ARTH1725 · Complex Problems and Enduring Questions
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
This is an Enduring Question course and is open to FRESHMAN only. You must also register for the accompanying THEO1725 Relics, icons, and images were essential components in the practice of Buddhism across Asian cultures. What constituted these sacred artifacts and how were they used? In this course, students will investigate the various ways in which Buddhism was lived out in different times and places through ritual devotion. We will pay particular attention to how material objects responded to fundamental concerns about human suffering, death, and the afterlife. Specific topics to be addressed include the cult of relics, the use of images in visualization, miracle-performing icons, and the relationship between text and image. Students will be trained in various art historical methodologies and will deepen their understanding of one aspect of Buddhist art through an individual research project.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.3 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.3 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.6 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
3.8 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~5
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect the evaluations connected to this course.
Across time
Available section-level results across semesters.
Fall 2023
2 sections