Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected the video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East because I love learning about the Middle East.  In today's world, the U.S. seems to always be in the Middle East and I want to know anything I can about that region.  I selected the video Buddhism because I find their religion fascinating.  It is impressive how calm and relaxed people in Buddhism are and that makes me want to learn their ways.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
From the video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East, I learned that the truest evidence that any civilization ever leaves behind about itself is art.  Art never lies.  The best example of this is the Taj Mahal in India.  The Taj Mahal is a pristine and gorgeous building.  From this, you can say that the people of India are just as elegant as the building is.  In the Middle East, the art is different depending on if it is made from a Shiite or a Sunni.  Shiite art is usually more ornate and florid than Sunni art, but sometimes it is the other way around. 

From the video Buddhism, I learned that Buddhism is all about being kind to others and finding peaceful harmony in your life.  At The Mahabodhi Temple, you are greeted by a giant statue of Buddha.  You can feel a sense of gentleness and serenity from the look of the statue.  Also, the Great Stupa is an example of how Buddha wanted his followers to live a simple life without needing material possessions.  The building is plain and there are simple carvings of flowers, animals and mythological creatures on the railings as you work your way to the top.  The three levels represent the steps to heaven.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East relates to the beginning of Chapter 18.  This section talks about how Islam began and different buildings that came out of this region.  Specifically, it touches on the Taj Mahal and how it is based in Persian architectural forms.  Each of its four facades is set with an iwan.
The video Buddhism relates to the beginning of Chapter 19.  This section talks about the beginning of Buddhism and the artwork from that time period.  Specifically, it talks about the Great Stupa in Sanchi.  A stupa is a solid earthen mound faced with stone.  Buddhists visit the stupa by ritually walking around it. 

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that the Islamic Art: India and the Middle East video helped me understand why Islamic artwork can be extremely different depending on where or who it was made by.  I felt that the Buddhism video helped me understand why so many people have statues of Buddha in their homes and at sacred places.