This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the history of Japanese visual culture, introducing the art of the archipelago from ancient times through the present day. Although primarily a chronological historical examination of key artistic monuments, the class will also discuss thematic issues such as the materiality of artworks, cultural exchange, the conceptions of nature and naturalness, and the relationships between artistic productions and religion, class, and society.

The course makes no claim to being comprehensive, and the goal of the lectures is only to introduce you to the range of artistic productions in Japan and the ways that visual art has interacted with the cultures that produced it. At the end of the semester, you should have a better understanding of many aspects of Japanese history, thought, religion, and visual culture; you should also have developed a heightened awareness of and sophistication about the visual world in general.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $50-$100

HISTART category for concentration distributions: C. Asia (includes China, Japan, India, South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific), 2. Medieval, 3. Early Modern.

This class meets the LS&A Humanities requirement.