Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit takes place in China. It will equip you with some of the knowledge and skills necessary to engaging with Chinese artists and the booming Chinese artworld. Since 2000, a network of artists, curators, galleries, museums and scholars have created a massive wave of new art in China, both traditional and contemporary. As part of this unit we will visit and experience a traditional art school that specialises in calligraphy, landscape painting and stamp making. Here we will attend a symposium on Chinese art. We will also visit more radical, contemporary artists in their studios in the 798 and Caochangdicun districts of Beijing.

Students will be able to meet scholars and artists as part of their time in China, and learn some of the skills to undertaking ethnographic research in difficult, cross-cultural conditions. More broadly, knowing both the traditional and contemporary sides of art practice in China will give the skills to navigate the very specific cultural conditions for artists working there today. Such knowledge is of crucial importance for students interested in making connections into China.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025ChinaFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Fine Arts; History of Art; Art History and Curatorial Studies major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) locate artworks within the historical and cultural context of twenty-first century China; (2) apply key theoretical principles of art history to analysis of Chinese artworks; (3) use art historical techniques alongside skills in research, expression and critical thought; (4) integrate visual and aesthetic analyses of artworks into historical and theoretical arguments; and (5) make clear and logical arguments underpinned by critical reading within a research essay.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) abstract for research essay; and (3) in-class participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Senior Lecturer Darren Jorgensen
Unit rules
Prerequisites
At least one Level 2 unit from the History of Art major sequence.
Incompatibility
HART2044 Chinese Art: Contemporary and Traditional
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Internal transport, accommodation, translation (estimated cost - $2000).
Contact hours
60 hours of combined seminars, workshops and studio visits
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.