Religious Arts and Symbols

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A survey of main examples of arts and symbols (regarding artistic aspect and religious value) of the selected religions of Asia and Africa with a focus on Buddhism and Islam.

This course explores the rich and diverse religious art and symbols of Asia and Africa, spanning various cultures, traditions, and time periods. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will delve into the artistic expressions, symbolism, and aesthetics of two major religions in Asia and Africa - Islam and Buddhism. Students gain insights into the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which these artworks were created and used. Through visual analysis, critical inquiry, and contextual understanding, students will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich and complex world of religious art and symbols in Asia and Africa.

Beer R., The Encyclopedia of Tibetan symbols and motifs, Shambhala, 1999.

Burckhardt T. , Art of Islam: Language and Meaning, World Wisdom, 2009.

Clunas C., Art in China, Oxford University Press 2009.

Hattstein M., D. Peter, Islam: Art and Architecture, H.F.Ullmann Publishing Gmbh, 2000.

Clarke Ch., The art of Africa. A resource for educators, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2006.

Harris C., In the Image of Tibet: Tibet Painting After 1959, Reaktion Books, 1999.

Miller L., The ‘Look of Tibet’ Without Religion: A Case Study in Contemporary Tibetan Art in Lhasa, „Himalaya, The Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies”, 36, 2016, nr 1, s. 56-79.

Meyer B., Picturing the invisible. Visual culture and the study of religion, "Method and Theory in the Study of Religion" 27 (2015), p. 333-360.

Morgan D., The sacred gaze. Religious visual culture in theory and practice. Berkeley 2005.

Morgan D., Visual religion, "Religion" 30:1 (2000), p. 41-53.

Willett F., African art, 3rd ed.,Thames and Hudson, 2003.

Sharifi, A.I. Liminality and Experience: The 1979 Revolution in Iran and Shia Religious Symbols, "Journal of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions", 6, 2018, p. 60-83.

Alumnus:

is familiar with the impact of religion on society, in particular in the field of law, religious conflicts, interfaith dialogue, religious rites and practices, art and religious symbols

is able to analyze and evaluate the impact of religion on society, in particular in the field of law, religious conflicts, interfaith dialogue, religious rites and practices, art and religious symbols

has an in-depth ability to formulate their own opinions and conclusions in speech and writing in English at the level of at least B2+

is ready to enrich them with knowledge about different religious worldviews from the regions of Asia and Africa, while appreciating the value of their own tradition and cultural heritage

Written exam (test).