Art History
11210 Images and Ideas in Asian Art An introduction to selected themes and traditions in the art of pre-modern India, China, and Japan, and to varying perspectives from which they are approached. Gaining a widened awareness of important monuments of Asian art along with their roles in their respective societies, students will also build up practice in using analytic tools of art history and criticism, which tools can be abstracted to some degree from their specific contexts and applied to the study of art from many cultures. GE3-WRLD AS-ARTS AS-PERSP
11340 The Arts of Early China A survey of the earlier half of the tradition(s), from the third millennium b.c.e. to approximately 900 c.e., with consideration of archaeology, the mortuary arts, religious art, and the beginnings of secular practices that would take on a more prominent role during China's later periods. Themes include: functions of art in the society, relationships between art and authority, changing views of the afterlife, and the impact of Buddhism. Bronzes, jades, pottery, lacquer, sculpture, painting, and `raphy will be examined as objects of intrinsic beauty and as products of specific contexts. (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS
11341 The Arts of Later China A survey of the later centuries, from the mid 10th to the 20th, with special emphasis on painting and some consideration of calligraphy, garden art, and ceramics. Themes include: varying definitions and functions of art, the growth and evolution of landscape painting, the influence of literati art criticism, the rise of giant imperial art collections, the impact of Western art, and new directions taken by modern artists. Attention to the political and cultural history will establish a basis for understanding many of the ideas (aesthetic, cultural, political, etc.) that underlie the art works. (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS
11342 The Arts of Japan Art and aesthetics provide significant ways by which Japan has distinguished itself from its continental neighbors, and from world art traditions in general. This survey of the major art works and visual traditions of Japan, from Neolithic times until the mid-eighteenth century, will examine art works done in a wide range of media, including sculpture, architecture, gardens, painting, ceramics, lacquer, and calligraphy. (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS
11393 Selected Topics Courses of various content relevant to the arts of Asia from all periods, some awaiting approval as regular offerings. Courses taught under this title include: The Arts of South Asia, Figure-in-Landscape in Chinese Painting, Word and Image in Chinese and Japanese Art, Arts of the Edo Period, and The Arts of Modern China. (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS
11517 East Asian Art (3 credits UD) Courses of varying topic, offered in tandem with their undergraduate counterparts (see above). For graduate students; advanced undergraduates with permission of instructor. AS-ARTS
Calligraphy
23199 Chinese Calligraphy This course introduces students to the structure and principles of character script, which has historically formed the basis for written communication throughout East Asia. Instruction in different calligraphic styles is combined with hands-on training in using the brush and ink, and ample practice in producing balanced characters, guided closely by the instructor. Experience in Chinese or Japanese language study is welcome, but not required. (1 credit) AS-ARTS
Literature
41211 Great Books - Asian Classics Examination of classical, medieval, and modern masterpieces of India, China, and Japan, which have shaped cultures and values or represent ways of life in East Asia and South Asia, such as: Mahabharata, Upanishads, Tripitaka, Analects, Tao Teh Ching, Genji, and Monkey. All readings are in English translation. Prerequisite: 41160 (3 credits) GE3-WRLD AS-ARTS
41254 Modern Asian Literature Selected Asian great books that represent values and themes which have become popular in America or which bear upon problems of value in contemporary life. All readings are in English translation. Prerequisite: 41160 (3 credits) AS-ARTS
41299 Contemporary Asian Film Explores outstanding examples of recent films of Korea, Japan, and China and other Asian cinemas. This one-credit course starts approximately one month after the beginning of the semester, and meets five consecutive weeks. Students may consult the current schedule of classes for specific dates, and may contact the Department of English at JFT 714 257-2720 for more information about the current syllabus. (1 credit) AS-ARTS
41346 Myth, Symbol and Fable in Literature The nature of myth, symbol, and fable in literature, both classical and modern, including an inquiry into the psychology of imagination expressed through these literary devices in selected works. General approach to literature, with all readings in English translation. Prerequisite: 41160 and 41180 (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS
41425 Epic Traditions The epic and saga as they have evolved from myth and legend in World Literature. Examination of archetypal culture heroes, heroic action, and cosmology in epic literature such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and the Indic Ramayana and Mahabharata, and their influence on their respective traditions. All readings are in English translation. Prerequisite: one of the following: 41301, 41302, 41331, 41332 (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS
57310 Japanese Poetry Traces the evolution of Japanese poetry from its roots as an aristocratic mode of expression to its popularization and diversification with the rise of commercial culture. The course also examines the literary changes during Japan's contact with the West in recent history. Students read selections from early Court poetry, medieval Imperial anthologies, poetic diaries, Noh theatre, Bunraku puppet theatre, and 20th-century poetry -- all in English translation. (3 credits UD) GE3-HUM AS-ARTS
57311 Japanese Fiction Analysis of the characteristics of Japanese narrative through a study of major classical and modern works in English translation. Pre-requisite(s): Two freshman English courses. (3 credits UD) GE3-WRLD AS-ARTS
57300 Japanese Aesthetics and Culture An exploration of traditional Japanese views and attitudes toward beauty as expressed in literature and art. Pre-requisite(s): 41160 & 41180 (3 credits UD WI*) GE3-HUM AS-ARTS
57320 Asian Americans This course is designed to enable students to gain specific historical knowledge,and appreciation on a human scale, of the wide range of Asian American immigrant experiences through literary, historical and film narratives. This course presents histories and stories of traditionally under-represented minority groups in America: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino-Americans, and others. Some of the common themes include the struggle against racism, economic exploitation, and other legacies of colonialism, as well as the more recent ideological conflicts between capitalism and socialism. (3 credits UD) GE3-DIVR AS-ARTS AS-SOC AS-PERSP
Music
66253 Pop Culture of China This course examines modern China's political,
social and economical changes as reflected in its music, literature, film,
and other media forms. It also deals with issues such as copyright, gender,
official and unofficial ideologies, and cultural policies. (3 credits) GE3-WRLD
AS-ARTS
Philosophy & Religion
71251 Indian Philosophy Survey of philosophical texts and schools from India, including Hindu and Buddhist representatives. Possible topics include the nature of reality, knowledge, and the individual, the point of human life, and the problem of suffering. (3 credits) GE3-WRLD AS-ARTS AS-SOC
71252 Introduction to Chinese and Japanese Philosophy Survey of Chinese and Japanese philosophy. We will focus on three main philosophical (and religious) traditions: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. They take strikingly different positions on important issues such as the nature of human beings, the value of culture and ritual, the relation between humans, the divine, and nature, and the best way to live. (3 credits) GE3-WRLD AS-ARTS AS-SOC
71270 Religions Of The World A survey of several major religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. (3 credits) GE3-WRLD AS-ARTS AS-SOC
Some courses may be offered in rotation. For each semester's course offerings, visit the Current Schedule of Classes.
