In this course we will explore the world of Buddhist art in China, from its transmission from India and the Central Asia to its transformation into an integrated part of Chinese culture in general. And by the end of this semester, we will also explore the indigenous temples in Macao. We will examine this multifaceted tradition as a profound expression of both artistic and religious values. We are dealing with images and architectures which, first of all, are intended to hold religious meaning and to serve Buddhist ritual, edification, salvation, and enlightenment. It is only by discerning the relationships between their "religious" and the "aesthetic functions"—how aesthetic practice is informed by and at the same gives form to religious practices—that we can begin to understand the spiritual efficacy and performative force of these creations. The course is designed to meet two principal goals. The first is to develop skills of visual analysis and a critical vocabulary for discussing the iconographies and styles of Chinese Buddhist art. The second is to foster an understanding of Buddhist images according to their physical, social, and especially religious contexts.

CILO-1: Describe the masterpieces of Buddhist images in the history of Buddhist art. CILO-2: Identify the general themes and issues important to the history of Buddhist art. CILO-3: Examine Buddhist images and the functions according to their physical, social, and especially religious contexts. CILO-4: Acquire basic skills of visual analysis and a critical vocabulary for discussing the iconographies and styles of Chinese Buddhist art. CILO-5: Acquire basic research and writing skills in field of history of Chinese Buddhist art.