Introductory Topics in Asian Languages and Cultures (290-0-20)
Topic
Introduction to Tibetan Literature
Instructors
Antonio Terrone
847/467-1636
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall #4-439
Office Hours: times vary by quarter, please contact instructor
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
AY23-24 What are Tibetan literature's distinctive features? In what ways has Buddhism determined Tibetan literary genres? How have modern forms of Tibetan literature developed? Students in this course will read Tibetan literature in English translation along with secondary sources to learn and reflect upon the long history of Tibetan literature up to the present. Given the impact that religious concerns have had among Tibetans for centuries, in the first part of the course students will analyze the ways in which Buddhism and Tibetan literary forms are intertwined from the Tibetan imperial period forward. The second part of the course will survey modern and contemporary Tibetan literature and its myriad influences, such as Chinese literary and political theory. Students will gain familiarity with diverse genres of Tibetan literature in translation including fiction, poetry, biographies, and historical treatises.
Learning Objectives
• Develop an undergraduate-level understanding of the variety and genres of Tibetan literature
• Reflect upon the role of Buddhism in Tibetan literature
• Understand the Chinese influence on modern Tibetan literature
• Gain familiarity with Tibetan literary developments in the Tibetan Diaspora
• Consider the continuities and innovations that separate traditional genres of Tibetan literature from its modern developments.
Teaching Method
Lecture and class discussion
Evaluation Method
Class participation, in-class presentations, weekly response papers and term paper
Class Materials (Required)
Heruka, Tsangnyon, Life of Milarepa. PENGUIN. ISBN 13: 9780143106227
All the rest of the literary material will be available in PDF format on CANVAS
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area