Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2019-2020
ASIA 323 - BUDDHIST AND DAOIST ART
Long Title: BUDDHIST AND DAOIST VISUAL CULTURES IN TRADITIONAL CHINA
Department: Asian Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Undergraduate Professional
Visiting Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Description: This seminar explores the visual materials and their context that shed light on pre-modern China’s Buddhist, Daoist, funeral and other diverse religious and ritual practices. Topics of discussion include methodologies, Dunhuang Buddhist grottoes and “library caves”, Daoist body and cosmos, images of heaven, hell and rebirth, art and ritual, multi-cultural aspects, patronage, tombs, printing, women, and so on. Through careful examinations of the proposed topics and assigned readings, students will develop analytical skills, critical thinking, and holistic views regarding the meaning, function, and style of the arts of diverse religious traditions, as well as people from different social and ethnic backgrounds who participated in the making, spreading, and use of religious visual culture in traditional China. Students should have some background in Chinese art, history, or religions. Cross-list: HART 323, MDEM 323. Recommended Prerequisite(s): HART372/ASIA372, ASIA211, HART371/ASIA371