Asian Art and Spirituality

This subject is not offered in 2008.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The influence of spirituality can be discerned in the practices and beliefs of Asia's major religions and understood through well-preserved religious literature. Concurrently architecture, carvings, paintings and sculpture provide a visual record of the history of these religions and through their iconography an understanding of the role spiritual beliefs played in their genesis. One aspect of this subject will elaborate how the philosophical and physical discipline of Yoga has informed the major religions of Asia and how this has been visualised in the arts. The study will provide a foundation for an understanding of the arts of Asia and the philosophical beliefs underpinning their expression. Students should gain familiarity with the meaning of posture and gesture in vitalising form. There will be the opportunity to explore issues such as the symbolism of postures, mythology, how the soul is visualised, the spirit of Eastern calligraphy, as well as how spirituality relates to the religious beliefs of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shinto and Jainism. Topics considered in relation to Asian art include: the belief systems of Asian countries, early animist beliefs, Asian mythology, History and philosophy of Asian religions, the sacred sites of Asia, posture, gesture, breath and the meditative state, Kundalini and Tantrism, Sacred calligraphy, Zen Buddhism, Shinto and Taoism.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• be able to conduct independent research using catalogued sources and bibliographic indexes;

• have developed their ability to think creatively and express their ideas clearly in written communication;

• have developed their skills in verbal communication and oral presentation.