ART 171 - Art of the East II: Japan

Cross-Listed as ASIA 171

This course examines the art, architecture, and broader visual culture of Japan. We will discuss a diverse array of art and objects from Neolithic Jomon pottery, Shinto shrines, and print media to Buddhist sculpture, postwar art trends, anime (cartoons) and manga (comics); in the process, students will learn methods of formal visual analysis and gain insight into the artistic, social, economic, political, and religious function of each work. Through this course, students will learn to view various artworks, spaces, and objects in their historical contexts and how they influence contemporary practices. Class discussions and projects provide the opportunity to critically reflect on narratives about Japanese culture. (4 Credits)