Time Schedule:
Shih-Shan S Huang
ART H 312
Seattle Campus
Introduction to Chinese art and visual culture from the ancient period to the present day. Examines the visual traits of important monuments of architecture, calligraphy, film, furniture, ceramics, bronze, painting, and sculpture. Emphasizes how different artistic styles are tied to different historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Class description
This course is an introduction to Chinese art and visual culture through selected visual examples of arts from the ancient period to the present day. It will examine the visual traits of important monuments of architecture, calligraphy, painting, sculpture, ceramics, bronze, furniture, film, etc., and emphasize how various artistic styles are tied to different historical, social and cultural contexts. Topics of inquiry will include archaeological discoveries from prehistoric times to the Bronze Age, the Qin emperor’s terracotta army, funerary art in the Han dynasty, the tradition of calligraphy, early Buddhism in China, Tang dynasty arts and the silk road, monumental landscape painting in the Northern Song dynasty, Southern Song academy painting and Chan art, Chinese art under the Mongol Rule, Literati art, imperial patronage and foreign influence of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and contemporary Chinese art. Through the careful examination of selected Chinese arts and artifacts, students will achieve a better understanding of the ancient, complex and exquisite visual culture of China.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This class emphasizes visual literacy. It welcomes students from all kinds of disciplines who are interested in Asian art but have no background in Chinese art.
Recommended preparation
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK Robert L. Thorp and Richard E. Vinograd, Chinese Art & Culture. New York: Harry N. Abrams, INC., 2001. (Available in the University Bookstore)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS William Watson. The Arts of China 900-1620. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000. Craig Clunas. Art in China. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Patricia Buckley Ebrey. Cambridge Illustrated History of China. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Valerie Hansen. The Open Empire; A History of China to 1600. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2000.
Class assignments and grading
*Assigned pages of reading and articles should be completed prior to each class as they will be the focus of the lecture and class discussion.
In-class Tests Essay on an assigned topic Mid-term Exam Final Exam
*Class participation is an integral part of Art History classes. Since absences from class prevent participation, they may negatively affect grades. Students who miss class due to illness or emergency are responsible for immediately notifying their instructor and insuring that all missed assignments and exams are completed in a manner agreed on between faculty and student. Students may notify instructors of absences through email, written note placed in faculty box or in person during class or posted office hours. Students who miss class put themselves at a distinct disadvantage and so are strongly urged to attend every session. In the event of absence or lateness students are responsible for making up all work and for informing themselves about assignments given and materials needed for future classes.
*Students should not miss any exam or in-class test. Pre-scheduled in-class tests and mid-term/final exams will not be given again.
