Fall 2016

An introduction to the major art forms and monuments of religious art in India, Southeast Asia, China and Japan from prehistory to1300.

An introduction to cultures and people in the Americas; the social, historical, economic and cultural formations that together make up the Latino/a American imaginary.

History, political-economy and aesthetics of the African Diaspora with emphasis on Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

An exploration of the nature and contributions of pre-Columbian high civilizations (Maya, Aztecs, etc.) and their descendants as they resist and assimilate to the modern world.

Southeast Asia is studied as a meeting place of different races and cultural traditions, with emphasis on the precolonial heritage of sexual equality and postcolonial reinterpretations of men's and women's worlds.

Concepts of social anthropology using filmic representations ofsocieties throughout the world in contrast to written ethnography.

A seminar forum on Maya culture from the earliest form to thepresent; problems of origins, classic florescence, systemscollapse, conquests, persistance, and transformation today.

Role of American Indians in American public life from colonialtimes to the present; native American forms of government;relations between tribes and the U.S.

A comparative study of the Asian aesthetic heritage of poetry, painting, music, and drama; of literary themes, trends, and myths.

Introduction to the major humanities traditions of China, Japan, and Korea through an examination of representative works drawnfrom literature, aesthetics, philosophy, religion, and historicalwriting.

An introduction to and overview of the contemporary cinemas of East Asia: China (Hong Kong, the People's Republic, and Taiwan), Japan, and Korea.

Japanese literature from the earliest times to the present; development of prose, poetry and the novel; evolution of theatre; Japanese literature under Western influence. Conducted in English.

The history of Korean literature and culture from the ancient to the modern era. Recommended preparation: HIST 105g.

Characteristics and aspects of Chinese civilization;interpretation of philosophy, literature, religion, art, music.Conducted in English.

Readings of Chinese poetry, prose, novels and drama; influence of the West on Chinese literature and culture in modern times. Conducted in English.

Main patterns of change in modern China, Japan, and Korea;historical framework and the insights of geography, economics,political science, and other disciplines.

Study of the lives of selected individuals who have helped to shape Chinese politics and culture.

Introduction to the history and the study of the Middle East from ancient to modern times

Business history of East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) as related to culture, politics, and society.

Cultural cohesiveness and ethnic diversity of Islam in the USSR; nature and effect of government policies aimed at the integration of Islam into the state.

Focus primarily on works of Buddhist literature written in a variety of genres. Introduction of basic teachings that link Buddhist traditions across time and space.

Exploration of the senses and the technologies of pleasure in India, relating this material to some fascinating examples of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist literature.

Introduction to Islam, emphasizing its historical and cultural development since the seventh century C.E., and the basic teachings of Islam.

Russian cultural identity from its beginnings until today. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, its traumatic confrontation with Western culture, and their continuous interaction.