CHI 352SEM—Chinese Writing System and Calligraphy

Calligraphy, the art of Chinese character writing was an essential part of high culture in China for centuries and remains an important artifact of traditional Chinese culture today. This course aims to provide an introduction of the history and basic features of Chinese writing system and Chinese calligraphy. Through lectures, readings, class discussions, assignments, the course introduces 1) linguistic, cultural, and philosophical aspects of Chinese writing system; 2) the Chinese script and the development of Chinese calligraphy; 3) writing instruments and training procedures of Chinese calligraphy; and 4) basic techniques of practicing Chinese calligraphy. Students will also have an opportunity to practice Chinese calligraphy in class. This course is taught in English.