Stanford University has launched a freshman seminar titled "Namjooning, and Other Well-Being Inspiration from BTS" for Fall 2026. "Namjooning," a term derived from RM's name, refers to finding joy and peace in everyday activities like visiting museums, cycling, and reading. RM's daily habits have become the subject of a course at one of America's most prestigious universities.
The seminar explores how art, nature, and exercise influence mental health, drawing on RM's lifestyle as a foundation. Topics include sleep, anxiety, creative blocks, and self-awareness. Rather than simple advice like "get plenty of sleep," the course uses quantitative research to understand the quality and quantity of sleep and its impact on well-being. Students will examine these themes through scientific studies, literature, and art.
A final project inspired by RM's solo album [Indigo] is also part of the curriculum. The three-unit course is offered by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Public Mental Health and Population Sciences). It runs during the Autumn Quarter, designed for first-year students. The application deadline is August 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
The course is taught by James R. Jacobs, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His approach focuses on the quantitative impact of daily habits on mental health. RM is recognized not only as a musician, songwriter, and performer but also for his perspectives on mental health and well-being. The course description notes that BTS performed at Stanford in May 2026.
It's fascinating that RM's everyday life has become a starting point for academic inquiry. Don't you wonder how art, nature, and literature shape our well-being?
The seminar explores how art, nature, and exercise influence mental health, drawing on RM's lifestyle as a foundation. Topics include sleep, anxiety, creative blocks, and self-awareness. Rather than simple advice like "get plenty of sleep," the course uses quantitative research to understand the quality and quantity of sleep and its impact on well-being. Students will examine these themes through scientific studies, literature, and art.
A final project inspired by RM's solo album [Indigo] is also part of the curriculum. The three-unit course is offered by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Public Mental Health and Population Sciences). It runs during the Autumn Quarter, designed for first-year students. The application deadline is August 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
The course is taught by James R. Jacobs, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His approach focuses on the quantitative impact of daily habits on mental health. RM is recognized not only as a musician, songwriter, and performer but also for his perspectives on mental health and well-being. The course description notes that BTS performed at Stanford in May 2026.
It's fascinating that RM's everyday life has become a starting point for academic inquiry. Don't you wonder how art, nature, and literature shape our well-being?
FAQ
When will the Stanford Namjooning class be held?
It opens in Autumn Quarter 2026. The three-credit seminar is designed for freshmen, with registration closing at 11:59 p.m. on August 26, 2026. It's offered by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
What is Namjooning?
A term derived from RM's name, it refers to activities that cultivate leisure and happiness in everyday life—visiting museums, cycling, or reading. The Stanford course explores how art, nature, and movement influence mental health based on this concept.
What will students learn in Stanford's RM class?
Students will examine sleep, anxiety, creative blocks, and self-awareness through scientific research, literature, and art. A final project inspired by RM's solo album Indigo is included, aiming to quantitatively understand how daily habits impact well-being.
