3456 - Art of Early India: Stupas, Temples and Gods
Course Description
IN PERSON: This course is an introduction to the religious arts of India and the diversity of traditions arising in the early periods. Students will gain a basic understanding of Buddhist and Hindu thought as reflected in the art and architecture of this era, and a familiarity with the main gods of Hinduism. The first two classes, in a lecture format, will focus on the form and ornamentation of the Buddhist stupa (shrine) and the Hindu temple, and will include stories of the Buddha's life as well as the functions and attributes of the Hindu gods. There will be time for questions and answers. The third class is an interactive one in which students will look at Hindu and Buddhist art in museum collections and learn to recognize it. The fourth class is a lecture-demonstration of the classical dance style of bharata natyam, a living tradition that brings together belief, mythology and dramaturgy. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 30.