Arts of South and Southeast Asia, the Islamic Middle East: 500BC – Present

Year course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Discover the art and archaeology of Asia, from the Himalayas and the Indian Subcontinent to the island nations of Southeast Asia. The origins of the ancient religions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism will be explored and their subsequent impact across the region.
This course is part of a two year cycle. Next year will look at the Arts of East Asia: China, Korea and Japan.

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course photo
Portrait of ‎Year Course Director Helen Glaister

‎Year Course Director
Helen Glaister

Helen Glaister is a sinologist who specialised in Chinese Art and Archaeology at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) following time spent in China. Helen has been Course Director at the V&A since 2006 and previously worked at the British Museum. She has lectured for Birkbeck College, the British Library and SOAS.

Amazing profile of lecturers - real published and practicing experts in their fields! 2015/16 Year Course Student
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Delve deeper into the subjects you love

Enjoy thought-provoking lectures and access to the V&A collections in a group who share your passion. Refreshments served on arrival each day. Year course students are eligible for NUS student cards, and have the option of a certificate of completion

Course overview

Autumn Term

0 weeks, 19 December – 12 December 2016

South Asia: 500 BC – Present

This term explores the arts of South Asia from the advent of Buddhism to the Modern Period. The emergence of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism will be examined in a range of media from stone sculpture to paintings and manuscripts. Temple architecture, sculpture and murals provide further insights to religious practise.

Spring Term

12 weeks, 9 January – 27 March 2017

South Asia: 1800 – Present Arts of Tibet and the Himalayas and Southeast Asia 500 CE – Present

This term highlights the connections between South Asia and Europe through colonial intervention, trade and artistic exchange. Students will also explore the arts and material culture of mainland states including Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos and the island nations of Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia.

Summer Term

13 weeks, 24 April – 17 July 2017

Islamic Middle East: 650 CE – Present

This term follows the emergence of Islam from the Arabian Peninsula to its swift expansion eastward to the Indian subcontinent and to the Mediterranean in the West. The political complexity of the Medieval Period was matched by an intense period of artistic production.

Enrol now

Year course: Arts of South and Southeast Asia, the Islamic Middle East: 500BC – Present

19 September 2016 - 17 July 2017

£73.00 - £1,950.00

Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)