Unit 2: How to study other cultures

One of the most complicated things about studying other cultures is maintaining one's objectivity, while still being able to make informed criticism. This unit is designed to help students find the proper approach to studying the himalaya, without being overly cricital or idealizing the region too much.

Part I: Orientalism

Lesson 1: Reading from Orientalism by Edward Said (as exceprted by Prof. Todd Lewis)

Discussion: What is Orientalism? Why does it occur? How do we avoid it in study?

 

Lesson 2: Discussions of orientalist Images Gallery

 

Questions:

Assignment: Find an image that you consider to exhibit those traits we have named Orientalism. You should then write a paragraph describing how you see this as an "Orientalist" image. We will discuss the images that you find in class tomorrow.

Lesson 3: Viewing of film Lost Horizon, discussion of orientalist images and of concept of Shangri La

Discussion questions about the movie:

 

 

Part II: Rules for Comparative Religion

Lesson 1: Hand out Rules for doing Comparative Religion (many thanks to Todd Lewis for this)

Lesson 2: Fieldwork assignment