Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition from Coursera

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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.

Entangled Landscapes - Chinese Garden Concepts and Global Environments

Having assessed China’s ancient and modern conceptions of landscapes, and how they moved between cultures, social groups and societies, we will turn to the concept of entangled landscapes in the second module. Here, we will evaluate representations and narratives that explore the agency, conundrums and possibilities of applied transcultural aesthetic (and functional) paradigms in national politics of garden and park design. In a first step, the traveling concept of the Chinese garden will help us to evaluate the cultural and geopolitical affordances of gardens between Asia and Europe that are very often intimately connected to utopian visions of the ideal community. Next, we will encounter two different examples of a Chinese garden that bespeak their original sociopolitical functionality and conceptual underpinnings as much as the changes of these same when travelling across time and space. Our third theme of hometown nostalgia will study the turn of artists and intellectuals towards imaginary gardens of the past in view of large-scale heritage demolition in China. Finally, we will probe into the history of rural reconstruction and encounter two successful approaches towards the re-/creation of sustainable landscapes.

Indian Religious Approaches: Two Communities

When actually implemented in experimental contexts, utopian ideas and projects draw on alternative visions of human interaction with (existing or imaginary) landscapes. Auroville, for example, is a project based on the foundations of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy of religion. The community was established in 1968 next to the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu, India) by Mira Alfassa, one of the closest disciples of Sri Aurobindo. In that same year, Auroville was declared a project in congruence with the targets and ideals of UNESCO, who aims “to bring together in close juxtaposition the values and ideals of different civilizations and cultures …”. Both UNESCO and the Indian State officially support Auroville. Moreover, architects across the globe participated in the construction of, and were inspired by the social and ecological visions that characterize Auroville. When exploring this community's approach to landscape and ecology, we will tackle the underlying historical legacies and connectivities between India and Europe and listen to cultural voices engaging with the experiment. In a similar vein, religious practice is intimately connected with the particular features of regional topographies, landscapes and ecologies. For example, Zoroastric rituals in Mumbai were linked to the local population of vultures. The practical consequences of the extinction of the latter will be analysed in a next step, thematizing death and the spiritual/ritual processes that accompany the “natural“ transformation of living bodies into matter. While studying the Zoroastrian community in Mumbai, we will take a close look at the question of how their rituals are adapted to changing environmental conditions.

Environment in India: Concepts and Socio-Economic Conditions

Waste and its disposal is another important issue heavily impacting on landscapes and their local inhabitants. It challenges conventional political approaches, mobilises the public/private spheres, and can inspire pathbreaking scientific and social experiments as well as innovative literary, arts and design projects. High rates of economic growth are radically transforming Indian society and the Indian environment. The winners in this process have attained middle class status, and live increasingly consumerist lifestyles. However, growth has also produced losers: millions have lost their land and livelihoods to expanding mining concerns in the forests of central India, and to sprawling real estate developments in and around urban centres. Moreover, domestic and industrial waste, input intensive agriculture, and growing traffic have all radically undermined the quality of both urban and rural environments. We will examine the contradictions and the limitations inherent in contemporary forms of ‘bourgeois environmentalism’, but also critically assess the suggestion that civil society and environmental concerns are indeed the preserve of ‘bourgeois’ elites.

East Asian Environmentalism

In the last module of this course, we will look at how, in the age of the Anthropocene, the role of humans came to be conceptualized in opposition to nature, and assert the validity of certain traditional Asian ideas suggesting that we are not at the centre, nor in control of the environment. Furthermore, we will examine some of the ways in which the natural world has been “remade” within the planetary scope both discursively and materially - for instance, by way of a largely materialistic concept of historical progress encouraging industrialized resource extraction, colonial patterns of wealth accumulation, and unsustainable models of economic growth - which led to the transformation of entire ecosystems. We will moreover explore how political and economic stakeholders, activists and intellectuals in Asia get productively involved with these processes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Asian environmental humanities: landscapes explored

Learners largely positive thoughts about this course called Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition. They especially enjoyed learning about the environmental challenges faced by countries such as China, Japan, and India. They also appreciated the broad range of topics covered, including history, literature, and art. Students also praised the instructor for their knowledge and passion for the subject. Overall, students found this course to be informative, engaging, and well-organized.

Informative and Engaging

"This course is far beyond 5 stars."

"I have very much enjoyed learning this course."

"A rare course with abundant reference material as recommendations"

Broad Range of Topics

"The course compound cultural interactions and exchanges among East and West explain major environmental issues of the Asian countries as China, Japan, India, Taiwan and other."

"I very much enjoyed learning information via the video and reading sources."

"All sub topics were very well integrated together. "

Knowledgeable and Passionate

"I have taken many Coursera courses and this course is by far not only the most engaging, but also the most challenging."

"Great course! The instructors are very informative and their lecture delivery is easy to follow."

"Very Good Course highlighting the importance of Environmental Humanities in today's needs to protect our Mother Earth."

Varied Perspectives

"The course obviously served as a great learning experience on topics that are not spoken about a lot in today's era."

"It approaches the ideas for creating a truly new human/earth relationship that is the basis for an ecological civilizatin and a shared future for humanity."

"Very attractive topics"

Could Include More

"would like to know more. specifically on the south asian region."

"I am happy that finally I have submitted it.But, I think rather than political issues, We could have discussed more about the eco-sustainability."

"My only recommendation is to include more Southeast Asian content."

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.

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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.

Ten other activities

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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

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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:

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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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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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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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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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 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 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 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 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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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 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 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 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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