Lectures Judith lectures on a variety of topics many related to the various countries in which she has lived and worked. She has a special interest in the Far East, Asia and Middle Eastern countries and their cultures, she is a Japanese speaker. She has developed a series of lectures and presentations on these different cultures, lifestyles and especially the role of women in those areas. Specialist Lectures on Japan The word 'Japan' brings to mind a world of outstanding craftsmanship and beauty, of Haiku Poetry and Geisha, Samurai and Bushido honor codes, the influential forces that have shaped Japanese culture. These lectures cover a variety of subjects, each lecture will be supported by a PowerPoint slide presentation. They will be looking at the culture, the people and its history and looking at the magic of Japanese Gardens and the logic behind them. Green Poems with Tea and Stones Gardens that reflect an ideal and universal relationship
between Nature and humankind. Examining the symbolism of the various garden designs and their
contents. Then and Now This deals with the key cultural concepts that influence
Japanese society in daily life and in business relationships. Japan has become
a world leader in the field of modern culture such as robotics or animation yet
the roots go back centuries. How can the timelessness of cultural Japan go
forward? Geisha and the Floating World They have been a major influence on writers, artists and fashion not only in Japan but throughout the world. How have they changed with the centuries and where does their future lie? Samurai - unraveling the myths Examining the origins of these warriors and their history up to modern times. Looking at not only their martial arts but their involvement as patrons of the arts, garden design and in particular the tea ceremony. Korea and Her Neighbours We look at Korea's chequered history, its early dynasties, then move to modern conflicts. how has its relationship with its neighbours shaped its culture and where does the future lie, especially with North Korea? The Ripples of Buddhism. Buddhism would be brought to Japan via Korea, where it developed its own distinctive character. There were 'warrior monks , a contradiction amid an ideal of serenity. How did Buddhism affect architecture, culture and daily life in Korea? Specialist Lectures on India India's diversity enthralls all of those who visit this ancient land, it is populated by people whose history and traditions are still part of in daily life. The land of Rajputs whose ancestral forts and palaces dominate the landscape. Along with Mughal Monuments, elaborate Hindu Temples and imposing colonial architecture. How did it all come about. Explorers, Merchants and Empires When in the fifteenth century, Portuguese Explorer, Vasco Da Gama, found the sea route to India, it would initiate intense competition in the lucrative spice trade. European nations used their trading companies as extensions of their imperial power. How did these events affect the architecture, culture and religion of the areas involved ? The Jigsaw that is India. India ia a jigsaw of diverse cultures, multiple languages, dialects and ethnic groups. It has been the birthplace of some of the world's major religions. What were the main dynasties and what is their lasting legacy to India's culture? Tradition and Transition - Independence and Beyond. The British Raj lasted seventy years and would eventually lead to the creation of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The names of those involved are known world wide - Mahatma Gandhi, President Nehru. Where does the Future lie for the world's largest democracy and fastest growing economy? Each lecture can modified to suit individual audience requirements. |
