What does “image” mean in Chinese intellectual traditions? How did proponents of different religious persuasions construe the relationship between images and their referents differently and how did such construal change over time? Why did the practice of fashioning images often give rise to controversies in Chinese history? What makes images the object of adoration as well as destruction? Throughout the course, we will tackle these questions from diverse perspectives. No prior knowledge in Chinese studies (including the language) or religion is required.

This course fulfills the following Major requirements: Geographical area (B) and Chronological period (I).