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    Oct 14, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Bulletin

ARTH 1400 - Arts of China, Japan, and Korea


This course explores the rich world of East Asian art. The primary objectives are to acquire a working knowledge of representative art from China, Japan, and Korea, analyze the historical and philosophical influences on this art, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and examine the key stylistic, aesthetic, and compositional qualities that define East Asian art. Throughout the course, students will also refine their skills in critical analysis, of both texts and images, and will learn to communicate their insights through clear and engaging writing.

This course examines a variety of art forms, including painting, calligraphy, woodblock prints, tomb art, sculpture, and ceramics. It also explores the key artistic communities and institutions that shaped their production, such as scholar-elites, imperial courts, temples, and commercial enterprises. Across these topics, students will analyze the style, subject, and patronage of works of art, as well as their relationship to religion, society, politics, and culture. No prior knowledge of Asian art, language, or history is required. The course includes a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Credits: 4