Time Schedule:
Giuseppina A Testa
ART H 309
Seattle Campus
Topics vary.
Class description
Spring 2007, "Japanese Painting" This course is a survey of the major trends in Japanese pictorial art, from the Asuka (552-645) and Nara (710-794) periods until the 19th century. Paintings range in style and type from landscape to figural, from religious to secular, and are executed in color, ink, and in all formats, including screens, hand scrolls and hanging scrolls. We will study important developments in style and subject matter, with particular emphasis on the relationship between Japanese art and that of continental Asia. Topics will include religious (Shintô and Buddhist) paintings and their ritual context, narrative picture scrolls, Zen ink-painting, decorative screens, genre and ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") paintings and western-style paintings. The course will also examine the social, political, and philosophical atmosphere that shaped these arts, as well as the ways Japan adopts and adapts foreign cultural traditions.
Student learning goals
Greater awareness of values intrinsic to Japanese painting, regardless of whether these values parallel western artistic concerns or conflict with them.
Specifically, students should acquire an understanding of the stylistic development of Japanese painting, be able to distinguish characteristic works of one period, school, or artist from those of another, be aware of the cultural issues that underpinned artistic developments, and have a general idea of the political and social changes that might parallel the development of each new type of painting.
General method of instruction
The class will be conducted as a series of slide-illustrated lectures and discussion. Each section of material will be presented chronologically. Students will be examined on slides shown in class; for this reason, regular class attendance is expected.
Lecture with slides 2X per week and discussion 1X per week (tentatively Friday). When possible, lecture and discussion in front of paintings at the Seattle Asian Art Museum (Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill).
Recommended preparation
There are absolutely no requirements for the class, although Asian, Euro-American, or other courses in art history would be an excellent basis; familiarity with Japanese literature, history or Japanese language will undoubtedly prove useful. Willingness to learn Japanese artist's names and terms, and curiosity about Japanese culture are strongly recommended.
Class assignments and grading
Readings from the primary texts (book on Japanese painting and weekly readings), short weekly responses to discussion questions. Tests (identification and response to questions), class discussion, and short assignments.
Midterm & final exams, class participation and a short research paper.
