ART 393 - Art of Writing

This course is a survey of the history and aesthetics of Chinese calligraphy from the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) through the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). In addition to familiarizing students to the calligraphy of this period, this course also seeks to bring into conversation early Chinese theories on writing and contemporary art historical literature on the relationship between words and images. Some questions that will guide the general theoretical arc of the course include how the origins and development of the Chinese writing systems inform its later incarnations as an inextricable part of literati art; what it might mean to emphasize the look of writing more than its linguistic characteristics; and how an everyday skill (writing for the sake of communication) and medium (brush and ink) become an art.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Prerequisite(s): ART 201
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Not offered: 2024-25
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).