Time Schedule:
Shih-Shan S Huang
ART H 311
Seattle Campus
An introduction to the role of painting in Chinese cultural history, with attention to regional geography, social structure, gender, traditional philosophies, twentieth-century socialism, and the patterns of Chinese history.
Class description
The goal of this course is to introduce students to Chinese painting. We will study how various artistic styles developed in different historical, social and cultural contexts from the ancient period to the present day. Through the careful examination of Chinese art and artifacts, students will gain a deeper understanding of the rich and complex visual culture of China. When examining individual art works, students are encouraged to reflect upon the following issues:
*How did pictorial themes move up or down the social ladder of art consumption? *Is there any borrowing from China's neighbors or outside influence within the realm of visual arts? *What is the interrelationship between religious subjects and secular art? *Can art be studied from the perspective of evolution? How do motifs develop? How are old art forms transformed for new audience? *Is there any artistic influence from other mediam
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
• Building basic skills of visual analysis, including those using comparisons and contrasts • Developing methods used in the interpretation of images • Understanding the relationship between art and culture • Appreciating Chinese art and visual culture within a global context
Recommended preparation
Students who decide to take this class is not encouraged to take ARTH413 at the same time. If you do not have any background in Chinese art, it's better to start with ARTH311.
Students who have taken ARTH312 are recommended to take the 400-level class. The instructor will ofer ARTh413 on special topics of Chinese painting in the winter 2006.
Class assignments and grading
There will be two to three special museum sections, which require students to meet in the Seattle Asian Art Museum during the class hours. The on-site sections will focus on the Chinese paintings displayed in the special exhibition "Orchid Pavilion Gathering" at SAAM.
There will be also one or two guest lecture(s) by collector(s) from the Seattle area.
Students will be devided into two sections to attend the museum sections on 3/1 and 3/8 resepctively. Students will sign up for the museum sections on 2/13.
2 Quizzes 10% Midterm Exam 30% Final Exam 35% Exhibition Proposal 25%
