ARTS 451 - Death and Dying in East Asian Art

Semester Offered: Second Semester
Credits (Range): 3 Hours
Attribute: 3 HU, CD

The concept of death and one’s post-mortem fate has traditionally elicited an array of human responses, often an amalgam of fear and fascination. This seminar considers art and practices inspired by these concerns: preparations for graves, ritual treatment/transformation of the body, representations of otherworldly realms, and modern modes of commemoration. We consider themes of the soul, Buddhist judgment and rebirth, ritual sacrifice, and suicide to understand how preparations for or representations of death assuage fears of death. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Instructor: B. Cheng