REL 245 Tibetan Civilization (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (D)
Often depicted as Shangrila, a mythical and ideal country, Tibet has had the dubious privilege of being a focus of Western orientalism. One cannot but wonder about the motives and sources of this mythology. But, rather than focus narcissistically on "our" representations, this course mostly looks at "them," examining more particularly the cultural and historical aspects of Tibetan civilization. We first consider the early history of Tibet, the introduction of Buddhism in this country, the relations between Buddhism and the indigenous religion, and some of the stages in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. In this way we see how Buddhism in Tibet became integrated in an overall religious system that comprises much more than the doctrines and practices often essentialized as "Buddhism." We also examine the historical developments that led to the development of the institutions (such as the Dalai-Lama) unique to Tibet, consider the more recent tragic events and examine the profound transformations that they have brought to this culture. Throughout the course we focus on the unusually central role that the complex interaction that religion and politics has had in Tibetan history. In this way, we get a footing in the Tibetan world, and the assessment of Western representations of Tibet becomes not just an exercise in self-reflection but also a gate to a better understanding of a remarkable civilization.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: full attendance and participation, three 4- to 6-page essays.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 30 (expected: 30). Preference given to Religion majors.
DREYFUS