Monuments of Asia

Catalog description

An exploration of major Asian sites and monuments through a focus on their historical and cultural significance. ART H (ASIA) 440 Monuments of Asia(IL)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. In this course, major Asian monuments are introduced in their physical, historical and cultural contexts. Students are also exposed to various theoretical approaches through which these monuments will be studied. Some of the themes around which the course is structured include patronage, religious practice, cultural meaning, political relevance and the shifting meanings of monuments over time. Students will learn to understand and discuss ways of defining monuments, their formal character and lineage, historical and cultural contexts and their representation across space and time.Each semester monumental sites will be organized around a common theme such as, Hindu and Buddhist Sites across Asia: Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance, Patronage and Religion, Islam across Asia: Global Ideas and Local Contexts, Political and Symbolic Centers in Asia: Between Early Modernity and the Nation State or Early Modern Asia: Empire and the Built Environment. Alternately, these topics will be incorporated within a multi-themed structure.The objective of the course is to expose students to the histories and cultures of Asia in a globalizing world. Another objective is to equip students with the methodological tools of art history as a discipline, even as they learn about specific monuments. The course will build on the foundation laid by survey courses in Art History, Architectural History and Asian Studies. Weekly readings will be assigned and discussed in class. The development of analytical and writing skills will be stressed, and grades will be based partly on essay exams and short response papers. In addition, students will write a research paper, to be completed by the end of semester.