Art History

This course examines the development of Chinese classical gardens; the characteristics of Chinese feudal society and the historical causes of the development of Chinese classical gardens; the cosmology and the realm of Chinese classical gardens; the principle of "neutralization" in Chinese classical aesthetics; the art of framing Chinese classical gardens' and the high degree of self-improvement of Chinese traditional cultural system and its influence on garden culture.

This course explores the development of Pop Art in the U.S. throughout the 1960s, with particular focus on its most prominent practitioner, Andy Warhol. It discusses how artists of the era created a new paradigm of modern art that often depicted consumerism and banality. This course also examines the ways some pop artists engaged with social issues such at the Vietnam war and the Civil Rights movement.

This course introduces Greek art and architecture in the period 2500-50 BC. In the context of abroad chronological survey, the focus is on three main themes: the relationship between Greek art and society; addressing current problems in Greek art history, reception of Greek art and contemporary society; and extensive training in visual analysis and the different lenses to look at Greek art. Through images, videos, and 3D models, but also through museum visits to the British Museum, students engage in detailed and in-depth object analyses and discussions.

This course studies and examines Chinese Buddhist art from historical and cultural perspectives to explore its origin, evolution and influence. The course also studies the transmission of Buddhism as well as its transformations through the investigation of the various art treasures found along the Silk Road. A study of these archaeological artifacts, religious monuments, and art and sculpture from the area reveals the fascinating story of the development of Buddhism from India to Central Asia and eventually to China, Korea and Japan. Assessment: short essay with 2,500-3,000 words (50%), 2 short quizzes (10%), presentation (25%), attendance and participation (15%)

This course provides a study of the international art trade. Topics include: the international art market; international art auctions; international art loans; black market; international thefts of works of art; illegal export of works of art.