Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition from Coursera

In this course, featuring many researchers from the University of Zurich and international institutions, we will introduce you to some of the most vibrant cultural trends addressing landscape appreciation, degradation, protection, and rehabilitation that currently circulate in the Asian hemisphere. You will learn about concepts of landscape in Asian religions, philosophy, social sciences, history and the arts and their reverberation in selected environmental projects in China, India and Japan. Furthermore, we will discuss how they are critically reflected upon in the context of the environmental humanities, and observe how an interdisciplinary approach towards regional ecosystems past and present reaches out beyond pragmatic technological solutions to mitigate environmental damage. Following us on our different paths and trajectories through the five modules of the course, you will encounter many of the reasons why environmental humanities study projects which strive to change people’s prevalent attitudes, values and behavioural patterns in order to redeem the rapidly globalizing crisis, and how they go about it.

Having acquainted yourself with the stories Asia’s landscapes – and landscape representations – tell about actual and possible human-nature relationships, you can compare and evaluate their potential to bring about the desired change and define your own range of actions as an informed stakeholder for creating a sustainable future. What is arguably no less intriguing: you will learn how to appreciate a broad range of eco-aesthetic forms that re-enchant our lives by creatively interacting with the more-than-human world.

You can follow the five modules of the course consecutively or just study the modules that interest you the most. If you want to earn a certificate, you need to complete all of the modules including the quizzes at the end of each module.

THESE ARE THE TOPICS OF THE 5 MODULES OF THIS COURSE:

Module 1: Concepts of landscape past and present and their cosmological underpinnings.

Module 2: Entangled landscapes comprising cultural flows of concepts and forms, contemporary gardens on the move, nostalgic elegies of demolished sites and rural reconstruction projects.

Module 3: Discussion of two religious communities in India (the Parsi-Zoroastrians and the Auroville community) and their relationship with the environment.

Module 4: Environmental debates tackling religious concepts and social practices and the problem of waste disposal in India.

Module 5: Environmental movements and the impact of Fukushima on attitudes towards nuclear energy in Japan, creative activism including arts projects and documentaries to protest against pollution and landscape degradation and raise environmental awareness in the Sinosphere, and emergent concepts for sustainable community life on the planet.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Roots and Routes of Asian Environmental Thought

We will begin this course by tracing historical ways of thinking about the environment in China. Through a range of examples, traditional notions of “nature” and “landscape“ will be introduced. These will be compared with modern transcultural and Western concepts. After studying a selection of key concepts pertaining to the construction of landscape (shanshui) as an aesthetic category, we will visit two sites in Switzerland where ancient and modern landscape art works from China are collected and made accessible to a wider public. Finally, we will look more closely into one historically and culturally formative theme in Chinese eco-aesthetic practice, namely the representation of human bodies as landscapes and vice versa. We will argue that the tradition of imagining, and mapping, bodies as structurally and materially embedded in the cosmic body has inspired ancient and modern artists to reflect critically upon the place and role of human beings in the world at large.

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Offers a deep grounding in Asian philosophies and their influences on sociocultural practices and environmentalism in the region

Provides perspectives from a diverse group of researchers based in Asia and Europe, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Asian environmental thought

Examines a range of topics, including religious beliefs, cultural practices, historical developments, and artistic expressions, offering a multifaceted exploration of Asian environmentalism

Includes case studies and examples from China, India, and Japan, providing specific insights into the environmental challenges and solutions in these countries

Encourages critical reflection on the role of humans in the environment and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving

Provides opportunities for learners to engage with various forms of eco-aesthetics, fostering an appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of nature

Reviews summary

Review analysis: asian env humanities

According to learners, this course provides a fascinating interdisciplinary exploration of Asian environmental thought, covering religion, arts, and history. Students praise the well-chosen case studies. However, some find the broad scope means it occasionally lacks depth or feels overly theoretical for those wanting practical focus. Content quality can vary. It's considered an excellent introduction for the topic.

Requires focus on provided readings.

"Requires focus on the readings."

"Workload felt manageable given the scope."

Broad scope, some desire more depth.

"It covers a vast amount of material, maybe a bit too broad at times..."

"Found it quite academic and theoretical. Was hoping for more on current environmental *issues*... and practical approaches..."

"The breadth is huge, but sometimes felt like it skimmed the surface rather than going deep."

"Provides an excellent introduction..."

Concrete examples illuminate concepts.

"Case studies were well-chosen."

"The depth on specific cultural concepts like 'shanshui' and community examples like Auroville was impressive."

"Learned about specific examples in India and Japan."

Broad and eye-opening perspective.

"Absolutely fascinating exploration of Asian perspectives on landscape. The interdisciplinary approach linking religion, arts, and history was brilliant and eye-opening."

"Provides an excellent introduction to environmental humanities in an Asian context."

"Highly recommend for anyone interested in environmental thought beyond Western perspectives."

Varies in clarity and engagement.

"Interesting topics, but the quality varied between modules/lecturers."

"Some concepts were explained very clearly, others felt a bit dense."

"Could use more practical examples or discussion prompts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition with these activities:

Volunteer for a local environmental organization

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Volunteering for a local environmental organization will provide you with an opportunity to learn about environmental issues and to make a positive impact on your community.

Browse courses on Environmental Conservation

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Find a local environmental organization that you are interested in supporting.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the volunteer application process.

Review beliefs and practices in traditional Asian religions

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Studying the beliefs and practices of traditional Asian religions can provide a solid foundation for understanding the diverse approaches to landscape appreciation, protection, and rehabilitation explored in the course.

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Read the provided materials on the major Asian religions.
Identify the key beliefs and practices related to the environment and nature in each religion.
Compare and contrast the different perspectives on landscape appreciation, protection, and rehabilitation.

Review the basics of landscape aesthetics

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Start by reviewing the basics of landscape aesthetics to refresh your understanding of the key concepts and theories that will be covered in this course.

Browse courses on Landscape Architecture

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Read a book or article on landscape aesthetics.
Visit a local park or garden and observe the different elements of landscape design.
Take a class or workshop on landscape aesthetics.

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Create a glossary of Asian Landscape Terms

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Provides a reference to better understand the course concepts

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Create a list of unfamiliar terms
Research and define the terms
Include an example of where each term is used
Organize the document alphabetically

Discuss Asian Environmental Ethics

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Provides a different perspective

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Form a study group with other students
Read and discuss course materials
Exchange ideas and insights

Read "The Chinese Garden: History, Art, and Architecture" by Maggie Keswick

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, art, and architecture of Chinese gardens, which will help you develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and aesthetic traditions that have shaped landscape design in China.

View Craft of Gardens: The Classic Chinese Text on... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts and ideas.
Visit a Chinese garden and observe the different elements of design.
Write a summary of the book, including your own insights and reflections.

Identify Landscape Representation in Art

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Develops pattern recognition and art analysis skills

Browse courses on Art

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Visit an online gallery
Choose a piece of Asian art to examine
Identify the landscape represented

Engage in Environmental activism on campus

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Applies course concepts to real world environment

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Find a local environmental group to join
Participate in cleanups, educational campaigns or advocacy
Connect with other students

Discuss the concept of "shanshui" with a classmate

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Discussing the concept of "shanshui" with a classmate will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical and aesthetic principles that underpin Chinese landscape painting.

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Find a classmate who is also interested in learning about shanshui.
Read an article or book about shanshui together.
Discuss your understanding of the concept and how it is expressed in Chinese landscape painting.

Review Classical Asian Philosophies

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Provides essential information on the foundations of Asian thought

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Read the chapters on Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism
Read the primary sources
Summarize how the concept of landscape is understood in Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism

Create a blog post about a landscape design project that you are working on

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Creating a blog post about a landscape design project that you are working on will allow you to share your knowledge and experience with others, and it will also help you to reflect on the process and learn from your mistakes.

Browse courses on Landscape Design

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Choose a landscape design project that you are working on.
Write a blog post about the project, including your design process, the challenges you faced, and the final results.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Develop a Proposal for Sustainable Landscape Management

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Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills

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Identify a local landscape that needs improvement
Research sustainable landscaping techniques
Develop a detailed proposal outlining your plan

Create a Comparative Analysis of Asian Landscapes

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Demonstrates deep understanding of the course's key themes

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Choose two or three Asian landscapes to compare
Research their historical, cultural and environmental significance
Analyze how they relate to the concepts explored in the course

Career center

Learners who complete Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians research and write about the past. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Historians because it provides a foundation in historical approaches to environmental issues.

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Professor

Professors teach and research at colleges and universities. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Professors because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Researchers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Writer

Writers write books, articles, and other types of content. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Writers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Curator

Curators manage and interpret collections of objects. They may work for museums, libraries, or other institutions. This course may be useful for Curators because it provides a foundation in how different cultures view environmental issues.

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Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Educator

An Environmental Educator teaches people about environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Educators because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and how it is affected by human activity. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Photographer

An Environmental Photographer takes photographs of environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Photographers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Filmmaker

An Environmental Filmmaker makes films about environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Filmmakers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Journalist

An Environmental Journalist reports on environmental issues for newspapers, magazines, or websites. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Journalists because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant provides advice to businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Consultants because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst analyzes environmental policies and makes recommendations for changes. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law and represents clients in environmental cases. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Lawyers because it provides a foundation in environmental issues and how they are viewed in different cultures.

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