Course Description
Survey of the historical development of material culture in South, Southeast, Central, and East Asia. The primary focus of this course is an examination of the art and architecture associated with the major religious traditions of Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto.
Athena Title
Asian Art
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will examine a representative survey of the major artistic and architectural productions from South (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka), Southeast (Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar) Central (Afghanistan, Tibet) and East Asia (China, Japan, Korea). Although regional distinctiveness and diversity will be emphasized, a comparative approach will be employed in order to observe, analyze and understand potential commonalities between the various intellectual, social, religious and historical experiences of cultures and communities accross Asia. Students will be expected to engage critically both written sources and visual imagery and will be evaluated by three written exams.
Topical Outline
1. Encountering Asia - Geographic and Cultural Diversity 2. The Foundations of South Asia: Indus Valley Civilization and Indo-Aryans 3. Early Buddhist Art and Architecture of India - Sanchi and Narrative Art 4. Mahayana Buddhist Art of India - Ajanta and Bodhgaya 5. Early Hinduism and Hindu Iconography 6. The Hindu Caves and Temples of Mamallapuram 7. The Medieval Hindu Temple Complex at Khajuraho 8. Early Islamic Art and Architecture in India 9. Mughal Architecture and Painting 10. Southeast Asian Art and Architecture - Java, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand 11. The Buddhist Art and Architecture of Sri Lanka and Medieval Burma 12. Arts along the Silk Road - The Oasis of Bamiyan 13. Arts of China - From the Neolithic Period to the Dunhuang Caves 14. Arts of Japan - Jomon Culture, Zen Arts and later schools of Painting