The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the top research programs in the country in Tibet and Himalayan Studies, but undergraduate students have been unable to pursue a directed course of study in that field—new language classes, area studies classes and the chance to earn a certificate in Tibet Himalayan Studies are changing that!
Fall 2022! ASIA 1700 (3) Introduction to Tibetan Civilization
Explores the dynamic history of Tibet from its early empire to the present. Offers interdisciplinary perspectives on Tibetan civilization, including arts and literature, religion and politics, society and culture. Topics include the role of Buddhism in Tibetan society from its early establishment up through the rule of Dalai Lamas, forms of myths and rituals to create a Tibetan past and sense of shared identity, the adaptation of Indic literary models, sectarian tensions and ecumenical projects, and modern identity, art and literature.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Fall 2022! NEPL 1110 (3) Beginning Nepali I - DILS
Introduces students to Nepali language and is designed for students with no or minimal previous background in spoken or written Nepali. Students focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding simple grammatical structures. Students practice listening and speaking in real-life situations, learn to read and write Nepali script (Devanagari script), and examine how culture and language interact in Nepal.
Fall 2022! TBTN 1010 (4) Beginning Colloquial Tibetan 1 - DILS
Provides a thorough introduction to colloquial forms of Tibetan. Focuses on conversation practice, the acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammar in colloquial usage, learning the alphabet, and training in the skills of pronunciation, spelling and handwriting.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
TBTN 1020 (4) Beginning Colloquial Tibetan 2
Provides a thorough introduction to colloquial forms of Tibetan. Continues the development of vocabulary and grammar begun in Tibetan I and expands the range of conversation topics. While students focus on oral and aural skills, they begin to learn to read and write modern Tibetan to produce an overall knowledge of the language.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 1010 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
Fall 2022! TBTN 2010 (4) Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan 1
Aims at increasing students' proficiency in colloquial forms of Tibetan. Expands knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of spoken Tibetan and engages in more advanced conversation topics while also continuing to develop reading knowledge of modern Tibetan.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of TBTN 1010 and 1020 (all minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
TBTN 2020 (4) Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan 2
Aims at increasing students' proficiency in colloquial forms of Tibetan. Expands knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of colloquial Tibetan and also continues to develop knowledge of reading and writing modern Tibetan.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 2010 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
TBTN 3210 (4) Beginning Literary Tibetan 1
Provides a thorough introduction to literary and colloquial forms of Tibetan. Focuses on the grammatical foundation of the language, the acquisition of basic vocabulary, and training in the skills of pronunciation, conversation, handwriting and spelling.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 2020 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
TBTN 3220 (4) Beginning Literary Tibetan 2
Continuation of TBTN 3210. Provides a thorough introduction to literary and colloquial forms of Tibetan. Continues the grammar and vocabulary work begun in Tibetan 1 by studying actual Tibetan text and moving to more advanced conversation topics. Students develop oral, aural and written skills to produce an overall knowledge of the language.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 3210 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
TBTN 4210 (4) Intermediate Literary Tibetan 1
Aims at increasing students' proficiency in literary and colloquial forms of Tibetan. Expands knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of literary Tibetan through translating texts in a variety of genres and also continues to develop knowledge of spoken modern Tibetan.
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of TBTN 3210 and 3220 (all minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan
ASIA 4300 Open Topics in Asian Studies
Fall 2022! Encounters: Tibet and the West
Tibet, the Himalayas and the West. Tibet and the Himalayas have long captured the imagination and fascination of the West. The land of Tibet is always perceived as an isolated and hidden realm closed behind the Himalayas. However, in reality, Tibet has had a long history of interaction and encounter with the West. This course will provide a history of European knowledge about Tibet in the early medieval period, followed by the historical accounts of various European missionaries, travelers, and merchants to Tibet from the medieval to the early modern period. We will then look at the construction of the myth of Shangri-la in the West, and discuss the complex relationship and representation of Tibet and the Tibetans in the West.
Spring 2022: Tibetan Literature and Culture
Fall 2021: Encounters: Tibet, the Himalayas, and the West
The language courses will be taught under the DILS model of language instruction. Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) provides opportunities for student-centered learning and utilizes a flipped-classroom approach, where students do grammar and vocabulary study outside of class and focus more on conversation and topics of interest in class.