Contemplative Inquiry

Why Study Contemplative Inquiry at UNC Asheville?

The Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry focuses on creating opportunities for greater inquiry, connection, reflection, insight, and communication. It does so by nurturing and supporting students’ practical and critical first-person experience and inquiry through the use of varied contemplative practices, including mindfulness techniques, meditation, focused thought exercises, beholding, deep listening, reflective writing, contemplative movement, and dialogue.

Curriculum
Courses
Study Abroad
Student Organizations
Faculty

Curriculum

The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry requires the completion of a minimum of four courses and 12 semester hours, including IST 220: Art and Science of Meditation, the cornerstone course for the certificate. Courses must represent at least two different disciplines (as determined by course prefix) from two different departments. No more than eight of the required 12 semester hours that a student applies toward an interdisciplinary certificate may have the same course prefix. No more than 8 hours from a declared major or minor may be applied toward an interdisciplinary certificate. At least 3 of the 12 hours must be at the 300-400 level. All courses used for the certificate must be completed at UNC Asheville. Interdisciplinary certificates may only be completed in conjunction with the completion of an undergraduate degree at UNC Asheville.

Select Courses

Courses in contemplative inquiry span a range of disciplines and areas of study, including philosophy, anthropology, economics, dance, literature, psychology, and more.

ANTH 380: Zen Anthropology (Wood)
ARTH 201: Introduction to Art History (Bares)
ARTS 310: Arts and Ideas: Mind and Place (Bares)
ASIA 313: Asian Philosophy (Maitra)
ECON 103: Introductory Economics (Mahoney)
ECON 331: Feminist Economics (Mahoney)
ECON 450: Economics and Happiness (Mahoney)
ENVS 334: Environmental Policy
HS 310: Community Health Promotion: Theory and Practice (Batada)
HS 315: Stress, Stress Management, and Biofeedback (Jones)

HS 342: Advancing Health Equity (Batada)
IST 220: The Art and Science of Meditation (Require cornerstone course)]
LANG120: Academic Writing and Critical Inquiry (Wray)
LANG354: Professional Writing (Wray)
LIT 364: Postcolonial Literature (Gusain)
MUSC 123: Ensemble: Contemporary Guitar (Doyle)
PHIL 217: Buddhist Philosophy (Maitra)
PHIL 313: Asian Philosophy (Maitra)
PHIL 352: Contemporary Philosophy (Maitra)
PSYC 329: Cognitive Psychology (Foo)
RELS 386: Buddhism (Zubko)

Careers & Outcomes

Versatile and customizable, an Interdisciplinary Certificate allows students to develop a unique skill set that combines knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines. The Interdisciplinary Studies department equips students with problem-solving skills that address contemporary societal issues on both local and global levels. This prepares them for various career paths, including government, business, law, humanitarian organizations, journalism, the arts, teaching, and many more. Graduates have attained careers in a range of industries as well as entrance into graduate programs at renowned universities.

Outside the Classroom

Our program emphasizes hands-on learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Unlike many other universities, more than 65% of UNC Asheville students complete undergraduate research, and our Undergraduate Research Program (URP) helps to facilitate these projects. We also promote global citizenship among students through the Study Abroad Program. As a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), we provide opportunities for students to study at over 200 universities in more than 40 countries.

Explore Study Abroad

Clubs & Organizations

UNC Asheville offers an inclusive community with over 60 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for Interdisciplinary Studiesmajors to engage with their peers and enhance their college experience. For example, Asian Students in Asheville (A.S.I.A.) is a dynamic organization that represents the growing population of Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander students at UNC Asheville through a variety os social, cultural, and educational events.

One of my professors used the term ‘serial obsessionist’ to describe his wide variety of interests. I think that term fits me well. I have been surprised by how many different things are really exciting for me to learn about, so I have had a hard time settling into any one path after graduation.

Hannah Bruno ‘22

Faculty

Experienced and dedicated faculty support your academic and personal growth and enrich UNC Asheville’s Interdisciplinary Studies program. Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse ethnicities and nations of origin, languages, and academic disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.

Interim Chair of Interdisciplinary, International Studies; Sara and Joseph Breman Professor

Office: 207 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3943
Email: skapur@unca.edu

Amanda Wray, Ph.D.

Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: 213 Karpen Hall
Phone: 251-6412
Email: awray1@unca.edu

Office Hours:

Monday 10:30 am – 11:00 am

Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Thursday and Friday office hours are online by appointment.

Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow 2025-27

Office: 216 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3952
Email: rgusain@unca.edu

Office Hours:

Monday 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Wednesday 9:30 am – 10:45 am

Or by appointment

Surain Subramaniam, Ph.D.

Professor of International & Asian Studies

Office: 212 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-2409
Email: surain@unca.edu

Emily Herzog

Administrative Assistant, Vice Chair of Employee Belonging and Wellness

Office: 205 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3955
Email: eherzog@unca.edu

Interdisciplinary Studies

Political Science

Ready for What's Next?

Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC Asheville empowers you to explore diverse subjects, merge ideas from various fields, and discover unexpected connections that can shape the future. Our program is a gateway to a world of boundless possibilities, where you can delve into the intersection of art and science, business and sustainability, technology, and social impact.

Admission & Aid Request Information Apply Now