[Socrates] Special Topics Course in East Asian Studies and Religious Studies

[Jean Kelly]

On behalf of Dr. Serinity Young

NEW INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSE

Special Topics East 290 & Religious Studies 260: Asian Pilgrimage

3 CREDITS   |  SPRING 2014  |  TUES/THURS 12:15–1:30 pm

This interdisciplinary course will survey Asian pilgrimage practices and sites, both modern and ancient, in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the traditional religions of China, Korea and Japan.

Topics to be covered:  the differences between pilgrimage, journey and tourism; the interaction of narrative (myth) and ritual activity (pilgrimage); the use of symbols; the concept of a sacred center; pilgrimage as a defining feature of religious tradition; the differences between inner pilgrimage and outer pilgrimage; the role of gender; and pilgrimage as a reflection of class distinctions. Additional topics can be covered in student oral presentations.

This course utilizes anthropological studies, readings in religious texts, biographies, literary sources, as well as the material culture of pilgrimage as revealed in art and artifacts.

It satisfies a requirement for both the East Asian Studies and Religious Studies major.  If you have taken a course with the same number, you may take it again as it is a different topic.  


FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Dr. Serinity Young    |  Department of Classical, Middle Eastern & Asian Languages and Cultures | King 203 | syoung at qc.cuny.edu