
This course will introduce students to Chinese calligraphy as both a distinctive form of art and an integral part of Chinese traditional culture. We will investigate the major script types and examine important artists and their works within the broader context of Chinese history. Aesthetic issues will be discussed in relation to contemporaneous developments in philosophy, religion, government, society, and culture. We will also explore the relations between calligraphy and other forms of Chinese art, including music, dancing, painting and poetry. Students will learn the aesthetic and cultural values of Chinese calligraphy, as well as the fundamental brush and ink techniques through readings, class discussions, and studio practices.