Content: Within this course several places in Vienna that inherit Asian Cultural Heritage or Cultural Heritage influenced by Asian culture are visited. A main excursion will lead to the Weltmuseum Vienna, where the students will practice studying and interpreting of artworks in front of the original objects. Weltmuseum Wien is the main ethnological museum in Austria and houses some of the most important collections of non-European cultures. In contrast to the common practice in art history - working with images and reproductions - students have the possibility to train their skills facing original exhibits in the museum. Further excursions will lead to institutions like the Museum for Applied Arts (MAK), the West Himalayan Research Centre (University of Vienna), Schönbrunn Palace, a Hindu temple in Vienna or the Vienna Piece Pagoda.

The course focuses on formal description, materials and techniques, interpretation of purpose and history, and reflection of the historic and socio-cultural context in which it was produced/used. Further, the presentation and conservation/preservation approaches of the objects and sites will be discussed. Students will independently prepare discussion inputs and reflect the discussions in a written paper.

Aim: Students learn about formal aspects and historic and socio-cultural contexts and functions of South East Asian artworks. They benefit from the mutual discussion with peers and specialists. They practice approaching artworks, presentation and argumentation of ideas.

80% attendance

written report