Admission requirements
After approval of the lecturer. Some knowledge of Buddhism and/or Buddhist art is recommended.
Description
In this year’s course you will help with the preparations for an exhibition on ‘The biography of the Buddha’ that is scheduled to run from October 2015 to April 2016. The lecturer, who is also curator for Classical South and Southeast Asia at the National Museum of World Cultures (formerly known as Museum Volkenkunde), will give a brief introduction to the museum and to the various themes of the exhibition on the basis of selected readings and objects. You will describe objects in the museum format, and write informative texts on the culture-historical background of one or more objects. If possible, a visit to the depot of the museum will be organized. You will also be introduced to some of the discussions between curator, exhibition makers, designers and the marketing department.
Course objectives
Practical experience in a museum setting
Insight into the history of museum collections and the role of objects as cultural heritage
Advanced knowledge of and insight into Buddhist art and material culture in its cultural context
Academic skills to write descriptive and informative texts for a general public
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Seminar combined with individual research
Attendance and active participation is mandatory.
Course Load
Assessment method
For the 5EC version:
Object descriptions in a museum format: 50%
Paper (2000 words): 50%
The final paper is written in two stages: a first version which will be commented on and a final version. Students who do not meet the deadline for the first version will lose the right to get comments and will only be graded based on their final version.
For the 10EC version:
Object descriptions in a museum format: 50%
Paper (4000 words): 50%
The final paper is written in two stages: a first version which will be commented on and a final version. Students who do not meet the deadline for the first version will lose the right to get comments and will only be graded based on their final version.
Blackboard
Readings and information will be posted on the Blackboard site
Reading list
In consultation with the lecturer.
Registration
Registration via uSis is obligatory.