Course Overview & Schedule

DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the cultural history of ancient and early medieval Asia, based on examples of art, literature, philosophy which are for the most part rooted in religious worldviews and practices; the course focuses primarily on India and China, but also briefly surveying Southeast Asia, Tibet, Japan & Korea. [View map of Asia.] Draws attention to three aspects of the way Asian individuals in the ancient and early medieval periods have preserved and modified their cultures: (1) reflection regarding unseen realities, whether sacred (i.e., spirits, gods, etc.) or secular (i.e., natural forces); (2) the rituals & customs (again both secular & sacred) that have inspired and supported such reflection; and (3) the diverse communities, from particular families to broader institutions, in which such reflection and practices have taken place. [Read more about this focus.] Team-based learning will be the primary mode of engaging with sources (see www.teambasedlearning.org), facilitated by testing and inter-class communication through WebCT, the university's on-line instructional system. (GE Area: C3)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After taking this course you should be able to:

1. effectively answer basic questions, posed by a peer unfamiliar with the topic, regarding key terms, images, and sources related to the art, literature, philosophy and religion of ancient and early medieval Asia.
2. describe, for a peer unfamiliar with Asian traditions, the way that sources created by Asians themselves relate to the key terms and images referred to in #1.
3. compare and contrast both particular details and broader themes from the Asian sources referred to in #2, in order to articulate specialized questions for a Buddhist Studies scholar.
   [View RPT format & guidelines for formal journal to see the way that each of objectives #1-3 is reflected in written assignments.]
4. effectively communicate with others while refining the skills listed in #1-3.
5. appreciate both the emotional impact and intellectual fascination of Asian culture.
6. continue to investigate, as modeled in this course, the religion and culture of the people you encounter throughout your life.
   [View sample team assignment to see the way that objectives #4-6 are supported by this class.]

SOURCES: You are responsible for obtaining the printed sources listed below, and for bringing assigned readings to each class meeting. The schedule provided below refers to theses sources using the BOLD CAPITAL abbreviations next to each title.

     Bradley Hawkins, Introduction to Asian Religions (IAR) [Pearson Longman, 2004: ISBN # 0-321-17289-2]
                                                                                                (available at the Hornet Bookstore)
     "HRS 70: Arts & Ideas of Asia" Course Pack (CP) [printed by and available from www.universityreaders.com
                                     at the above URL (click the "Buy Here " button at the top right side) or call 1-800-200-3908]

Also Recommended (for those with special interests in art & religion that may not be fully satisfied by the course's brief survey):

Encyclopedia Britannica (On-line entries re: Asian art & religion)
John D. La Plante, Asian Art [McGraw Hill, 1992: ISBN # 0-697-11591-7]
art books the Thames & Hudson "World Art" series (available at the Hornet Bookstore)
G.L. Anderson, ed., Masterpieces of the Orient (MOO) [Norton & Company, 1977: ISBN # 0-393-09196-1]
Donald Lopez, ed., Religions of Asia in Practice [Princeton Univ. Press, 2002: # 0-691-09061-1
Bowker, ed., Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions [Oxford Univ. Press, 2000: # 0-19-280094-9]

ATTENDANCE: This course relies heavily on interactive learning, and such learning cannot take place without your being physically and mentally present in the classroom.  Therefore the most fundamental requirement of this course is coming to class consistently, making certain to bring with you the assigned reading materials. As per the department's policy for courses that meet twice a week, after an allowable maximum of two absences, fifty (50) points will be subtracted (= 1/2 grade) from your overall score for the class for each class missed.

CLASSROOM PROTOCOLS: Students who arrive late will be required to wait outside the door for a pause in the class presentation (usually 10-15 minutes). While in the classroom, students are asked to remain seated during all presentations involving the entire class. Also, please be mindful of sights, sounds, and smells that are distracting to the instructor and other students, such as eating and side conversation with a neighbor while someone else is speaking to the class. Please handle cell phones as you would on an airplane: keep them turned off and stowed away for the entire duration of the class.

Exceptions to the above-stated policies may be granted in rare instances for compelling reasons, which generally must be verified in writing by a medical practitioner or some other professional. But note that an absence will be considered unexcused until and unless you present documentation to explain it--ideally by the next class that you are able to attend, or as soon therafter as possible.

EMAIL: in order to receive updates regarding class sessions throughout the term, you are required to check the email included in your WebCT account on a regular basis for the duration of the course; note that WebCT allows you to forward mail to your regular email address if you wish.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. sixin-class, on-line (6) RPTs ( "reading preparation tests") (5 x 50 points, 250 points total)
   [composite of individual and team scores, with lowest score dropped]
2. a portfolio of in-class team assignments (300 points total)
3. selection & memorization of a 30-90 second text used for daily practice (50 points)
4. three (3) formal journal reflections (700-100 words, 3 x 100 points, 300 points total)
5. one (1) final exam (100 points)

[OVERALL SCALE: 940-1000 points=A, 900-930=A-, 870-890=B+, 840--870=B, 800-830=B-, etc.]

GRADING POLICIES: Barring genuine emergencies, no make-ups are available for RPTs. Generally no rewrites of journal assignments are allowed; however you may wish to show me prelimary drafts (submitted for review at least three days prior to the deadline). If you have a documented disability and verification from the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities (Lassen Hall 1008, x6955), and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact me within the first two weeks of the term. Finally, note that I will generally elect severe penalties for academic dishonesty on RPTs and journal reflections: a zero score for the assignment, and failing the course for a second offense. You are responsible for reading my comments regarding the importance of academic honesty, and my no-tolerance policy for incidents of dishonesty, in FAQ, #10-13; as well as for requesting clarification if there is anything you do not understand

WEBCT: As with class emails, test taking and grade posting will also be handled through WebCT. In order to be registered for this course in WebCT, you will need a valid saclink username and password; if you do not currently have one, call (278-7337) or visit the Saclink Desk (on the second floor of the new Academic Information Resource Center, just behind the library--follow signs to your right when exiting the elevator, all the way to Room 2005); or simply go to www.saclink.csus.edu and follow the instructions for "Set up Saclink" in the left-hand column.

SCHEDULE: Readings should be completed by the day for which they are listed. All numbers in the schedule refer to pages in the readings unless otherwise marked. NOTE: if unable to view on-line videos or "reading orientations," you may need to download & install the free version (different from the "14 Day Free Trial") of Real Media Player.

Introduction: Asia, Cultural History, & Team-Based Learning

Unit 1a: Ancient India (?15th century BCE - 2nd century CE)

Unit 1b: The Classical Period of Medieval India (3rd - 10th century CE)

Unit 2a: The Classical Period of Ancient China (?15th century BCE - 2nd century CE)

Unit 2b: Medieval China (3rd - 10th century CE)

Unit 3a: Pre-Historic & Early Medieval Tibet & Southeast Asia (1st - 12th century CE)

Final Exam: Mon, December 18 (1:30 pm section) / Wed, December 20 (3 pm section) (view final exam schedule)

DISCLAIMER:   As you will learn from this term’s study ofAsian traditions (if you didn’t know it already!) the nature of life is change.  In creating this syllabus I have tried to be as careful as possible to get all the details right.  However in certain situations, whenever I notice that an error has been made--or that a change would significantly further the objectives of the course--I reserve the right to make alterations in the syllabus. I will always give you at least three day’s notice, both in class and by sending out an email about the change.

OTHER COURSES OF INTEREST: • Asian Civilization" (HIS 006) • "Art of India &Southeast Asia, China & Japan" (ART 117A & B) • "Peoples of Southeast Asia," "Chinese Societies," and "Cultures of South Asia" (ANTH 147-49)