Asian Religious Traditions (Art)

Program Description:

The Asian Religious Traditions (Art) program at Brown University is a comprehensive interdisciplinary course of study designed to explore the rich and diverse artistic expressions associated with Asian religions. This program emphasizes the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of religious art across various Asian societies, offering students a deep understanding of how religious beliefs and practices are embodied and communicated through visual and material culture. Through a combination of rigorous academic coursework, critical analysis, and hands-on engagement with artworks and artifacts, students will examine the ways in which religious identity, ritual, mythology, and theology are reflected in disciplines such as painting, sculpture, architecture, ritual objects, and performance arts.

The curriculum includes courses that cover a broad geographic scope, including South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Himalayan regions, allowing students to compare and contrast artistic traditions within different religious and cultural contexts. Topics addressed include Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Taoist, Shinto, Confucian, and Islamic artistic practices, providing a comprehensive overview of Asian religious art and its social and spiritual functions. Students will explore themes such as iconography, symbolism, sacred space, ceremonial art, and the role of art in religious education and community-building.

Undergraduate students participating in this program will benefit from engaging with world-class faculty members who are experts in Asian religious art, as well as opportunities for research, museum visits, and possibly fieldwork in Asia. The program aims to foster critical thinking, visual literacy, and cultural awareness, equipping students with the skills necessary for careers in academia, museum curation, cultural preservation, and related fields. By the conclusion of the program, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how artistic practices serve to express, preserve, and transmit the spiritual and cultural values of Asian religious communities. Overall, the Asian Religious Traditions (Art) program at Brown University is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the profound connections between art, religion, and society in Asia, preparing students to become informed and culturally sensitive global citizens.

A concentration in Religious Studies includes a minimum of nine semester-long courses.  Those nine courses include RELS 1000 (a seminar in methods in the study of religion) and eight other courses, which must satisfy the concentration's distribution requirements.  Students who transfer to Brown or study abroad must complete at least five courses in Religious Studies at Brown. 

2. Distribution of Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced courses:

Among the eight concentration courses, no more than four courses (out of nine) can be at the introductory level (0001-0199). In addition to any introductory courses and RELS 1000, the plan of study must include at least two intermediate-level courses (0200-0999) and two advanced-level courses (above 1000).

3. Geographic and Methodological Distribution:

In order to ensure that students study a diversity of religious traditions and learn about multiple methods of study, the eight concentration courses (that is, the courses other than RELS 1000) must:  1) reflect more than one approach to the study of religion (e.g., philosophical, anthropological, historical); and 2) examine more than one religious tradition.  To ensure that students examine multiple traditions, the plan of study ordinarily should include two or more courses in each of these areas: A) Traditions that merge from the Mediterranean world and West Asia/Islamic World (e.g., Judaism, Christianity, Islam); and B) Traditions that emerge from South and East Asia (e.g., Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism). 

4. Courses in Other Departments

Courses listed in other departments but taught by Religious Studies faculty count toward the program of study.  In addition to cross-listed courses taught by Religious Studies faculty, up to three courses taught by faculty in other departments can count toward the program (pending approval by the DUS).  Students who transfer to Brown, study abroad, or otherwise petition to include Brown courses not cross-listed with Religious Studies must complete at least five courses in Religious Studies at Brown.

5. Capstone Project

No later than the end of spring registration in the junior year, the concentrator will determine how they will complete a senior capstone project for this requirement - either by selecting a capstone course, or by undertaking an honors thesis.  A capstone course will be selected in consultation with the concentration advisor and other faculty as appropriate.  Within the frame of this capstone course and through work completed for the course, the concentrator will address the theoretical and interpretive issues of their particular focus in the Religious Studies concentration.

Honors Thesis (Optional)

A thesis is an opportunity for students to conduct extended independent research under the guidance of faculty.  If a student chooses to write an honors thesis, in addition to completing the typical eight concentration courses (in addition to RELS 1000) the student will enroll in RELS 1999 during both semesters of the senior year.  Whether or not a student receives honors, RELS 1999 will serve as the student's capstone course.  To be eligible to write a thesis, a student must have earned a grade point average of greater than 3.5 (A=4, B=3, C=2) on courses that count toward the concentration.  Additionally, to be eligible for honors, concentrators may take no more than two of the concentration courses with the "S/NC" option, after declaring a Religious Studies concentration.  (Note: if a student is philosophically committed to taking the majority of her or his courses at Brown as "S/NC," that student may petition the Department to waive this "S/NC" limit.)  Writing the thesis is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for receiving Honors.  In order to receive Honors, the student's thesis must earn an A from its two readers, and the student must have earned a grade point average of greater than 3.5 in the concentration and satisfied all other concentration requirements. 

Requirements

• Test Requirements: Applicants can satisfy our testing requirement in one of two ways: (1) Either the SAT and any two SAT Subject Tests, or (2) the ACT.  Applicants who take the redesigned SAT are not required to take the optional writing section.  For applicants who take the ACT, we strongly encourage, but do not require, the writing component.  Brown will accept test results for either the old or the new SAT.
• Official test results must be sent directly to Brown from either the College Board, which administers the SAT, or from the American College Testing Program, which administers the ACT.
• To have scores sent to Brown, you will need to provide our institutional code numbers:
  • For the SAT, Brown's code number is 3094
  • For the ACT, Brown's code number is 3800
• You are welcome to take advantage of the College Board's Score Choice option, but this may delay your scores being received by Brown---a delay may mean we will not read your application until we receive a full set of official test scores.
• Please note: we encourage students to have at least one set of scores in our office by the appropriate application deadline.
• An official transcript of your complete high school academic record must be sent to the Office of College Admission directly from each secondary school you have attended.
• We will accept transcripts submitted by your school(s) through online services, such as Docufide, Naviance, and the Common Application. If you are unable to submit through one of these online services arrange to have your materials sent directly to Brown University, Office of College Admission, Box 1876, Providence, RI 02912 or fax to 401.863.9300.
• Your midyear school report including final grades for fall courses and a list of your spring courses can be submitted online through the Common Application.
• Through the Common Application applicants can request school forms and recommendations via email from their guidance counselor and from two teachers who have taught them in major academic subjects (science, social studies, mathematics, foreign language, English).
• If you are considering a Bachelor of Science degree or the Program in Liberal Medical Education, at least one of your recommendations should come from a math or science teacher. In addition, we highly recommend that applicants to the PLME program submit results for at least one science SAT Subject Test.
• Please note: secondary school personnel do not need to wait until you have submitted your application before making their contributions. The online system will lead you through the process of supplying the name and email address of your counselor and teachers so that a user account can be created for them. They will then be able to submit forms on your behalf either electronically or via regular mail.
• Please note: applicants are neither required nor expected to provide additional materials, but the opportunity to do so is available to any candidate. Applicants are not expected to provide additional materials as part of the admission process.
• We prefer that you upload supplementary materials to your file after you receive your Brown account username. 
• We recommend that you do not send a collection of award certificates or similar materials.
• If you are accomplished in music or visual art, you may include additional supplements along with your application in the Common Application, through SlideRoom. You do not need to wait for your Brown account username to upload music or visual art materials to SlideRoom.
• Please note: SlideRoom only accepts one submission, if submitting two you will need to sign up with a second email account.
• Auditions and portfolio reviews are neither required nor reviewed for students interested in Theatre Arts & Performance Studies.
• If you have a YouTube video we recommend uploading the link via our self-service site once you receive your Brown account username.  

Financial considerations for the Asian Religious Traditions (Art) program at Brown University typically encompass several key aspects including tuition fees, financial aid opportunities, scholarship options, work-study programs, and cost of living allowances. As a graduate-level program, tuition fees are reflective of Brown’s standard graduate tuition rates, which may vary annually. Students are encouraged to consult the university’s official financial aid office for the most current figures. Brown University offers a robust financial aid program aimed at reducing the financial burden for qualified students. This includes fellowships, grants, and merit-based scholarships that do not require repayment, enabling students to focus on their academic and research pursuits. Many of these awards are awarded based on academic excellence, potential research contributions, or financial need, and can cover partial or full tuition fees. Additionally, Brown’s commitment to need-blind admission for domestic students and on a case-by-case basis for international students ensures access to financial support for qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds. Students are also encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government grants, private foundations, and cultural grants that support research and studies in Asian religious art. Work-study opportunities at Brown can provide a supplementary source of income, allowing students to work on campus in roles related to their field of study or administrative support. Cost of living in Providence, Rhode Island, should also be considered, which includes housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Affordable housing options are available both on and off-campus, with various plans and subsidies for students with financial need. Overall, the financing of the Asian Religious Traditions (Art) program is designed to be as accessible as possible through a combination of university funding, external scholarships, and on-campus work opportunities, ensuring that talented students can pursue their academic interests without undue financial hardship.

The Asian Religious Traditions (Art) program at Brown University offers an in-depth exploration of the visual and material cultures associated with various Asian religions. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how religious beliefs, practices, and philosophies are expressed through art across different Asian societies. Students engage with a diverse array of artistic media, including sculpture, painting, textiles, architecture, and ritual objects, to examine the ways in which religious ideas are communicated visually and materially. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining art history, religious studies, anthropology, and cultural history to foster a nuanced appreciation of Asian religious traditions.

Throughout the course of study, students analyze significant religious art from regions such as South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, considering historical contexts, patronage systems, iconography, symbolism, and audience reception. The program also encourages critical engagement with contemporary issues related to religious art, including issues of preservation, curation, cultural identity, and globalization. By examining both historical and contemporary artifacts, students gain insight into the evolving nature of religious expression through art and its impact on society.

Brown University's approach combines lectures, seminars, museum visits, and research projects to promote active learning. The program likely offers opportunities for students to gain practical skills in visual analysis, research methodologies, and critical thinking. Additionally, students may participate in internships or fieldwork at relevant cultural institutions, fostering professional development and a deeper connection with Asian artistic traditions.

Graduates of the Asian Religious Traditions (Art) program are equipped with a broad knowledge base and analytical skills applicable to careers in museums, cultural heritage management, academia, art curation, and intercultural communication. The program reflects Brown’s commitment to fostering a global perspective and encouraging students to appreciate the rich diversity of Asian religious artistic expressions. Overall, the program prepares students for further academic study or professional roles that require expertise in Asian religious art and culture, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to cross-cultural understanding and preservation of Asian artistic heritage.