New Spring 2015 Asian Studies Course in Religious Studies Now Open for Registration
The Department of Religious Studies is pleased to announce a new course in Asian Studies:
RLST 3820: Buddhist Ritual and Art with Dr. Ariana Maki
Spring 2015 | MWF 3:00-3:50pm in Humanities 1B80
Beginning with the life of the Buddha, this course will explore how Buddhist art developed in India and was adopted and adapted by the cultures of China, Japan, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia. We will examine the intersections between Buddhist doctrine, art, and architecture through extensive and close analysis of visual forms and materials. This course focuses on objects and their usage in ritual contexts, though we will also explore how Buddhists have historically employed art, architecture and performance to legitimize claims of political, social, and/or cultural power. We will also study the critical transformations occurring in the modern and political dimensions of Buddhist art, addressing such issues as self-immolation, identity, and global consumer culture.
Registration is now open.