DESCRIPTION
 How does one get a glimpse of a vast and complex cultural region such as South Asia within the brief duration of a J-Term course? The answer might lie in visiting the only surviving Hindu Kingdom in the world: NEPAL! Nepal lies at the crossroads of the great civilizations of Asia: Indic and Islamicate to its south and Tibetan and Chinese to its north.  Its rich mosaic of cultures and ecologies includes the major religions of the world (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and a host of animistic and folkloric traditions), 62 officially recognized social groups, and nearly 125 different languages and dialects. Two-thirds of the country straddles the beautiful Himalayan Ranges hosting some of the tallest mountains in the world.

The Nepali Flag

We plan to stay in the capital city of Kathmandu, which along with the royal cities of Bhadgaon and Patan have been placed on the World Heritage List, a list of natural and cultural sites of “outstanding universal value.” The Kathmandu Valley is rich in architecture with nearly 130 monuments that are pilgrimage centers, temples, shrines, bathing sites and gardens. We will also visit Lumbini (see map), the birthplace of the Buddha.

    Students will be exposed to a variety of learning situations: seminars, lectures, service opportunities, language study, host stays, and visiting places of cultural significance. This course aims at making cross-cultural encounters both in theory and practice.

COST (Tentative): $2700

CLICK HERE  for an Application

INSTRUCTOR:
Bernardo A. Michael is an assistant professor in the Department of History. He has lived and worked both in India and Nepal (Contact Box 3051; bmichael@messiah.edu).
 
 
 
 

NEPAL: SOME GLIMPSES

Pashupati Temple, Kathmandu

Machapuchre (Fishtail) Mountain, Pokhara

Kumari, the Living Goddess and personification
Of the Goddess Teleju, held sacred by the
Newar community in Kathmandu.

The Buddhist Stupa or temple at Boudha, Kathmandu
 

Lumbini, The Birthplace of the Buddha

King Gyanendra, of the Shah Dynasty and present-day king of Nepal