9419 - Chinese Visual Culture
Course Description
This course explores the rich and evolving visual culture of China, spanning from ancient times to the present. Students will examine key artistic and visual traditions, including Buddhist art, classical Chinese painting, calligraphy, woodblock print, alongside modern expressions such as propaganda posters, photography, and film. Through a combination of historical analysis and critical discussion, the course investigates how visual media have shaped and reflected Chinese history, society, politics, and philosophy. Topics include the religious and symbolic functions of Buddhist murals and sculptures, the aesthetics and techniques of traditional ink painting and calligraphy, the role of visual culture in state ideology through propaganda art, and the transformation of Chinese society as captured in photography and cinema. By engaging with these diverse visual forms, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical continuity and innovation within Chinese visual culture.
Learner Outcomes
The main goal is to identify and analyze the major visual culture traditions and practices in Chinese history. Following completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Be familiar with different art forms in China.
- Have a better understanding of how artists work in their historical context.
- Read visual and textual materials critically.
- Improve your communication skills.
- Broaden the sources of your artistic inspiration.
Notes
For RISD Students:
RISD Continuing Education (CE) credit is treated as transfer credit by RISD’s undergraduate degree programs. If approved, satisfactory completion of this course with a ‘C’ or better can count as 3 transfer credits toward History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences (HPSS) or Liberal Arts Elective (LAEL) elective requirements. Complete the Prior Approval for Liberal Arts Credit form in etrieve before completing the online course registration.
Students from institutions other than RISD:
Students seeking academic credits are urged to contact their home institution to arrange prior approval before registering. Policies on transfer credit vary by institution and by program, and it is at the discretion of your home institution to determine what credits it will accept and how they might meet individual academic requirements.
For additional information about RISD Summer Intensives and Transfer Credit Policies, visit our webpage.
Prerequisites
Students must be an adult age 18 or older to participate.