| Part II | Option | Convenor: Dr Hajni Elias |
Course Description 2025-26
This course covers Chinese art and material culture from the Neolithic period to the present, covering both dynastic and modern times.
This course examines Chinese art and material culture from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to the present covering both dynastic and modern times. It provides an object and theme-based learning experience in areas such as archaic bronzes and jades, early imperial tomb art, ceramics made for the imperial courts and the export markets, arts of the ‘High Qing’, propaganda art of the Cultural Revolution and the visual arts of contemporary China. The course aims to give participants a deeper understanding of China’s cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions through the examination of key material culture in its historic context. Reference will also be made to textual sources where relevant. The course incorporates a day trip to the British Museum in London to view the Chinese Art Galleries, combined with a special handling session of objects from the museum’s collection.
Form and Conduct
Examination will take the form of a 5,000-word research essay on a subject chosen in consultation with the instructor. Students will be encouraged to choose a topic within the areas of art or material culture covered in the course. The essay is to be submitted at the start of the Easter Term and will be based on independent research focused on topics or objects within the material culture. Students will be required to engage with relevant secondary literature and make use of primary and/or secondary sources in Chinese.
This description is subject to change, for the latest information, students should consult the Undergraduate Handbook available on the Faculty Intranet.