Chinese Calligraphy and Symbolism

📚 Course Title: Chinese Calligraphy and Symbolism


🏫 Course Description:

This course explores the art of Chinese calligraphy as both a visual and symbolic system. Students will examine the historical evolution of Chinese scripts, analyze major calligraphic styles, and interpret the philosophical and cultural meanings embedded in Chinese characters. Practical instruction will accompany theoretical study, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with traditional brush techniques and ink.


🎯 Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and distinguish between major Chinese script forms (oracle bone, seal, clerical, cursive, regular, running).
  2. Understand the historical and philosophical foundations of Chinese calligraphy.
  3. Analyze the symbolic meanings of specific characters and calligraphic compositions.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in basic brush techniques.
  5. Critically engage with the aesthetics and cultural significance of calligraphy in Chinese society.


🧾 Prerequisites:

None. Knowledge of Chinese language is beneficial but not required.


📅 Weekly Syllabus:

Week 1: Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

  • Course overview
  • Origins of Chinese writing: Oracle bones and early scripts
  • Basic tools: Brush, ink, paper, inkstone ("Four Treasures")

Week 2: Evolution of Script Forms

  • Seal script (篆书)
  • Clerical script (隶书)
  • Regular script (楷书)
  • Reading: Tseng, "A History of Chinese Calligraphy"

Week 3: Philosophy and Aesthetics

  • Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist perspectives on writing
  • Calligraphy as a moral practice
  • Discussion: Calligraphy and the cultivation of the self

Week 4: Structure of Chinese Characters

  • Radicals and components
  • Sound-meaning relationships
  • Symbolic connotations in characters (e.g., 福 [blessing], 壽 [longevity])

Week 5: The Art of the Line

  • Brushstroke theory and rhythm
  • Introduction to stroke order
  • Practice: Basic strokes in regular script

Week 6: Iconography in Calligraphy

  • Character as image: pictographs and ideographs
  • Integration with painting
  • Case study: Calligraphy on scrolls and fans

Week 7: Calligraphy and Political Power

  • Imperial inscriptions
  • Scholar-officials and literati culture
  • The role of calligraphy in Confucian bureaucracy

Week 8: Midterm Project Workshop

  • Peer review of initial calligraphy projects
  • Visual analysis essay outline

Week 9: Symbolism in Poetry and Calligraphy

  • Tang and Song dynasties: Calligraphy as poetic expression
  • Case study: Wang Xizhi and Su Shi

Week 10: Modern and Contemporary Calligraphy

  • Calligraphy in contemporary Chinese art
  • Cross-cultural influences and experimental forms

Week 11: Spiritual Dimensions of the Brush

  • Daoist and Chan Buddhist calligraphy
  • Spontaneity, emptiness, and non-action (無為)

Week 12: Integration with Other Arts

  • Calligraphy in Chinese painting, seal carving, and architecture
  • Practice: Composing a short piece of calligraphy for a visual display

Week 13: Student Presentations

  • Final presentations on selected characters and their symbolic/artistic meanings

Week 14: Final Project Review and Exhibition

  • Student works showcased in a curated mini-exhibit
  • Group critique and reflection


🧪 Assessment Methods:

  • Participation & Attendance: 10%
  • Weekly Practice Portfolio: 20%
  • Midterm Visual Analysis Essay (1500 words): 20%
  • Calligraphy Project (Script Reproduction & Interpretation): 20%
  • Final Presentation & Exhibition Piece: 30%