During the Mao era, artistic expression in China was completely relegated to serving the propaganda interests of the CCP. After the post-Mao opening, avant-garde artists, such as the Stars group, seized upon the opportunity to explore western artistic influences and champion individualism and freedom of expression. In this class, we will explore the ways in which post-Mao (particularly avant-garde) Chinese art, reflected on and influenced modern Chinese culture and society. In each class or every other class, students will be given a packet with visual and written information on a particular work of art with a vocabulary list and grammar points for that material. Documentaries will also be used as a source of authentic input. Students will be expected to prepare to discuss the material in Chinese with the teacher and classmates during the next class meeting.
A course pack of various Chinese Avant-Garde art materials will be provided.
Learning Outcomes:
By end of the term, students will be able to...
...understand, discuss and critique various authentic Chinese Avant-Garde artworks and texts effectively communicate their thoughts on these in Chinese, both orally and in writing
...raise valid and rational questions regarding Avant-Garde Art in Chinese culture and analyze and discuss these questions in Chinese
...conduct independent research on Chinese Avant-Garde Art and history
...form ideas and opinions based on their research on the intersection of Chinese Avant-Garde Art, history, and culture and logically state and express their thoughts coherently and cohesively in Chinese
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Prerequisites: At least four terms of college level Chinese and permission of the instructor: email glin@bennington.edu.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 1:40PM - 3:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Chinese , Hybrid
Tags: analyzing , discussion , History , politics , socially engaged art