CF

Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion

8h 48m 48s
English
Paid

Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion is a 24-lesson 8 hours 48 minutes self-paced course by Constance Kassor, Wondrium (The Great Courses). Examine the current geopolitical reality of an ancient people as you uncover the past, present, and possible future of Tibet.

Course facts

Lessons
24
Duration
8 hours 48 minutes
Level
All levels
Language
English
Updated
Instructor
Constance Kassor, Wondrium (The Great Courses)
Price
Premium

Examine the current geopolitical reality of an ancient people as you uncover the past, present, and possible future of Tibet.

There are few regions that have been more misunderstood by the West than Tibet. It is still often portrayed in the West as the “Shangri-la” that was described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon, one of the earliest references to Tibet in English-speaking culture. In Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion, Professor Constance Kassor will show you the real, multi-dimensional Tibet and its people who live on the “Roof of the World.” In 24 fascinating lectures, you will learn about the issues that form the existential threat few other regions face: This is the real Tibet.

Who teaches Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion?

Constance Kassor

Constance Kassor thumbnail

Constance Kassor is a US religious-studies professor (Lawrence University) specialising in Tibetan Buddhism. Her teaching material on Tibetan history, culture, and religion has been published as on-demand video courses for general adult audiences.

Her CourseFlix listing carries Tibet — History, Culture, and Religion — a comprehensive walkthrough of Tibetan civilisation across its religious, political, and cultural dimensions.

Material is paid and aimed at general adult learners interested in Tibetan history and Buddhism. The course sits in the broader History and Culture catalog on CourseFlix as general-interest reference rather than as a software-engineering track.

Wondrium (The Great Courses)

Wondrium (The Great Courses) thumbnail

Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses Plus and originally The Great Courses) is a US online education platform that has been publishing university-level video lecture series since 1990. The platform's distinctive contribution is the depth and production quality of its courses — each is taught by a tenured university professor with the production values of a documentary series, not a YouTube tutorial.

The catalog covers academic disciplines rather than technical-skill training: history, philosophy, science, mathematics, literature, music theory, religion, economics. Material is taught by faculty from Stanford, Yale, Princeton, the University of Chicago, MIT, and similar institutions. Wondrium is typically used by intellectually-curious adult learners filling in the liberal-arts side of their education.

The CourseFlix listing under this source carries over 19 Wondrium / Great Courses titles spanning that range — sitting in the broader CourseFlix catalog as general-interest reference rather than as a software-engineering track. Material is paid; Wondrium itself runs on a monthly / annual subscription on the original platform.

What lessons are included in Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion?

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#1: 1 Life at the Roof of the World
All Course Lessons (24)
#Lesson TitleDurationAccess
1
1 Life at the Roof of the World Demo
11:37
2
2 When the Dalai Lama Broke with China
22:46
3
3 The Birth of Buddhism's Powerful Gelug Sect
21:58
4
4 The Zhang Zhung and Yarlung Dynasties
16:43
5
5 Tibetian Prehistory in Folktales and Song
19:57
6
6 How the Tibetan Language Invented an Empire
21:57
7
7 The Buddha and the Four Noble Truths
22:52
8
8 Christians, Muslims, and Bonpos of Tibet
25:49
9
9 Tibetan Tantra and Taboo
23:38
10
10 The Good Eating and Fun of Tibetan Cuisine
20:09
11
11 What Makes Tibetan Buddhism Different
23:28
12
12 Tibetan Buddhism's Oldest Sect Nyingma
24:37
13
13 Tibetan Buddhism's Revival
19:03
14
14 Tibet's Reincarnation Tradition Tulkus
22:22
15
15 Sakya Buddhism 1,000 Years of Family Rule
23:55
16
16 Tibetan Nomads under Chinese Centralization
20:32
17
17 The Festivals of Tibet's 354-Day Calendar
22:03
18
18 The Dalai Lamas' Mysterious Lives and Deaths
27:22
19
19 Tibet's Old Traditions Enter a New Century
23:17
20
20 World War II, China, and the 14th Dalai Lama
26:15
21
21 Tibetan Diaspora Hardship and New Realities
16:39
22
22 How Tibetan Art Keeps Heart and Soul Alive
23:26
23
23 A Future Tibet without the Dalai Lama
28:04
24
24 The History of Tibet in 24 Questions
20:19
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Books

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Frequently asked questions

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this course?
There are no formal prerequisites for enrolling in this course. It is designed for anyone interested in understanding the history, culture, and religion of Tibet. Whether you are a beginner or have some background knowledge, the course provides foundational insights as well as detailed exploration of specific topics like Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, and the impact of Chinese centralization on Tibetan nomads.
What kind of projects or topics will I explore during the course?
The course covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Tibetan dynasties, the unique Tibetan language, and cultural practices such as Tibetan cuisine and festivals. Students will explore the development of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Gelug and Nyingma sects, as well as the complex tradition of Tibetan reincarnation, known as Tulkus. The course also delves into contemporary issues like the Tibetan diaspora and the region's geopolitical challenges.
Who is the target audience for this course?
The target audience for this course includes individuals interested in Asian studies, religious studies, and cultural history. It is ideal for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Tibet beyond common stereotypes, such as the 'Shangri-la' myth, and want to learn about the authentic historical and cultural experiences of the Tibetan people.
How does this course compare in depth and scope to similar courses?
This course offers a comprehensive look at Tibet by covering historical, cultural, and religious perspectives across 24 lectures. It differs from other courses by providing a detailed examination of both ancient and modern Tibetan life, including lesser-known topics like the Zhang Zhung and Yarlung Dynasties, and the role of Tibetan art in preserving cultural identity. The course also addresses contemporary geopolitical issues affecting Tibet today.
What specific tools or platforms will be discussed in this course?
The course does not focus on any specific tools or platforms in the technological sense. However, it deeply explores cultural and religious 'tools' such as the Tibetan language, which played a significant role in empire-building, and the various sects of Tibetan Buddhism that have influenced the region's spiritual landscape.
What topics are not covered in this course?
This course does not cover topics outside the scope of Tibetan history, culture, and religion. For instance, it does not provide a detailed analysis of broader Asian geopolitics or focus extensively on the technical aspects of linguistic studies. While it touches on interactions with other religions, the course does not delve deeply into the practices of Christianity or Islam beyond their historical context in Tibet.
How much time should I expect to commit to this course?
The course consists of 24 lectures, each designed to provide a deep dive into specific aspects of Tibetan history and culture. While the exact runtime is not specified, participants should expect to dedicate time not only to watching the lectures but also to reflecting on the materials presented. The commitment will vary depending on individual study habits and the depth of engagement with supplementary materials.