Exactly what is Zen Buddhism? Through readings ancient and modern, videos, visits with a meditation instructor and independent projects, students will learn about the origins, philosophy and varied expressions of a movement that reaches back to the 5th century B.C.E. and into the 21st century. We will examine both teachings and practice of Zen Buddhism, as it is expressed in traditional Japanese arts such as the tea ceremony, archery and calligraphy, and as it appears in contemporary popular culture.