Oriental languages and civilizations

ELISABETTA CORSI
ELISABETTA CORSI

This course has four learning objectives, modulated by four compulsory exercises of increasing difficulty: 1. developing the ability to observe and describe an artistic artefact; 2. developing critical thinking through analytical reading; 3. developing critical thinking through argumentative writing; 4. applying what has been studied to develop a mini-research project on a museum activity or art exhibition.
At the end of the course, students will be able to: describe, both orally and in writing, the materials and media through which the language of art is developed in China; identify and describe at least three artefacts from each of the artistic areas studied: ceramics, bronzes, paintings, sculptures, buildings; make connections between the topics studied in this course and those studied in other disciplines of their core curriculum.

This course has four learning objectives, modulated by four compulsory exercises of increasing difficulty: 1. developing the ability to observe and describe an artistic artefact; 2. developing critical thinking through analytical reading; 3. developing critical thinking through argumentative writing; 4. applying what has been studied to develop a mini-research project on a museum activity or art exhibition.
At the end of the course, students will be able to: describe, both orally and in writing, the materials and media through which the language of art is developed in China; identify and describe at least three artefacts from each of the artistic areas studied: ceramics, bronzes, paintings, sculptures, buildings; make connections between the topics studied in this course and those studied in other disciplines of their core curriculum.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

What do we mean by 'art in China'? And why not just 'Chinese art'? When did the first art forms appear in China? To what artefacts did the Chinese ascribe the value of 'art'? These and other questions will be explored over the twelve weeks of this course. It will address a series of questions, one for each week, that are crucial to understanding the role of art, particularly calligraphy and painting, in Chinese society. While following a chronological development, the emphasis will be on a problem-based learning approach, while the learning environment will be experiential. In this sense, students will be encouraged to intervene in class by asking questions and participating in discussions. The course includes four compulsory exercises (even for students who are unable to attend the course due to serious family or health reasons) to be carried out according to the class schedule, which is an integral part of the syllabus. The first three are individual exercises and the last is a group exercise.

Textbooks: Craig CLunas, Art in China, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1997;
Li Zehou, La via della bellezza. Per una storia della cultura estetica cinese, Torino, Einaudi, 2004.

We adopt a Flipped classroom modality for this course. During the first week we will see how it works.

Attendance is strongly recommended

The course includes four compulsory exercises (even for students who are unable to attend the course due to serious family or health reasons) to be carried out according to the class schedule, which is an integral part of the syllabus. The first three are individual exercises and the last one is a group exercise.
Active students: four exercises during the semester: 40%
participation in class discussions 10%
final written test 50%
Inactive students: three exercises to be submitted one week prior to the written test 30% (inactive students do not take the group exercise)
final written test 50%
final oral test 20%

• Topic 1: On the concept of art (week 1: 2-3 October)
  • Books: Read the introduction to your textbook, Art in China by Craig Clunas (p. 9-13)


• Topic 2: Religion and art (weeks 2-3: 9-17 October)
  • Books: Art in China, Chapter 1


• Topic 3: Art in the Court (weeks 4-5: 23-31 October)
  • Books: Art in China, Chapter 2


• Topic 4: Art in the Temple (weeks 6-7: 6-14 novembre)
  • Books: Art in China, Chapter 3


• Topic 5: Art in the Life of the Elite (weeks 8-9: 20-28 November)
  • Books: Art in China, Chapter 4