The Lyceum program at Binghamton University in New York offered a
stimulating course this past fall entitled Aspects of Asia.
Participants explored various aspects of Asian culture through history,
art, gardens and film. They also learned about national assumptions
and artistic conventions. Topics in the four-week course included:
Japanese History and Culture – Social and
aesthetic values, the arts and literature, women and history.
Visit to Art Museum – Exhibition of contemporary
calligraphics and other Asian art.
Chinese Gardens – The origins of Chinese gardens
and the effects of Chinese philosophies upon their development; the
size, purpose and selection of various plants was illustrated.
Japanese Gardens – A look at gardens in Kyoto
and elsewhere, learning about historic origins, components and aesthetics.
Tokyo Story – A film exploring Japanese family
life and culture and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best
Films. Film history was provided.