globalization.

Location

POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States

Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.

Street map image of Poetry Center

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