107-026 Studies in Asian Art and Architecture

Bachelor of Creative Arts students may credit this subject to a Media Arts and Visual Media major at second or third year.

Usually 25 points of first-year art history, see Prerequisites

The subject introduces students to the art and architecture of India, China, Japan and Indonesia from Neolithic time until the 20th century. It examines the ways in which common themes are taken up in the artistic expression of different societies. Matters considered include the Japanese ceramic tradition; yoga, posture and gesture in Asian art; Japanese Buddhist sculpture; South Indian bronzes; Indian influenced Javanese art; Tang tombs: mausoleum architecture and mural painting; the East Asian Buddhist temple with Horyuji as archetype; Japanese scroll painting from the 12th to 14th century; symbolism in Japanese art; Rimpa painting of Japan; and Japonisme and the Japanese woodblock print. On completion of the subject students should have an understanding of the diversity of Asian art, the various influences that acted upon it and the traditions that underpinned its expression.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge in an intelligent and economical way through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, essays, assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.