Exploration of the history of religious transmission and mutual influence between Korea and Japan, which are separated by a mere 670 miles of sea. Primary and secondary source readings and, lectures are interspersed with visits to temples, shrines, museums, and sacred natural sites. During, three and a half weeks in Korea we will encounter its religious repertoire of Confucianism, Daoism,, Buddhism, and shamanism. We will next travel to Japan following the development of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism in their more or less diffuse and/or institutionalized forms. Understandings of enlightenment and the afterlife, religious mixing, and religion-state relationships will be examined.
- Teacher: Jessica Starling