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Western and Chinese Art

Masters and Classics

Ying Xiao and Jing Sun

Throughout human history, art has served as a window into current events, traditions, societies and culture. And, Chinese and Western civilizations have produced some of the most famous artworks by world-renowned artists.

This course will examine Western and Chinese art, artists and history. Through exploring immortal works of art, this course will help learners gain insight into our shared history and better understand culture, both past and present.

From an interdisciplinary perspective of art history, aesthetics, intellectual history and cultural history, we will explore spiritual and cultural questions such as “where are we from” and “what is humanity.” The course will present a general overview of Chinese art and Western art, focusing on major works with special attention paid to the comparison between China and the West and between tradition and modernity.

In this course, learners will develop a systematic knowledge of Western and Chinese art history, its artists and aesthetic theories. Students will develop aesthetic judgment, appreciation and a knowledge of humanities, and cultivate their artistic tastes.

Join us as we survey renowned Chinese and Western artists and deepen our understanding and appreciation of art, history and culture.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Major works of chinese and western art, the artists, and aesthetic theories
How art can be used to analyze current events, traditions, culture, and society

How to compare china and the west and tradition and modernity through art

Major works of chinese and western art, the artists, and aesthetic theories
How art can be used to analyze current events, traditions, culture, and society
How to compare china and the west and tradition and modernity through art

Syllabus

Throughout our 15 weeks together, we will cover the following: A Survey of Art: Subjects and Methodology Dawn of Icons: Masterpieces by Anonymous Masters Aesthetics of Mythological Creation: From Homer to Phidias Majesty and Divinity: From Bronzes to Han Dynasty Stone Carvings Grief and Transcendence: Wang Xizhi and Gu Kaizhi Unrestrained-ness and unconventional-ness: Zhang Xu and Wu Daozi The Divine Human Body: Giotto and Jan van Eyck Divinity of the Human Body: From da Vinci to Titian Nature and Human Nature: Rubens, Poussin and Rembrandt Verve and Character: From Wang Wei to Ni Zan Personality and Love for Ridicule: Xu Wei the Lunatic Transition of Classicism: From David to Courbet Wilderness of Passion: Constable and Turner Experience and Contemplation: Van Gogh and Cézanne Boundless Art: From Marcel Duchamp to Andy Warhol

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the ways art reflects culture across time and space

Taught by instructors from Chinese and Western universities

Examines art through an interdisciplinary perspective, including art history, aesthetics, intellectual history, and cultural history

Provides a comparison between China and the West alongside tradition and modernity, widening students' perspective on art

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Reviews summary

Inbetween intro course

According to students, this course provides in-between level knowledge of Eastern and Western Art History. However, it only provides an introduction to the subject and could benefit from more engaging materials.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Western and Chinese Art: Masters and Classics with these activities:

Review 'Art: The Whole Story'

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Discuss an overview of the development of Western art from prehistory to the late 20th century. Examine key art movements, styles, and artists, providing a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

View A World History of Art on Amazon

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Review High School Art History

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Review the basics of Western and Chinese art history to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Art History

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Review your high school art history notes.
Read a general overview of art history, such as "Gardner's Art Through the Ages".
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your knowledge.

Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Chinese Art Collection

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Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website and explore their collection of Chinese art. Examine various artworks and learn about their historical context, cultural significance, and artistic techniques.

Browse courses on Chinese Art

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Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website.
Browse the Chinese art collection.
Select an artwork that interests you.
Read the information about the artwork.

Nine other activities

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Read "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich

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Provide a comprehensive overview of Western art history.

View E. H. Gombrich on Fresco Painting on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week.
Take notes on the key ideas and concepts.

Explore Online Art History Resources

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Expand your knowledge of art history by utilizing reputable and informative online resources.

Browse courses on Art History

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Identify reliable online art history resources, such as museum websites and academic journals.
Explore these resources to find articles, videos, and interactive materials.
Incorporate these resources into your study routine.

Analyze Artworks Using Formal Elements

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Practice identifying and describing the formal elements of artworks, such as line, shape, color, and texture. Improve your ability to analyze and interpret artworks by applying these elements.

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Select an artwork for analysis.
Identify the formal elements present in the artwork.
Describe how the elements are used to create a specific effect or convey a message.

Discuss the Cultural Impact of Art

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Participate in a group discussion to explore the cultural impact of art throughout history. Discuss how art reflects and influences societal values, beliefs, and traditions, deepening your understanding of the role of art in shaping human civilization.

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Join a peer discussion group.
Research the cultural impact of art.
Prepare to share your ideas and perspectives.
Participate in the group discussion.

Create a Timeline of Chinese and Western Art

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Visually organize and compare the development of Chinese and Western art over time.

Browse courses on Art History

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Research the major periods and movements in Chinese and Western art.
Create a timeline using a tool like Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or Prezi.
Include key artworks, artists, and styles in your timeline.

Attend a Virtual Art Exhibition

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Engage with the art community and learn about contemporary art trends.

Browse courses on Art History

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Research upcoming virtual art exhibitions.
Attend an exhibition and explore the artworks.
Network with other attendees and artists.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to reinforce concepts, discuss ideas, and enhance understanding.

Browse courses on Art History

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Find or create a study group with other students in the course.
Meet regularly to review course materials.
Work together to complete assignments and prepare for assessments.

Analyze Artworks from Different Cultures

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Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by examining and comparing artworks.

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Select a variety of artworks from different cultures and time periods.
Analyze each artwork using the elements of art (e.g., line, color, texture).
Compare and contrast the artworks based on their similarities and differences.

Develop a Curated Art Collection Proposal

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Apply your knowledge of art history and aesthetics to create a proposal for a curated art collection.

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Define the theme and focus of the collection.
Research artworks and artists that align with the theme.
Create a proposal document outlining the collection's concept, rationale, and budget.

Career center

Learners who complete Western and Chinese Art: Masters and Classics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research in colleges and universities. This course will help you build a strong foundation in art history, and it will provide you with the skills that you need to teach and conduct research. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Art historian

Art Historians research, analyze, and interpret art. This course will help you build a strong foundation in art history, and it will provide you with the skills that you need to analyze and interpret works of art. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Artwork Appraiser

Artwork Appraisers determine the value of works of art. This course will help you to develop the knowledge and skills that you need to appraise works of art. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the factors that affect the value of works of art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artwork Appraiser

Researcher

Researchers conduct original research in a variety of fields. This course will help you build a strong foundation in art history, and it will provide you with the skills that you need to conduct research. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Curator

Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions in museums and galleries. This course will help you to develop the knowledge and skills that you need to be a curator. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the principles of exhibition design and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Gallery Director

Gallery Directors are responsible for the overall operation of art galleries. This course will help you to develop the knowledge and skills that you need to be a gallery director. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the business of art and gallery management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gallery Director

Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes and audiences. This course will help you build a strong foundation in art history, and it will provide you with the skills that you need to write about art. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts.

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Art Critic

Art Critics write about visual art, using the knowledge that they've gained on art and its history to evaluate artworks. This course covers major works of Chinese and Western art, and it provides a foundation for appreciating different art styles and contexts. The understanding that you will gain in this course will help you to write and speak about works of art, and to analyze pieces within and across cultures.

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Conservator

Conservators preserve and restore works of art. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills that you need to be a conservator. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the materials and techniques used in the creation and preservation of works of art.

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Art dealer

Art Dealers buy and sell works of art. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills that you need to be an art dealer. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the art market and the business of art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art dealer

Art Educator

Art Educators teach art to students in a variety of settings. This course will help you build a strong foundation in art history, and it will provide you with the skills that you need to teach art. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Educator

Museum Director

Museum Directors are responsible for the overall operation of museums. This course will help you to develop the knowledge and skills that you need to be a museum director. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the business of museum management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Director

Art Consultant

Art Consultants advise clients on the purchase, sale, and care of works of art. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills that you need to be an art consultant. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts. You'll also learn about the art market and the business of art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Consultant

Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of settings. This course will help you build a strong foundation in art history, and it will provide you with the skills that you need to teach art. You'll learn about the major works of Chinese and Western art, and you'll gain an understanding of different art styles and contexts.

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Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and more. The knowledge that you'll gain in this course about art history and aesthetics will help you to make informed decisions about the visual elements of marketing materials, and to understand how images and symbols can be used to communicate ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Reading list

We've selected 18 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Western and Chinese Art: Masters and Classics.

Spatial Dunhuang

Save

This comprehensive textbook provides a detailed overview of Chinese art history, covering a wide range of periods, styles, and artists. It useful reference for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the context and development of Chinese art.

Spatial Dunhuang: Experiencing the Mogao Caves

Hardcover

$$$

(中文) Spatial Dunhuang: Approaching the Mogao Caves...

Hardcover

Spatial Dunhuang: Experiencing the Mogao Caves

Kindle Edition

$$$

A History of the Western Art Market

Save

This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of Western art history, covering a wide range of periods, styles, and artists. It useful reference for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the context and development of Western art.

Western and Chinese Art

Masters and Classics

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Inbetween intro course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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