Program Photos

India: Himalayan Buddhist Art and Architecture

Location: India: Ladakh

Term: Summer

Dates: June 15-August 3

SIT Study Abroad

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PO Box 676 Kipling Road Brattleboro, Vermont 05302-0676 United States

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Description

Spiti, Ladakh, and Zanskar are among the most remote and beautiful areas of Indic Asia. Despite their political inclusion within the modern state of India, these areas are considered to be within the Tibetan cultural sphere. However, unlike Tibet itself, Spiti and Ladakh are still culturally vibrant and relatively unspoiled by modern tourism or the imposition of foreign social norms. Many ancient Vajrayana Buddhist monasteries in the region provide awe-inspiring examples of the intricate religious systems of Western Himalayan Buddhism and its rich artistic institutions.

Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism is the most complex form of Buddhism, not only in its philosophical foundations, but also in its visual expression. Buddhist monasteries use distinctive styles of architecture, painting and sculpture to support, explain and illustrate the elaborate systems of Vajrayana cosmography with its vast pantheon of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, goddesses, godlings, saints, demons, ghouls and spirits.

Highlights

ASIA 3000: Himalayan Buddhist Art and Architecture Seminar (8 credits/120 hours)
Focus on the history, arts, architecture, and culture of the Himalayas. Topics include: traditional and contemporary issues in Himalayan art history; stresses of tourism and environmental degradation; conservation and restoration of threatened structures; ancient and modern history of the region; social and political issues; and Himalayan geography, flora and fauna, climate change, deforestation, and water conservation.
A methods component helps develop field study skills in observation and interviewing, gathering and organizing research materials, and maintaining a work journal. As many of the sites that students will study have not been surveyed, the component will also cover art historical conservation and restoration.

A practicum provides an opportunity to learn Himalayan arts or crafts such as thangka painting, sand painting, woodcarving, dance, or folk music. Alternatively, students may choose to conduct an academic research project.

Educational Excursions:
Spiti, Manali, trek to Zanskar, Chenmo Monastery.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

contact sponsor

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

Please inquire for costs: Fees include tuition, full room and board, all field trips and related fares, health and accident insurance, and other direct program expenses. Participants pay for international airfare and domestic travel to the point of departure from the USA.

Credit Available

no

Experience Required

yes

    Student Eligibility: At least two semesters of college-level work at the time of application and good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Prerequisites: None required, but background in art, art history or architecture is strongly recommended.
This Program is open to

American, Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Group living

Participants Travel to India

in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Letters of Reference
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Transcript
  • Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
3 weeks
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
  • Job and Internship Network
SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

 

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932

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