Time Schedule:
Cynthea J. Bogel
ART H 315
Seattle Campus
Buddhist painting and sculpture of China, Korea, and Japan. Explores religious meaning, artistic development, and historical significance. Examples from the sixth to the seventeenth centuries, along with paintings and contemporary carvings.
Class description
This course features a comparative and contextual study of Buddhist icons and temples. The course emphasizes the ritual use of icons and why they were created for particular temples. It will examine Buddhist and mixed-Buddhist forms, including painting and sculpture; temple architecture, plans, and gardens; ritual or decorative implements and furnishings; reliquaries; and priestly possessions. Each year the course will featue a particular culture/country or theme: Korea, China, Japan, Silk Road, Esoteric Buddhist visual culture, the art of the Lotus Sutra, gardens, etc.. In winter 2008 the emphasis is Japan, including comparisons with Chinese, Korean and Indian Buddhist art. The professor has just returned from a year of research in Japan and will emphasize living temples and their art in Kyoto and Nara with many interesting digital images.
Student learning goals
Analyze the appearance and iconography of a Buddhist icon, including Buddhist meanings
Recognize differences in materials, date, and culture among Buddhist statues and paintings
Understand the function of icons and other ritual goods in Buddhist practice
A general knowledge of Japanese culture and history, and its relationship to China and Korea in ancient times
The role of Buddhism in ancient Asia and the importance of visual culture to a "philosophy" of Buddhism
General method of instruction
Lecture, discussion of readings and images, and museum visits.
Recommended preparation
Some familiarity with East Asian arts, history, culture, or Buddhism is recommended. An open mind about foreign culture and religion. Willingness to learn foreign terms and ideas.
Class assignments and grading
2 in-class tests, take-home essays (test) and/or "mock exhibition".
note: If the course is a "W" there will be writing and revision assignments based on course themes and issues. A writing TA will work with students on the assignments. Students who do not "need" a W credit will nonetheless be expected to complete the work. In my experience these assignments are a great aid in understanding and learning the material and you will find that it helps your overall performance on the tests -- and your ablity to retain the material in a meaningful way beyond the life of the course!
Assignments, tests, participation, and individual student effort during the class. See the above note about "W" classes.
