The centrality of using Chinese words as a major element in Chinese artistic expressions is a unique and prominent phenomenon in Chinese culture from past to present. Seal script (zhuanshu 篆書), clerical script (lishu 隸書), standard script (kaishu 楷書) and semi-cursive script (xingshu 行書) are major script types in Chinese calligraphy. Standard script is characterised by its high degree of legibility as individual strokes are clearly and subtly executed. In contrast, with relatively more freedom of the brush, semi-cursive script is rendered in a noticeably spontaneous manner that facilitates personal touches. Both scripts can be used as effective media to express a variety of cultural and personal values.

The course begins with an introduction to the historical and theoretical aspects of Chinese calligraphy. This is followed by a focused study of a range of brush techniques (bifa 筆法) the practice of the Eight Laws of the Character Yong (yongzi bafa 永字八法) and other techniques based on various model writings in standard and semi-cursive scripts by major calligraphers through ages as well as an investigation of styles and compositional strategies of both seal and clerical scripts. Finally, students will learn various skills and approaches of integrating the calligraphic elements of Chinese characters and the subtle linguistic aspect of Chinese writing to create a richly interdisciplinary artistic experience.

Although the majority of the course content is skill-based training, the course culminates in the course project whereby students will produce a calligraphic work that reflect a personal way of expressing creative ideas through integrating different techniques and skills based on a well-planned creative strategy.