Course Description and Requirements

Course Description

This lecture course is an introduction to the varied forms of artistic expression in China, from the Neolithic era to the 20th century. The media that will be discussed in the course include jade-carving, metalwork, sculpture, ceramics, calligraphy, painting, printmaking, and architecture. The course lectures are organized chronologically, and equal attention will be given to technique, stylistic analysis, and interpretation in historical and cultural context.

Students do not need to know Chinese for this course, but you will be expected to learn the names of important Chinese artists, artistic terms, sites, and dynasties. We will spend some time at the beginning of the course getting familiar with Chinese spelling and pronunciation in order to minimize language problems, and we will take a quick overview of Chinese history and culture before beginning the chronological portion of the course.

For students who sign up for 3 credits, course grades will be based on three examinations of equal weight (30%), which will test the students' knowledge of major artists, works and movements, as well as more general concepts. Attendance will be taken and will count as 10% of the course grade.

Undergraduates who sign up for 4 credits (Writing Intensive option) and any Art History graduate students taking the course must also attend additional meetings and do various writing assignments. The schedule and assignments for these meetings will be finalized during the third week of classes. Please note: the 4th credit is intended for students who want to do a lot of additional work; do not take it if you simply are looking for another credit.

The website is an essential part of this course. It contains Study Sheets for each section of the syllabus and reproductions of some important images that are shown in class, as well as various other useful information.

REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE:

   (at the University Bookstore):
Craig Clunas, Art in China.
Patricia Ebrey, The Cambridge Illustrated History of China.

OTHER ASSIGNED READINGS will be on reserve at Kohler Art Library or College Library; sometimes both. (All the necessary information is on the website.)