Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/asian-environmental-humanities
The Coursera course, ‘Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition,’ offers a fascinating deep dive into the multifaceted ways Asian cultures have conceptualized, interacted with, and shaped their environments. Developed by researchers from the University of Zurich and international institutions, this course is a must for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, philosophy, religion, art, and environmentalism in Asia.
The syllabus is meticulously structured, beginning with ‘The Roots and Routes of Asian Environmental Thought.’ This module lays a strong foundation by tracing historical Chinese perspectives on nature and landscape, contrasting them with modern and Western concepts. It delves into aesthetics, exploring the ‘shanshui’ tradition and even visiting virtual sites in Switzerland that house Chinese landscape art. The exploration of the human body as a landscape is a particularly unique and thought-provoking element.
Moving on to ‘Entangled Landscapes – Chinese Garden Concepts and Global Environments,’ the course examines how Chinese garden design has influenced global aesthetics and political landscapes. The concept of the traveling garden, hometown nostalgia in the face of demolition, and successful rural reconstruction projects are all covered, offering practical insights into the application of these ideas.
The third module, ‘Indian Religious Approaches: Two Communities,’ provides a compelling look at Auroville, a UNESCO-recognized community founded on Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy, and its approach to landscape and ecology. It also explores the intimate connection between Zoroastrian rituals in Mumbai and the local vulture population, analyzing how environmental changes impact spiritual practices and ritual adaptation.
‘Environment in India: Concepts and Socio-Economic Conditions’ tackles the complexities of India’s rapid economic growth, its impact on the environment, and the resulting social disparities. It critically examines ‘bourgeois environmentalism’ and the role of civil society in addressing environmental challenges.
Finally, ‘East Asian Environmentalism’ addresses the Anthropocene, challenging the human-nature dichotomy and highlighting traditional Asian ideas that place humanity as part of, rather than in control of, the environment. It explores how the natural world has been reshaped by industrialization and colonial legacies, and the active engagement of Asian stakeholders in these processes.
Overall, ‘Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition’ is an intellectually stimulating and visually rich course. It moves beyond simplistic environmental narratives to explore the deep cultural currents that shape human-environment relationships in Asia. The diverse case studies, from ancient philosophies to contemporary projects, make it highly engaging and informative. I highly recommend this course to students, researchers, and anyone curious about the intricate tapestry of Asian environmental thought and practice.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/asian-environmental-humanities