HUM 232: Major Works of Eastern Art

Sabancı University Summer School 2012

Instructor:Dr. Barry Wood

Office hours: Tuesdays 09.00–11.00, FASS 2073/2074

Lectures:Tuesdays 11.40–13.30, FASS 1089

Thursdays 11.40–13.30, FASS 2023

Discussions:(A) Tuesdays 14.40–15.30, FASS 1081

Thursdays 14.40–15.30, FASS 1080

(B)Tuesdays 15.40–16.30, FASS 1089

Thursdays 15.40–16.30, FASS 1080

Course description:

This course is intended to introduce you to a series of important works of art and architecture from the Middle East, India, and East Asia. Its aim is to broaden your horizons and give you an idea of the different ways in which human beings have brought their values to life across a wide area of the globe. Each lecture will focus on a single work, situating it in its artistic, cultural and historical contexts and suggesting the perspective(s) it offers on universal concerns such as the relation of man to God and the natural world, ethical values, political power, and the role of art and artists in bringing all these to life. In this class you will learn to analyze and appreciate works from cultures and value-systems which may differ dramatically from your own. This will help you come to a better understanding of your own tastes and traditions.

Course requirements:

  1. Attendance and participation, including field trips: 20%
  2. Two (2) short papers of 5–10 pages each: 15% each
  3. Midterm exam: 20%
  4. Final exam: 30%

Notes:

  1. Not only attendance, but participation is crucial to success in this class (see course requirement no. 1 above). It is not enough for you simply to show up. I expect to hear your voice (when appropriate): answer my questions, ask your own, add your own comments, etc.
  2. A reader with the weekly readings will be available at the copy center. They are intended as useful background information. We will also refer to them in the discussion sections.
  3. Paper assignments will be given in class (but also posted on SUCourse). You are welcome to think up your own paper topic if you don’t like the one I give you. If writing gives you trouble, you can see me or go for help to the Writing Center.
  4. Two field trips are planned: one to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and one to the Topkapı palace. The date of each will be announced in class.

Schedule of lectures and readings, Summer 2012

PLEASE NOTE: We will start in the second week of the Summer School.

10 JulAjanta Caves (India, ca. 200–500)

R. Fisher, Buddhist Art and Architecture pp. 29–61

12 JulDome of the Rock (Jerusalem, 691)

O. Grabar, The Formation of Islamic Art pp. 43–71

17 JulKandariya Mahadeva Temple (Khajuraho [India], ca. 1050)

G. Michell, The Hindu Temple pp. 49–76

19 JulAngkor Wat (Cambodia, ca. 1150)

D. Rooney, Angkor pp. 68–77, 125–46

24 Jul“Li of Shucheng,” Dream Journey over Xiao Xiang (China, ca. 1170)

M. Sullivan, The Arts of China pp. 161–85

26 JulForbidden City (Beijing [China], 1406–20)

C. Yanxin, Chinese Architecture pp. 1–43

(Midterm: to be scheduled)

31 JulTopkapı Sarayı (Istanbul, 1459 and later)

G. Necipoğlu, Architecture, Ceremonial and Power pp. 3–30

2 AugShahnama-i Shahi (Tabriz [Iran], ca. 1520–30)

R. Hillenbrand, “The Iconography of the Shāh-nāma-yi Shāhī,” in C. Melville (ed.), Safavid Persia, pp. 53–78

7 AugMaydan-i Shah (Isfahan [Iran], 1598–1629)

S. Babaie, Isfahan and Its Palaces pp. 82–103

9 AugTaj Mahal (Agra [India], ca. 1632–48)

E. Koch, The Complete Taj Mahal pp. 9–21, 214–29

14 AugPotala Palace (Lhasa [Tibet], 1645–94)

R. Fisher, Art of Tibet pp. 75–90, 96–110, 188–96

16 AugHokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Japan, ca. 1829–32)

C. Guth, Art of Edo Japan pp. 21–49