1. Discuss the Nanchan Temple as a typical example of ancient Chinese architecture. What are the key characteristics of form, material and structure, how do they relate directly to the natural environment of ancient China, and how do these traits relate to the key cultural concerns and ways of thinking in ancient Chinese society? In other words, how is it typical of ancient Chinese architecture in general, and how can you use it as an example of some of the "big ideas" (for China) discussed in class?
2. Now consider the Ise Shrine in the same way? What is Japanese about it, and how does it exemplify several of the main ideas we discussed? How would you distinguish it from the Nanchan Temple? What's different, but also what is similar, and why? Remember to consider the site (designed landscape) immediately around the central shrine buildings, as it has important implications for answering the question.
3. a) How did Confucian philosophy influence or parallel any aspect of ancient Chinese design? (Explain two examples of links between Confucianism and design we talked about.)
b) How did Daoism influence ancient Chinese design? Be specific - remember that Daoism has several, specific key ideas associated with it which you need to know in order to answer this question (give three examples).
4. a) How did specific Shinto beliefs and attitudes impact or relate to characteristics of Japanese design? Give several examples, citing specific works, or at least types, of design.
b) How did the story of the bamboo cutter most directly seem to parallel or relate to Shinto ideas or attitudes?
5. Look at the Chinese Silk Banner in the textbook, and consider the silk robes we examined in class. How does the banner express typically ancient Chinese ideas or attitudes? What main ideas does silk as used in ancient Chinese design seem to most directly relate to, and how? (Clues can be found in what we got from the Emperor-goes-to-the- Moon story.)
6. a) Consider the Japanese Album Leaf calligraphy shown in the textbook and in class; how is it typically Japanese in character, and how does Japanese calligraphy relate to Chinese calligraphy?
b) Comment on how the Enso - like the one you made in your discussion section - could express or embody any of our main ideas about Japanese design.