CHIN 069. The Art of Living: Taste and Aesthetics in Chinese Cultural Traditions

This course will explore various dimensions of taste and aesthetics in traditional Chinese culture-from the earliest times into the recent past. Broader aspects of the course will include concept, form, and substance in classical literary, and philosophical formulations; ritual practice and ceremonial performance; and continuities and disjunctures in private vs. public and individual vs. societal taste. More focused readings and discussions will concern food, alcohol, tea, and the culinary arts; appreciation, aesthetics, and poetics in music, painting, calligraphy, literature, sculpture, and theater; the harmony of the human body and the evaluation of beauty and suitability in men and women; landscape appreciation and visions of the natural world; leisure and the passa tempo pursuits of Go, flower and tree arrangement, and elegant gatherings.
No prerequisites, no knowledge of Chinese required; all readings in English.
Eligible for ASIA credit.
(Cross-listed as LITR 069CH)
1 credit.
Spring 2015. Berkowitz.
http://www.swarthmore.edu/chinese
Modern Languages and Literatures: Chinese

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