Survey of art and architecture created for Buddhist religious purposes in China, Japan, and to a lesser extent Korea, Tibet, and Central Asia. The course will include a brief overview of Buddhist monuments in South Asia, study of the iconography of Buddhist images in graphic and sculptural media, and analysis of a variety of Buddhist styles in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Survey of art and architecture created for Buddhist religious purposes in China, Japan, and to a lesser extent Korea, Tibet, and Central Asia. The course will include a brief overview of Buddhist monuments in South Asia, study of the iconography of Buddhist images in graphic and sculptural media, and analysis of a variety of Buddhist styles in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

China is one of several world regions where writing and literacy emerged independently. This course looks at the evidence for the beginnings and first 1000 years of writing in China, from the earliest records of divinations and gift-giving by the Shang kings, through to the establishment during the Han dynasty of the core of China's literary tradition - the "classical" texts that all subsequent educated East Asians knew. Although no prior knowledge of Chinese language is required, we will look at the functioning and early evolution of the Chinese script, and learn to read simple inscriptions. Longer texts will be read in English translation. These will include commemorative inscriptions on bronzes, and varieties of early specialist or technical writings that were buried in tombs with their owners: literature on medicine, handbooks for lawyers, and models for philosophical debate. The course emphasizes the materiality of these writings - their history as physical objects, and the tombs, buildings, and other archeological contexts in which they are found - and a comparative perspective that sets early literacy in East Asia together with similar and contrasting histories of early literacy in other part of the Ancient World.

Registration for MA students who have finished coursework and are writing their MA thesis or research papers.

This seminar will introduce graduate students to current scholarship on the Song dynasty (960-1276) by surveying both classic and recent work in the field. Students will gain a foundation in how historians have interpreted the Song period and learn the major debates within the field. Readings will be principally in English, and no background in Chinese studies is required.

A continuation of ALAN 110, the written and spoken language of Vietnam.

VIET 5120 is the first part of a two-semester introductory course for students with some prior knowledge of Vietnamese language. The course aims to enhance linguistic accuracy (spelling, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, tones) and fluency (conversational skills, narrative structure, discursive practice) in both spoken and written Vietnamese. Synchronous and asynchronous activities will include projects, and students are required to work collaboratively. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to express themselves more accurately and confidently and participate in Vietnam-related communities in a more meaningful way. Students will also gain a basic knowledge of Vietnam’s history and culture. Vietnamese is the language of instruction with the exception occasional quick explanation in English.

VIET 0100/5100 is the first part of a two-semester introductory course for students who have little or no prior knowledge of Vietnamese language. The course aims to develop foundational reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, including the use of tones, through meaningful communicative activities and tasks. Synchronous and asynchronous activities will include projects, and students are required to work on their own and collaboratively. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to comprehend and carry on simple daily conversations and read and write short paragraphs. Students will learn how to introduce themselves, describe their surroundings, talk about daily lives, friends, and relatives, and talk about past and future events. Students will also gain a basic knowledge of Vietnam’s history and culture. Vietnamese is An introduction to the language of instruction with the exception occasional quick explanation in English. North and South Vietnam. Instruction includes reading, writing, speaking and listening.

A continuation of ALAN 110, the written and spoken language of Vietnam.

VIET 0120 is the first part of a two-semester introductory course for students with some prior knowledge of Vietnamese language. The course aims to enhance linguistic accuracy (spelling, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, tones) and fluency (conversational skills, narrative structure, discursive practice) in both spoken and written Vietnamese. Synchronous and asynchronous activities will include projects, and students are required to work collaboratively. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to express themselves more accurately and confidently and participate in Vietnam-related communities in a more meaningful way. Students will also gain a basic knowledge of Vietnam’s history and culture. Vietnamese is the language of instruction with the exception occasional quick explanation in English.