Indiana University Bloomington
Central Eurasian Studies >> Courses >> Course List
Tibet and the West
Catalog number CEUS-U 489
Elliot Sperling

This course examines Western perceptions of Tibet during the past 700 years. It presents Tibetan history and culture during this period and compares Tibetan civilization with the popular concepts about Tibet that prevailed in the West during this same period. The modern Western view of Tibet as "Shangrila," reflected in such novels and films as Lost Horizon will be examined, as will Tibetan perceptions of Westerners and Western civilization.

Exams: Two examinations.

Papers: A minor project.

Required Readings: Duplicated materials handed out in class and reserved readings.