About ARTH 2990 A
Intermediate courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
Notes
Prereqs: ARTH 1410 or ARTH 1420. Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations. PACE students by permission and override. System waitlisting enabled for this section.
Section URL
Course materials, readings, assignments, and announcements will be available through UVM Brightspace
Section Description
This course explores the visual arts and material cultures of China, Korea, and Japan from the Neolithic period to the late nineteenth century, examining how artistic traditions have been shaped by philosophical ideas, religious beliefs, political institutions, and cultural exchanges. Taking an interdisciplinary and comparative approach, the course investigates the relationships between art, power, identity, and society, emphasizing how visual culture both reflects and challenges prevailing values and ideologies.
Major themes include the influence of Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Buddhism, Shamanism, and Shintoism on East Asian artistic and aesthetic traditions; the relationship between art, ritual, and political authority; and the circulation of artistic practices and ideas across geographical and cultural boundaries. Through selected case studies involving ritual bronzes, funerary art, Buddhist sculpture and architecture, landscape painting, calligraphy, ceramics, and woodblock prints, students will explore how artistic expression intersects with religion, philosophy, social hierarchy, and cultural identity.
The course also introduces critical perspectives on gender, class, nationalism, colonialism, Orientalism, and cultural authenticity, encouraging students to question conventional narratives of East Asian art and history. Particular attention is given to how artistic traditions have been interpreted, appropriated, and transformed through cross-cultural encounters, including the Silk Road, the Mongol Empire, Chinoiserie, and Japonisme.
Through visual analysis, comparative discussions, and engagement with historical and contemporary scholarship, students will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between art, culture, and society in East Asia. No prior knowledge of East Asian art or history is required.
Section Expectation
Students are encouraged to approach the course with intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to engage with unfamiliar artistic traditions, philosophical ideas, and historical perspectives.
Regular attendance and active participation are essential. Students are expected to attend lectures, arrive on time, complete assigned readings before class, and engage thoughtfully with the artworks and historical questions discussed throughout the semester.
The course emphasizes critical thinking, visual analysis, and the ability to connect artistic practices with broader philosophical, religious, political, and cultural contexts. Students will complete short analytical assignments designed to strengthen their ability to interpret and compare artworks and apply different theoretical perspectives.
The major assessments include a midterm examination, a final examination, and a five-page final research paper on a selected topic in East Asian visual culture. Students will have opportunities to explore subjects of particular interest through their independent research.
All required readings and course materials will be available through Brightspace. Students should regularly check Brightspace and their UVM email for announcements, assignments, and updates.
Evaluation
The course is designed to encourage consistent engagement with the material and provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of East Asian art and visual culture through examinations, independent research, and class participation.
Final grades are based on the following components:
Midterm Examination: 30%
Final Examination: 30%
Final Research Paper: 20%
Attendance and Class Participation: 20%
The midterm and final examinations assess students' understanding of major artworks, artistic traditions, philosophical concepts, and historical developments, as well as their ability to critically interpret visual materials within broader cultural, political, and religious contexts.
The final research paper provides students with an opportunity to investigate a topic of particular interest in East Asian art and visual culture. Students are encouraged to develop their own interpretations, engage with relevant scholarship, and explore connections between artistic expression and its historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts.
Attendance is extremely important in this course. Lectures provide essential historical explanations, visual analyses, and critical perspectives that complement the assigned readings. Regular attendance, punctuality, and active participation are crucial for academic success.
Students are permitted a maximum of three unexcused absences to receive a passing grade. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of each class, and students are expected to participate consistently throughout the semester.
Additional details regarding examinations, the final paper, attendance, and grading policies will be provided in the course syllabus.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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| Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund | |
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Resources
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