University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
ART H 340
(GA;IL)
Japanese Art (3) This course will examine the art and architecture of Japan, its relationship to Chinese art, and its influence on European art.
ART H 340 Japanese Art (3)
(GA;IL)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Art History 340 provides an introduction to the art of Japan from the Neolithic period to the present through the examination of architecture, paintings, sculpture, and ceramics. Monuments from all parts of Japan will be considered, with emphasis on the major periods including Asuka, Nara, Heian, Kamakura, Muromachi, Momoyama and Tokugawa. The course is designed to meet two principal goals. The first is to develop skills of visual analysis and a critical vocabulary for discussing the media, technologies, styles, and iconographies of Japanese art. The second is to foster an understanding of art-and visual culture in general-according to social, economic, political, and religious contexts. Key topics include: the art and architecture of Shinto and Buddhism, patronage, issues of reception and aesthetics, the ritual use of objects, the organization and use of sacred space, depictions of gender, and relationships between the art of various regions and cultures. Requirements include essay exams and at least one paper. As a general education course, this class provides an introduction to Japanese art for students of any major. It has no prerequisites, and presumes no prior exposure to art history. Students majoring in Art History will learn vocabulary, methodology, and theory that is not only basic to the field, but which will also broaden their knowledge of the discipline as a whole.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.