107-451 The Floating World: Japanese Prints

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in art history.

This subject examines the evolution of the Japanese woodblock print from the 17th century until the present. The development of this unique art form will be discussed in relation to the cultural and historical background of the Edo period through to the revival of the woodblock print medium in the 20th century and will focus on the interplay between technique, subject matter and artistic expression. The broader significance of this medium will be examined in the context of Japonisme and its enduring influence on contemporary Japanese and international art. Students will be given the chance to examine original artworks in Melbourne private and public collections. On completion of this subject students should have developed an understanding and appreciation of the history of the Japanese woodblock print, the major artists and subject matter. The subject will equip students with the ability to identify the artists, an understanding of the way in which subject matter and expression reflected popular taste and an awareness of the inventive compositional techniques that were to have such a profound influence on the direction of Western art.

• 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 intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

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

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

A 1000 word essay 20% (due during semester) and a 4000 word essay 80% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.