Second eight weeks. The term “fengshui” has nearly grown its own
genre of literature in the U.S., yet many authors lack an
understanding of how this art came about in ancient China. In this
eight-week course students will read primary texts (in English
translation) pertaining to how geomantic (i.e. “fengshui”) experts
determined the organization of sacred space in mountains, cities,
and gardens in China. Our primary goal is to understand the process
by which temples and shrines were dedicated at sacred places in
China. In addition, we will examine how geomancers produced an
interior atmosphere conducive to religious growth and how these
spaces have changed in 20th and 21st centuries China. The readings
of this course will enable students to better understand the origins
and current practice of “fengshui” in contemporary Chinese
communities.

Note: No knowledge of Chinese history, language, or religion is
required.