 |
|
China
and Tibet |
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
As countless western observers and students of China have learned, it is a country that does not easily surrender itself to convenient analysis and easy understanding. Its reality only grudgingly reveals itself, tempting many into quick and inaccurate observations and opinions. Zhu Xi, a noted Chinese philosopher of the Southern Song dynasty wrote: "The student must go to all things under Heaven, and after sufficient effort, the day will come when all things will suddenly become clear and intelligible". It is to serve this purpose that the China/Tibet Field Research Project is being offered. The following HSU courses are being offered as part of this multi-disaplinary study:
Set against a backdrop of great economic and social change in China, this field trip is a unique opportunity to explore a large part of Asia in depth while gaining valuable research experience. Beginning in Beijing, our specially designed route takes us through the spectacular physical and cultural landscape of China's great northwest; for centuries a dynamic borderland where the realms of Islam, Tibet and Han China intersect.
During our journey we travel
from the ancient Yellow River Valley to the high grasslands and deep valleys
of Tibet. Specific study sites have been chosen that best represent the
most significant aspects of these cultural landscapes. As part of our
task, many important geographical, historical and cultural factors that
help define these regions will be identified and documented. Examples
of field topics include; topography and landforms, agricultural systems,
economic development, ethnic composition and distribution and the sacred
landscapes of Daoism and Tibetan Buddhism. Given the volitile history
of modern Tibet, a survey of its unique art and architecture will be undertaken,
during which a number of remote, rarely seen ancient sites will be located
and their current state of preservation recorded.
Course
Instructor: Tony Rossi
|
|
Introduction
|
