First-level discipline a new starting line of calligraphy
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E-mail China Daily, September 30, 2022
Calligraphy has been recognized as one of the 114 first-level disciplines in the country according to the latest discipline catalog released by the Education Ministry. The great attention that has grabbed from the public shows how surprised some people feel about its inclusion on the list.
Calligraphy is an important element of Chinese traditional culture and a unique artistic treasure in China. The starting point of the decision of the ministry is, of course, to promote the prosperity of calligraphy art.
In addition, calligraphy itself and the grading of related disciplines are professional matters. The formulation and change of relevant policies should respect professional opinions, and should not be easily influenced by the fervor to carry forward traditional culture.
It should be noted that calligraphy becoming a first-level discipline means that it can be studied for a doctorate, and that is the result of the efforts of various colleges and universities.
Now that calligraphy has been upgraded to be a first-level discipline, the development space for calligraphy teachers and students in colleges and universities has been expanded and the level of training can be improved.
However, if a discipline becomes a first-level one, it is generally necessary to build a complete and independent discipline system that emphasizes the subjectivity of the discipline in teaching and research. However, many excellent calligraphers in China are themselves excellent writers, philosophers, historians, etc. Their calligraphy achievements are not the result of specialized study of calligraphy, but the crystallization of comprehensive quality, knowledge and skills. In this sense, the soul of calligraphy lies in its openness and integration with multiple disciplines. In other words, it raises the question of whether calligraphy is independent enough to be a first-level discipline.
The other question is whether the move will raise the importance of calligraphy in the eyes of primary and secondary schools and parents. That might increase the workload of primary and secondary school students. Is it really necessary to give a branch of the writing arts such high status in the discipline system, particularly as it has already become restricted to a small group of calligraphy lovers rather than a basic writing skill of the educated as it was before. Not to mention the job market for calligraphy majors is quite small.
In practice, relevant colleges and universities should prudently design the courses for the new first-level discipline so that the reform can be conducive to the development of the art form without being led astray. They should focus on improving the quality of the calligraphy education and research instead of simply expanding the scale.
