HIS 2651 - CHINESE RELIGION AND VISUAL CULTURE

credits: 3.0
Crosslisted/Same As: ARH 2651
ARH 2651-HIS 2651. Will examine the interaction between religious and artistic practices and their impact on the cultural history of China. Throughout the term students will examine the history of a variety of traditional religious practices from the earliest cosmographies to the two major native religions of China, Confucianism and Daoism. These various belief systems not only guided people’s inner lives but also had a deep impact on visual culture providing the basic framework for the creation and experience of the arts. The shifting relationship between artistic and religious practice provides a lense through which we will examine themes such as political power, class, justice, gender, afterlife, health, identity, and so on. Will consist of readings from major religious texts and traditional work on artistic practice, as well as an examination of inspired works by historians, poets, calligraphers, and painters. Objectives: A) Identify and describe key people, movements, and events in the history of Chinese art and religion; B) Describe the changing role that Confucianism and Daoism had in Chinese society; C) Describe the evolution of artistic practices through time and from region to region; D) Interpret and analyze primary sources (both textual and material); E) Communicate effectively, in writing and speaking, about historical developments in Chinese art and religion. Method of Instruction: Structured around short lectures punctuated with group discussions and activities that focus on pivotal materials from the readings and lectures. There will be a number of site visits to look at examples of Chinese art (Elmira College collection, Johnson Museum, etc.). Method of Evaluation: Participation: 10%; Written: 30% (Three short papers (10% total) and Essay: Reading Deep in the Sources (20%); Examinations 60 % (2 Quizzes: 5% each; Test: midterm and final: 25% each). Meets *NWP Distribution Requirement.