Japan and Taiwan: Buddhism and Tea
This course will examine two threads of cross-cultural phenomena in East Asia: Tea and Buddhism. By looking at transnational cultural, religious, economic, artistic, environmental, and historic connections through these lenses, students will gain an understanding of Taiwan and Japan across time and place. The program includes site visits to museums, temples, tea plantations, and tea houses, considering how these two long-standing cultural phenomena have evolved over time and in different locations, adapting to political, environmental, and social forces.