TIBET IN THE WORLD: CULTURAL PRODUCTION

This course explores the intersection of cultural production with national policies and global economies in the context of Tibet. We will focus not on colonial sources (Mythos Tibet) but on a wide range of representational and expressive practices by contemporary Tibetans in film, literature, music, social media, art, performance, local museums, etc. -- all since the 1990s. Tibetan cultural production today is at once localized and transnational, whether it is the vision and work of artists in the People's Republic of China or the creation of Tibetans living in the diaspora. We will explore the impact of colonialism and socioeconomic marginalization on the de-centering and re-centering of ethnicity and identity in education, publishing, and the arts.  How do Tibetan artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, comedians, and other cultural producers  negotiate the complexities of modernity, secularization, globalization and political agendas, vis-à-vis incentives to preserve traditions, while engaging creatively?

Each week will focus on 2 to 3 primary sources and 1 or 2 related secondary readings. Our discussions of the primary source materials (film screenings, readings, artwork, performances, etc.) will be enriched with readings in Cultural Studies, sociology, and anthropology, and by conversations with area artists.