CHINESE BUDDHIST WOODCUTS 850-1450

Credit Hours: 3 · Undergraduate Upper-Level

This course will study woodblock print illustrations in the context of cultural change. Buddhism and printing have been closely related since the dawn of the age of print. Many scriptures reproduced by woodblock printing were imbedded with illustrations, which themselves offer an effective tool to study cultural transformation. The seminar draws sources from both images and texts. Its cross-cultural perspective highlights nomads and non-Chinese peoples as agents of cultural transformation, with additional visual comparisons from Korean, Japanese, and Islamic traditions. In addition to weekly discussions, the final evaluation includes a research paper and a 30-minute presentation. Students should have an advanced background in Chinese art to take this seminar. Readings will include both Chinese and English sources. Some classes will meet at area museums. Instructor Permission Required. Recommended Prerequisite(s): HART 372 or ASIA 372 ; students should have Chinese reading skills Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for HART 460 if student has credit for HART 661.