Course Syllabus Course Name: Japanese Art First Year Available: Year 1 (Freshman) Course Code: ARTS/JPNA250 Subject Area: ART Style of Class: Lecture Number of Credits: 3 Term(s) Offered: Fall Semesters Prerequisites: None Instructor(s): Alexander Wilds Course Description This survey course introduces the aesthetics of Japanese art, architecture and traditional crafts. While the course provides a chronological approach as a historical framework, and covers master works from the Nara, Heian, and Kamakura periods, the course focuses upon work from the Momoyama period onward, that is, the fully developed traditional Japanese aesthetic. Beyond the identification of iconic images, salient architectural features and objects such as those used in the tea ceremony, the course includes writings regarding Japanese aesthetics by Tanizaki, Okakura, and Hearn, among others. Evaluation is through four written examinations and research paper. Course Objectives At the end of this course, students should be able to: (i) identify a variety of Japanese artworks and architecture by type, use, and period, (ii) explain general principles of Japanese aesthetics using the proper terms (iii) ask informed questions and express reasoned opinions regarding unknown works (iv ) demonstrate an informed appreciation for the art and architecture of traditional Japan. Course Expectations All students will submit a final paper, and give a presentation on their paper topic during Week 15 of the semester. Noting that the course covers 1500 years in 15 weeks, there are considerable reading assignments. Students cannot expect to pass the course if they fail to read assignments and attend the lectures on a regular basis. Grading Criteria There will be four in‐class examinations, one every four weeks, as well as a final paper and presentation. Grading is as follows: attendance and participation (20%); exam scores (60%); final paper/presentation (20%). Paper One essay (8–10 typed pages, double‐spaced), due Week 15 of the semester. The topic of the paper will be delivered by each student as a 10 minute lecture/presentation. You will be asked to submit a brief proposal before mid‐term. Required Materials and Textbooks History of Japanese Art by Penelope Mason (Oct 4, 2004) Japan: The Shaping of Daimyo Culture 1185‐1868 by Yoshiaki Shimizu (Jun 1988) Additional readings assignments, instructions, study guides, review questions, and tests will be posted on the course website by the instructor. Lectures and Readings PART I: Survey of Japanese Art History WEEK 1 (Day1): Roots of Japanese culture; Jomon, Yayoi, China and Korea – Distinctions between myth and historical fact. (Day2): Distinguishing features of Japanese ethos in art and culture. Differences between The art of China and the art of Japan. WEEK 2 (Day1): The age of myth ‐ Proto‐historic Japanese art and architecture, and its resonance today. (Day2): Tang China, introduction of Buddhism, and the birth of imperial Japan – Asuka period. WEEK 3 (Day1): Nara and the founding of a Japanese aesthetic identity. (Day2): Horyuji, Kofokuji, Todaiji, esoteric Buddhist art WEEK 4 (Day1): Heian‐kyo and the classical period. Masterpieces of Classical Japanese Architecture. (Day2): Kamakura Period and the rise of the Daimyo. Masterpieces of figurative sculpture. WEEK 5 (Day1): Sengoku and Momoyama periods, the development of armour and the folding screen (Day2): Tea, Sen no Rikyo, and the elevation of the rustic. WEEK 6 (Day1): Zen, gardens, and the Chashitsu (Day2): Edo period: The codification of Japanese art: Japanese Painting – the Kano School, and the development of wood block prints WEEK 7 (Day1): The Black Ships – advent of western influences on the art of the Meiji period. (Day2): Japan in the Jazz age WEEK 8 (Day1): Modern Japanese art (Day2): “Way out but classic” Reflection of traditional Japanese aesthetics in contemporary design PART II: A Survey of Japanese Art Forms WEEK 9 (Day1): Form and Measure in architecture – Elements of a traditional Japanese house. (Day2): Surface, texture, and structure – How to build a Japanese house. WEEK 10 (Day1): The Japanese garden (Day2): A historical sketch of tea bowls, development, manufacture, and aesthetics WEEK 11 (Day1): Chawan: a survey of principle ceramic types of Japan (Day2): Sado: aesthetics of the chashitsu WEEK 12 (Day1): The soul of the samurai part 1 – swords and the aesthetics of arms and armour. (Day2): The soul of the samurai part 2 – swords and the aesthetics of arms and armour WEEK 13 (Day1): What shall we wear today? Fabric art (Day2): Accessories – True beauty on a small scale WEEK 14 (Day1): Summary lecture: Essentials of Japanese aesthetic principles, wabisabi, shibui, etc., (Day2): Summary lecture: Essentials of Japanese design principles – composition, balance, and craftsmanship WEEK 15 (Day1 and 2): Presentations of student research projects and following discussions WEEK 16 (Day1): Concluding lecture on the beauty of Japan and final discussion.