SEMINAR IN EAST ASIAN ART HISTORY*

概要

Texts, such as words, syllables, spells, speech, poems, anecdotes, tales, etc., have played a significant role in the creation of art in East Asia. This class examines various image-text relationships in Japanese visual culture and is organized around two themes: (1) word and image; and (2) visual narratives. The first theme analyzes ways in which words were alternated, inserted, and overlapped with images and the practice of inscribing texts on objects, such as stones, bells, architecture, prints, and sculptures. The second theme explores how stories were told visually in different formats. Each theme will begin with a historical overview of its development in East Asian art so that we will be able to situate textualization of images and visualization of texts within a broader cultural context. We will then delve into a series of case studies through which we will see how images and texts were employed together to convey meanings, express emotion, and affect society. As many works in Japanese art history concern religions, we will discuss how Buddhist ideas about language informed the cultural production surrounding the dual uses of images and texts. Students will be expected to actively engage in class discussions, write research papers, and view works in museums during the semester.

目標

After taking this course, students will be able to: -formulate their ideas, arguments, and research topics on image-text relationship in Japanese visual culture -develop skills in academic discussion and presentations -think critically about visual works and their associated historical, cultural, and political contexts -have a deep understanding of the roles of language in artistic production in East Asia -understand how knowledge is constructed, circulated, and preserved through the dual use of texts and images, and the relationship between sacred words and devotional activities.

授業外の学習

-finish reading assignments before each class (70 minutes) -prepare for class discussions and activities (60 minutes) -write response papers and review class materials (60 minutes)

所要時間: At least 190 minutes per class