Art of the Northern Song (960-1127) and Liao (907-1125) Dynasties of China (U02950)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-HNthSong

This course is offered to the third-year students and examines major developments of art in China from the tenth to the twelfth century, including the popularity of landscape paintings, the revival of archaic bronzes, the use of ceramics in rituals and tea-drinking, the function of works of art in establishing the image of the court, and the construction of relic deposits in preservation of the Buddhist Law. Emphasis would be given to the self-conscious use of different media, interrelationship between secular tomb burials and Buddhist practices, and the interplay of word and image. Notions such as 'patronage of art', 'mass-production and technological improvement', 'collection and the collectable', and 'art in understanding political and cosmological orders' will be the themes for discussion in the seminar.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in either History of Art 2 or Architectural History 2a and 2b

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History of Art, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	09:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : Seminars will take place on Thursdays, 1400-1550 and 1610 to 1800. Students will attend one of these.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

A focused look at the key turning point in Chinese history of art: late 10th to early 12th century. This course has two interrelated purposes: first, it surveys the major developments of Chinese art during this period; second, this survey has a strong focus on the fundamental ideas that grew out of the period and that set the tone for the visual arts throughout China in the centuries to come. It will be taught by a combination of lecture and seminars. Students are expected to become familiar with major achievements and the most prominent monuments of that period, and also to develop abilities to analyse individual works closely. There is a great deal of literature on the art of Northern Song that has largely counted on contemporary texts. However, modern archaeology has revealed information that sometimes contradicts historical texts. In taking this course, students will learn how to make critical use of both textual and material evidence in the study of Chinese art. No knowledge of Chinese is expected, but students who do know the language will be guided to appropriate sources. Visits to the National Museums of Scotland may be required.