Arts of the Korean Dynasties

This module examines key themes in pre-modern Korean visual and material culture in relation to religious, literary, historical and/or social contexts.

The material covered may address a particular theme - such as Buddhist Art and Ritual or Court and State - or address a particular period in Korean history, such as the Goryeo (AD918-1392) and/or Joseon (AD1392-1910) periods. A sustained thread is the continuous interaction between Korea and neighbouring China and Japan in terms of religious transmission, political networks and trade relations.

The material examined may range widely from religious paintings, sculpture and/or architecture to the secular arts, such as lacquer, prints, ceramics and textiles or focus on one particular media, such as paintings or ceramics. Class discussion will be complemented by study-visits to museums. 

Objectives and learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• examine critical issues in the study of the arts of pre-modern Korea
• evaluate the political, social and/or religious contexts for the production and use of art in the pre-modern Korean peninsula
• assess the historiography of the art and visual culture of pre-modern Korea

Workload

• 1-hour lecture, 1-hour seminar

Scope and syllabus

This module examines key themes in pre-modern Korean visual and material culture in relation to religious, literary, historical and/or social contexts. The material covered may address a particular theme - such as Buddhist Art and Ritual or Court and State – within a particular period in pre-modern Korean history, such as the Goryeo (AD918-1392) and Joseon (AD1392-1910) periods, or over a longer time span.

A sustained thread is the continuous interaction between Korea and neighbouring China and Japan in terms of religious transmission, political networks and trade relations. The material examined may range from religious paintings, sculpture and/or architecture to the secular arts, such as lacquer, ceramics and/or textiles. Class discussion will be complemented by study-visits to museums. 

Topics that may be addressed include: 

• Art and ritual in Buddhist Korea 
• Landscape painting and portraiture 
• Artists, status and society 
• Production and patronage 
• Canons, collecting and display 
• Power, politics and authority 

Method of assessment

• One 2,000-word essay (worth 70%)
• One open book object analysis test (worth 30%)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.