Diverse and dynamic, art is integral to the cultural and religious expressions of Asian societies through history.  This course offers an introduction to Asian art from Central Asia and India to China and Japan.  It acquaints students with ways of interpreting the art of Asia, focusing on the relationships between art and religion (particularly Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam), literature and performance, and the historical relationships between the art of different regions of Asia to underline the creative exchanges and innovations that took place.  

As part of the Art History and Art History and Curatorship program, the course offers preparation in skills applicable to careers in the visual arts and museum and gallery sectors.  It is also a foundation for students interested in more advanced subsequent study of specific areas of Asian art and for those studying Asian languages, culture and societies.

No prior knowledge of Asian history or language is expected.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1.     recognize key attributes of Asian art and use these to identify Asian works of art;

2.    relate art objects and creation to their historical and contemporary milieu;

3.     reflect on and discuss the ways in which meanings are communicated by Asian art;

4.     research, select and combine examples and integrate key textual sources and examples of art works to develop and present, orally and in writing, their own perspectives on Asian art.

Tutorial research presentation (10%), research paper 2500 words (30%), analysis of a work of art 1500 words (20%), visual paper (25%), participation (10%), contributions to on-line forum (5%).

Students can expect to spend an average of two and a half class contact hours a week (lectures and one hour tutorial) and an additional 7.5 hours per week in reading and assignment preparation. Some classes will be held off-campus at cultural institutions in Canberra. Tutorial attendance is mandatory.

Meher MacArthur. The Arts of Asia: Materials, Techniques, Styles. London: Thames and Hudson, 2005