150167 PS A Journey to the Western Regions. Art and Archeology of the Silk Road. (2009W)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Tu 15.09.2009 09:00 to We 30.09.2009 23:59
- Registration is open from Th 01.10.2009 12:00 to Tu 06.10.2009 23:59
- Deregistration possible until Sa 24.10.2009 23:59
Details
max. 25 participants
Language: English
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Tuesday 06.10. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 20.10. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 03.11. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 17.11. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 01.12. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 15.12. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 12.01. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
- Tuesday 26.01. 16:15 - 17:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
The term Xiyu ("Western Regions") appears in Chinese classical sources from the 3rd c. BC on, referring to the lands to the west of Yumen ("Jade gate") pass, which marked the western frontier of the Chinese territories during the Han dynasty. Today "Xiyu" corresponds to Eastern Central Asia (largely modern Xinjiang in China). First contacts between China and the Western Regions officially started with the famous mission of Zhang Qian, an imperial envoy of the Han emperor Wudi (r. 141-87 BCE), who set out to Central Asia in 138 BCE. When Zhang Qian came back from his adventurous and long journey, his report on the lands and people he visited convinced the emperor of the necessity to establish commercial relations with the West. Since then, crossed by a network of trade routes (the so-called "Silk Road", Seidenstraße) connecting East Asia with Central Asia and the Mediterranean, the Western Regions became the setting of intense cultural exchanges, widely reflected in the rich artistic production of the caravan oasis cities that flourished along the routes.
Assessment and permitted materials
Attendance, active participation and oral presentation: 50%; written essay: 50%.
Students are expected to attend the seminar regularly, to participate in class discussion, to read the basic literature and the readings on specific topics suggested in classes. More than 3 unjustified absences will be evaluated as negative; attendance to the introductory lectures is highly recommended. The oral presentation and the written essay are compulsory for final marks.
Students are expected to attend the seminar regularly, to participate in class discussion, to read the basic literature and the readings on specific topics suggested in classes. More than 3 unjustified absences will be evaluated as negative; attendance to the introductory lectures is highly recommended. The oral presentation and the written essay are compulsory for final marks.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
The seminar aims to give students a grounding in the study of the art and archaeology of Eastern Central Asia through the analysis of monuments and archaeological remains along the Silk Road.
Examination topics
Two hours classes every two weeks (scheduled calender: 2009: 6.10; 20.10; 3.11; 17.11; 2.12; 15.12. 2010: 12.1; 26.1).
The seminar will be divided into two phases:
In the first phase introductory lectures will provide students with general background on the history and culture of the Silk Road. Main issues in the study of the art and archaeology of this area will be presented.
In the second phase students will give oral presentations choosing among a list of suggested topics.
Each presentation should last ca. 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes class discussion. Students will then develop the content of the presentation into a written essay of ca. 10 pages of lenght, which will be evaluated for final grading.
The list of topics and the relevant literature will be given during the seminar according to the selected interests or specific requirements.
The seminar will be divided into two phases:
In the first phase introductory lectures will provide students with general background on the history and culture of the Silk Road. Main issues in the study of the art and archaeology of this area will be presented.
In the second phase students will give oral presentations choosing among a list of suggested topics.
Each presentation should last ca. 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes class discussion. Students will then develop the content of the presentation into a written essay of ca. 10 pages of lenght, which will be evaluated for final grading.
The list of topics and the relevant literature will be given during the seminar according to the selected interests or specific requirements.
Reading list
-"Central Asia: Eastern." In The Dictionary of Art, edited by Jane Turner, vol. 6: 287-322. New York: MacMillan, 1996.
-Härtel, H., and Marianne Yaldiz, eds. Die Seidenstraße: Malereien Und Plastiken Aus Buddhistischen Höhlentempeln; Aus Der Sammlung Des Museums Für Indische Kunst Berlin. Berlin: Reimer, 1987.
-Juliano, Annette, and Judith Lerner, eds. Nomads. Traders and Holy Men Along China's Silk Road. Turnhout: Brepols, 2002.
-"Silk Route." In The Dictionary of Art, edited by Jane Turner, vol. 28: 718-723. New York: MacMillan, 1996.
-Whitfield, Roderick, and Anne Farrer. Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. Chinese Art from the Silk Route. London: Trustees of the British Museum, 1990.
-Whitfield, Susan, and Ursula Sims-Williams, eds. The Silk Road: Trade, Travel, War and Faith. Chicago: Serindia Publications, 2004.
-Zwalf, W, ed. Buddhism: Art and Faith. London: British Museum Publications Ltd, 1985.
Further reading on specific topics will be given in class.
-Härtel, H., and Marianne Yaldiz, eds. Die Seidenstraße: Malereien Und Plastiken Aus Buddhistischen Höhlentempeln; Aus Der Sammlung Des Museums Für Indische Kunst Berlin. Berlin: Reimer, 1987.
-Juliano, Annette, and Judith Lerner, eds. Nomads. Traders and Holy Men Along China's Silk Road. Turnhout: Brepols, 2002.
-"Silk Route." In The Dictionary of Art, edited by Jane Turner, vol. 28: 718-723. New York: MacMillan, 1996.
-Whitfield, Roderick, and Anne Farrer. Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. Chinese Art from the Silk Route. London: Trustees of the British Museum, 1990.
-Whitfield, Susan, and Ursula Sims-Williams, eds. The Silk Road: Trade, Travel, War and Faith. Chicago: Serindia Publications, 2004.
-Zwalf, W, ed. Buddhism: Art and Faith. London: British Museum Publications Ltd, 1985.
Further reading on specific topics will be given in class.
Association in the course directory
GG/LK 410, JMA M9
Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:35