http://www.un.org/en/

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/

http://whc.unesco.org/

http://www.wycliffecollege.ca/news_details.php?nid=64

For next week, October 26, be sure to complete all the required readings on the Kushans and early Buddhism. This is seriously exciting stuff, so spend some time with both reading selections. For the following week, November 2, your second short paper is due. I apologize again for not having the graded papers to return this week, but you’ll get them back next Tuesday with enough time to process comments and ask questions before beginning paper number two. Please keep in mind that any questions regarding your paper grade should first be directed to the course TA, Catherine.

The Nov. 2 assignment is to write a 1-2 page (max) critical summary of the Michel Strickmann article, “India in the Chinese Looking-Glass.” This is the same format as your first short paper, so scroll down below for details. That week you are also expected to read the two short translations by Sharf from the early Chinese Buddhist tradition.

Happy reading.  -akg

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, Tuesday October 5 is our first map quiz. You may have seen the excellent practice map that’s been circulated on email by one of your esteemed colleagues – amazing! Use it!!

Also – next week, Oct. 12, we’ll begin the first of many discussions on the study of religion proper. That’s also when your first short critical papers are due. The assignment, again, is to write a precis of Tomoko Masuzawa’s encyclopedia entry on “World Religions.”

This means that you have 1-2 pages (maximum) to summarize the essential argument(s) put forth by Masuzawa in the entry. Remember, this is NOT a simple regurgitation of facts (in other words, don’t simply restate her examples). Instead, get right to the heart of the matter. As an intellectual historian, what exactly is Masuzawa up to in the piece? Where does she stand in relation to the field of religious studies? What are her basic conclusions? How does she use examples?

You are, of course, free to include in your own opinions and conclusions IF they fit in your 1-2 pages. And remember, the way you present Masuzawa’s argument, the way your craft your own prose, is one key way you have of letting your reader know where you stand in relation to the piece. In other words, the way in which you structure your summary of another scholar’s work reflects your own scholarly position.

The following article is also required for Oct. 12, but not part of the writing assignment:

Klimkeit, Hans J. “Religions and Religious Movements: Introduction.” History of civilizations of Central Asia (Vol. 4.2), 61-65.  Ed. by M.S. Asimov. Paris: UNESCO Publishing, 2000. [Available on Google Books]

1. Your name and student number

2. The name of your blog, as well as any aliases you will be using on your blog

3. The web address of your blog (please send a hot link)

In addition to some basic housekeeping, we will also be setting the stage for our year together. To do that, we’ll discuss Peter Hopkirk’s Foreign Devils on the Silk Road, as well as the “Introduction” to Said’s Orientalism, a copy of which can be found on Blackboard. See you tomorrow.  -akg

Just a couple things now – I have NOT ordered any textbooks for this class, but have instead placed several books on course reserves and/or provided reference numbers for the Royal Ontario Museum’s library (we’ll be looking at a lot of art historical and archaeological materials together). This is because the books we need are either prohibitively expensive or out of print, although a couple of the required titles can be purchased quickly and cheaply online. It’s up to you whether you chose to use library copies or purchase your own textbooks, but the list is provided on the course syllabus. Note that the bulk of our readings will come in the form of articles or book chapters, all of which will be provided.

I think that’s it for now. I do encourage you to purchase and read a copy of Peter Hopkirk’s Foreign Devils on the Silk Road before classes begin – not only is it a great read, but it sets the stage for our entire year together. And I also encourage you to read the “Introduction” to Edward Said’s Orientalism prior to our first meeting, a copy of which can be found (in alphabetical order under author’s last name) under “Content Collection” on the Blackboard course website.

Happy reading and see you in September!  -akg