This course introduces students to a variety of cultural texts (literature, art and film) from East, South and Southeast Asia and looks at the ways these forms have traveled within Asia and beyond. While not an exhaustive survey, students will be introduced to the diversity of cultures in Asia through close readings of important classical and modern texts, through the consideration of "keywords" — what do we mean when we speak of "Asia" and "Culture"? — and by considering a range of art objects, maps and artifacts drawn from the University's own collections.

All readings will be in English and no prior knowledge of any Asian language or culture is necessary.