Zen and the Art of the Tea Ceremony
Syllabus ASN 3403, REL 3442, ASN5130
Florida International University
Instructor:
Eric Soryu Messersmith, Ph.D.
Email: messerse@fiu.edu
Office: DM 342C
Tel. 305-348-3349
Office Hours: Mon/Wed 4-5 pm
Course Orientation: This course covers the history, theory, and practice of Chado, or
Way of Tea, a Zen-inspired art that has had a long-lasting
influence on Japanese society. Lectures will focus on aesthetics
and cultural history supplemented by slides, films, and most
importantly participation as host and guest in preparing tea. This
course is mentally and physically challenging. It is recommended
that students spend time outside class exercising and stretching
specific leg muscles in order to sit in formal Japanese fashion for
extended periods.
Goals:
The goal for students completing this course will be to develop a
sufficient understanding and the skills necessary to continue Chado
as part of everyday life.
Requirements:
Attendance and punctuality are of primary importance to excel in
this class. Readings must be completed prior to class in order to
participate in discussions. All students must keep a detailed
notebook(3-ring binder) of all materials acquired during the
semester. This notebook will be collected at the mid-term for
grading by the instructor. All notes taken, internet research, and
other related materials should be included in this volume.
Students should wear loose slacks or long skirts with belt/sash
and bring a pair of clean white socks to wear while walking
and sitting on the tatami mats. The class will be divided into
small groups. Each group will take turns in preparation and clean
up and each group will perform together during the semester and
final exam.
Grad Students
Grad students will be required to conduct a short powerpoint
presentation of their research paper (8-10 pages) Prior approval of
subject matter required.
Required Texts:
Sen Shoshitsu XV. The Japanese Way of Tea. Honolulu:
University of Hawaii Press, 1998
Sen Soshitsu XV. Chanoyu Handbook #1. Urasenke Foundation,
Kyoto Japan, 1980
Urasenke Chado Textbook
Publisher: Tankosha
ISBN: 978-4-473-03696-4
Week 1
Introduction; Tea in Ancient China; Aesthetic Origins
Reading: Sen Soshitsu XV. The Japanese Way of Tea Pp. 3-43
Chado Textbook; Part I, Chapt. 1
Practice Session: Layout of Tea Room; Entering the Tea Room;
Basic Etiquette; Sitting/Standing/Posture
Week 2
Japan Before Tea; Shinto; Buddhism
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Depending on class progress
Practice Session: Wari geiko (handling various utensils properly)
Nomenclature of utensils (Vocabulary)
Sitting/Standing/Posture practice
Review of Basic Etiquette
Week 3
Classical Aesthetic Values
Reading:
Chado Textbook Chapt. 2 & 3
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Practice Session: Wari geiko cont.
Nomenclature of utensils
Sitting/Standing practice
Week 4
Introduction of Tea to Japan
Reading: The Japanese Way of Tea. Pp. 47-74
Chado Textbook Chapt. 4 and 5
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Practice Session: Bon Demae (Ryakubon)
Week 5
The Medieval Age
Reading:
Chado Textbook . Part II, Chapt. 1
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Practice Session: Bon Demae
Quiz #1
Week 6
Zen Buddhism
Reading: Chado Textbook Part II Chapt. 2
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Practice Session: Bon Demae
Week 7
The Evolution of Chanoyu
Reading: The Japanese Way of Tea, Pp. 75-115
Chado Textbook Part III Chapt. 1
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Practice Session: Bon Demae
Week 8
Mid-term exam (Objective/Vocabulary)
Collection of Student Notebooks for grading
Week 9
Murata Shuko and Disciples
Reading: The Japanese Way of Tea, Pp. 119-157
Chado Textbook Part III Chapt. 2
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Field Trip to Morikami (Date subject to change)
paper due the following week
One page reflection
Week 10
Sen no Rikyu Movie: Sen no Rikyu One page in class reflection
paper(1 pt. extra credit)
Reading: Chado Textbook Part III Chapt. 3
The Japanese Way of Tea. Pp. 158-188
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Week 11
Chanoyu in the Tokugawa Period
Reading: Chado Textbook Part IV
Chanoyu Handbook #1. Progress dependent
Practice Session: Bon Demae
Quiz #2
Week 12
The Modern Age
Reading: Chado Textbook Part V
Week 13
Practice Session: Bon Demae
Week 14
Thanksgiving Holiday; No class
Week 15
Final exam(cumulative)
Grading for this course will be as follows:
2 Quizzes: (15% ea)
30%
Mid-term Exam (Objective) 20%
(including notebook; up to 10 extra points)
Performance at Practice
30%
Sessions (includes attendance)
Final Exam
Objective Test
20%
The instructor reserves the right to make minor changes to this syllabus.