This course provides an anthropological understanding of contemporary cultures of Southeast Asia. In this course we examine the diversity of human cultures on a global basis. Emphasis is on the development of anthropological fieldwork and ethnography as Europe colonized Asia, Africa and the Americas, which brought them into contact with other cultures. The course surveys diversity in cultural adaptations prior to the emergence of industry and cities in all parts of the world. The causes and consequences of the social transformations producing more complex state level societies are examined.
Cultural diversity is considered in the context of programs of economic development.
With the world becoming increasingly integrated and globalized, an important theme is communication across cultural boundaries and communicating about cultural differences. This course presents an overview of the development of the visual arts of Japan in the areas of sculpture, painting, and architecture. It ties these media together as well as to contemporary events in such related fields as literature and theatre. There is also the consideration of the related arts such as garden architecture, the tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Of special concern is the duality of character as the result of contrasting influences, whether foreign or indigenous.