Stay Tuned: Students will compile a video reflection of a piece of art and spoken in Chinese, students will reflect how the piece resonates with them. This compilation is in the works and will be on YouTube when complete!
Chinese Paper Cutting taught by world renowned Wang Laoshi
Chinese Paper-cut has a long history as art - one of the first forms discovered in Xinjiang, from the ancient Northern Dynasty (about 1500 years ago) Images demonstrate students works of art! Adeduni Folarin
前天我们学习了中国哲学。Guo老师非常好。The teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and Sunzi has made a major impact on Chinese culture. The impacts that are seen in modern day Chinese culture are significant. From the care that the care that is given to the elderly, to the collectivist attitude that can be reflected in everyday society, these three philosophers are the center of Chinese ideology. Confucius's teachings center on living and being respectful to the earth, parents, and teachers. The ideas of Ying and Yang, which is prevalent in western culture, stems from the teachings of Laozi. The Art of War, written by Sunzi is also a very influential book in the east and the west. Overall, the teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and Sunzi have made a significant inpact around the world. Kat Edwards 孔子,老子,和孙子对中美两国的文化都有影响。Their teachings have influenced both American and Chinese culture, despite the many contrasts between the two cultures. Confucius focused on interpersonal relationships and collectivism, which is most apparent in China. The Chinese Dream's intention of bettering oneself in order to contribute to the nation's transformation is both similar and different to the American Dream. While both focus on working hard in order to progress, America has a more individualistic culture that is reflected in the American Dream. Confucius's teachings can be utilized in American businesses, which rely on good relations in order to produce success. China, however, uses Confucius in its overarching culture and everyday life. Similar to Confucius, Laozi taught about collectivism and stressed how everyone was part of a whole, but he also focused on appearances. His teachings were that of keeping up appearances and saving face. He compared strength to water, and that while it looked weak, it held enough power to be an immense force. Laozi taught to never flaunt one's power and influence , which can be seen after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After spending so extravagantly on the opening ceremony, Chinese businesses began to be more forthcoming in their wealth. A few years later, when the new leader came to power, he ordered that business to not be overly excessive and to be thrifty, utilizing the teachings of Laozi. This is very different from the American way, which is to show off wealth and influence, whether it be through extravagant houses or cars or clothes. Sunzi's teachings were based more on strategy and winning rather than relationships or face. However, he applies more to China rather than to America. He created strategies to avoid war and solve problems diplomatically, which the Chinese follow, while America is more prone to war. The US was built on war, and the freedom and equality and the rights that are in place today were fought for, while China's reform was mostly diplomatic with small rebellions every so often. However, Sunzi's lesson on being the unexpected and catching the enemy off guard can be seen in American warfare. In battles between Britain and the early US, fighting was coordinated. After losing so many soldiers to this, a general created guerilla warfare, which gave America an advantage seeing as they were able to hide and shoot whenever the individual could, instead of a uniform front shooting at the same time. The teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and Sunzi can be seen in both American and Chinese culture and ideals. Zachary Kruger The teachings and legacy of great historic figures such as Confucius, Laozi, and Sunzi have left a mark on both Chinese and American culture. Confucianism in China continues to effect society and how they treat problems and interact with people-- keeping their cool. The teachings of Laozi have impacted American culture by showing us ways of "inaction". So not only does this impact the Chinese people by giving them a low profile style, it is also closely related to the concept of small government theory of ruling in the US. Ronald Reagan once said " Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish; do not overdo it. 治理一个好国家同烧小鱼;不过头它。" The teaching of pragmatism effects the US in worldly affairs. On a larger scale though, the world has been impacted by the teachings of Sunzi like "Art of War". Many people believe that these teachings can be applied to any aspect of life. Many of these teaching are valuable and impact many people, and cultures around the world. Sammantha Ponsell The ideology of a country forms the building blocks of their culture. Every nation can be stripped down to the basic ideals that motivate its citizens. Teachings from philosophers, intellectuals, priests and rulers all effect the outlook of a society. In China, three ancient philosophers; Confucius, Laozi, and Sunzi have all contributed to the foundation of the Chinese culture and function of Chinese society. In America, capitalism, Christianity, and enlightenment ideas contribute to the foundation of American society. Though the two nations are very different, they do not lack common ideals. Chinese and American societies function on shared ideals of opportunity, change and success. Opportunity within each country can be summed up into each county's dream. Historically, America has been a land of opportunity, immigrants have traveled across the globe in the hopes of achieving the American dream. Today, the "Chinese Dream" is a prevailing figure in China, continuously encouraging the younger generations to work hard study, and create a bright future. Confucius' influence in china has strengthened their society's belief in education as the gateway to opportunity. Students begin their hard work and study as young as five years old in grade school. This done in an effort to improve their abilities and get into a good college. Such a strong work ethic has been carried over from china to America through the immigration of the Chinese. As larger portions of the Chinese population are assimilated into American society so traditions beliefs, and work ethics diffuse into the General American society. Especially today, it is becoming easier to see the influence valuing an education. Blended with American capitalism, and education is the foundation for starting a business, in a modern service economy. To be truly successful in today's American economy, one requires at least a bachelors degree of higher. As China develops more and moves into the late stage three demographics, this trend with be the same here as well. Confucius has had a stronger influence in china than in America, however it would be a mistake to believe American has remained untouched by these philosophies. On the more personal aspects of society, the faith of a nation influences how each reacts to change. Laozi taught the Chinese population about Daoism, a method of facing and accepting change. Similarly, America as a Christian nation, faces change with the tenants of its faith. It would not be too daring to compare Daoism to a religion, as it calls for humility, moderation and the perfect or "inactive" state. As a tenant of Chinese society it aided the survival of a 5000 year civilization through the teaching of flexibility in the face of change. Contractedly, so many conflicting views of Christianity has led to many conflicts and a stubbornness against change. The point is not to criticize any method or ideology but to realize the leading ideologies of each nation. As China grows and their economy develops to second largest in the world, the society's ability to adapt will be vital to its continued success and self-improvement. Success, can be narrowed down to the ultimate goal of any act. For china, the most outstanding example of planning success can bee seen in Sunzi's writing, "The Art Of War". Here he outlines a methodical plan to achieving success that is often used in the Chinese culture when faced with any challenge, both global or domestic. The first step, outlines diplomacy as the best method. Then only entering conflict if absolutely necessary. The, diplomacy first method is also something that is sought after by the American culture, as a whole America is not a warring nation, the best solution is know not be peace. If however, a peaceful solution cannot be attained the goal is success. This in mind it is easy to see why both cultures are so driven in every aspect. From things as simple as academics to jobs, the preparation in both America and China can be rigorous as each society strives to take the best. Abstract comparison of societies based on their philosophies can be enlightening. Differences in thought, preference, and action are often much smaller than initially expected. Confucius, Laozi and Sunzi's influence may have been greatest in China, however their ideas and teachings often preserver in American society. Where there is conflict in thought, comparisons can be made. Thus, creating a basis for understanding. 昨天我们去义乌的时候,看到了很多东西。有的东西看上去很新,有的东西看上去很老。但我不觉得这个很有意思。商店里有很多人,他们都很努力工作。也有很多小孩子。我常常会在商店里看到一家三代人。 Vasista Vovveti 孔子,老子,和孙子都是哲学家。The teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and Sunzi impact the American culture and way of thinking as a society. Confucius taught to learn everything, to not isolate yourself, and to not lose your temper. This is embodied in American teachings too. American students are taught learn and study and as much as they can in school. They are taught to learn explore new hobbies. They are taught to keep their emotions in check. In Laozi’s teachings, material attraction and ownership of excessive material goods is discouraged. Similarly, in American culture, it is believed that money isn’t everything. Finally, Sunzi’s teachings emphasize using strategy to solve problems. In America, we are taught to approach our problems methodically and strategically. Samuel Collins
我觉得去了义务很有意思。 Everything was like a giant flea market; there were very few conventional stores. I think that the purpose of the tour was mainly just to show the development of the city/market architecturally, and not necessarily economically. While interesting, the museum tour wasn't really useful in understanding the effects of the mall construction of Yiwu's economy. This was shown in the seminar as well. 虽然我喜欢去义乌,但是我不喜欢这次的研讨会。 The seminar was interesting and somewhat informative, but it didn't discuss or present any information that pertained specifically to Yiwu. I'm very happy that we went, but I think it could have been tied in better. I think that challenges facing China's growing world of private business is just staying in business. I saw many empty lots and closed stores while in the mall. I'm very interested as to what was happening in Yiwu. I think that I might better understand the strategies, progress, and future challenges if I had received more specific and relevant information in the seminar. Justin Duca Yiwu and the Anti-Poverty Seminar yesterday provided an insightful experience showing us how China is striving towards an anti-poverty nation. The tour in the museum helped us see how a simple economic activity such as selling brown sugar helped the economy boom towards one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The sugar was the first step to developing the biggest market in the world, Yiwu. 义乌的卖场非常大,里面有非常多东西。我买了五双筷子,一幅纸牌和三个钥匙链。 China now has seen that using strategies such as establishing social security for its citizens and agricultural production in the west can help China's overall economy. However like all countries they have some problems such as other countries finical problems which can devastate China's economy such as Greece. This tour showed us that a small agrarian society can turn into a bustling high end city in a country onto the road of success. Bright Lu Yesterday I traveled to Yiwu International Trade City to learn about its history and tour its markets. Yiwu has grown exponentially in the past few decades, once a humble town and now a booming city. I realized that industrialization drives growth, and Yiwu is a prime example of this. 昨天我们去义乌。义乌市场的东西都很便宜。This is most likely due to China’s usage of cheap labor to maximize profits. Yesterday I attended a seminar on anti-poverty works in China. China has one of the world's largest welfare gaps, with some of the world's poorest people and richest people in the same country. Measures are being taken to lift China's rural population above the poverty level, including providing new jobs, increasing productivity, establishing social security and basic health care, as well as providing general primary education. China's anti-poverty policies have been successful, reducing the rural population in absolute poverty from 250 million to 80 million. However, China still has a long way to go. The welfare gap is one of the largest in the world. Western and Central China is stuck in the past while Eastern China is zooming for the future. China needs to transform from the world's factory to the world's market. Rather than mass producing low end goods, China needs to move towards high end products. These measures will raise the standard of living, lowering poverty in China. Lawson Shultz Although China has the second largest economy in the world, poverty still remains a weighty issue. Professor Guo introduced to us, the meaning of poverty and explained China's situation. Over the past decade China has had the worlds fastest growing economy, ever since the country allowed more private enterprise. 中国有17亿人. While the country as a whole has increased in wealth, central and western areas have not nearly improved as much as the large eastern cities. Our visit to Yiwu International Trade City served as an affective reinforcement for the seminar. Yiwu's development process was highly illustrated. Walking through the exhibit, was like I was walking through time and experiencing the history of Yiwu. What was once an inconspicuous small town, only find five generations later, developed into a well-known city for trade. The topic of education stands out above the rest when addressing anti-property. 教育是非常重要的. Getting a better job relies on getting better education. Children born into families of poverty often struggle to improve their life. Family's needs rise over higher education and many children are forced to find a job at a young age. Another factor that affects unequal education in China is many of the better teachers go to a large cities to teach. In addition to the challenges of education, manufacturing jobs pose problems too. Business owners take advantage of cheap labor and widen the gap between the rich and the poor. Improving the education system and changing the way businesses can use their power will help reduce poverty in China. Vasista Vovvet Yesterday’s visit to YiWu International Trade City and the seminar showed us how poverty in China affected business in the past and how that has continued to affect business practices today. During the tour, we learned how early traders beat a small drum to signify that they were open for business. Using a strategy like this allowed business in the small town of YiWu to boom and promoted the growth of the town into a city as a whole. 义乌国际商贸城非常大,有五个区,里面有很多商店。Many stores selling similar products are located adjacently to each other; This creates immense competition and lowers prices. However, as you see the same product repeatedly, window shopping leads to making a real purchase. This spurs the economy and promotes more growth for the future. While many people at this mall may be considered to be in poverty, working as a merchant in a mall helps them better their situation. Cristina Conde The most impactful part of Beijing would have been the rickshaw ride to the host family's home for lunch. 我最喜欢参观北京. It was such a new experience to see Beijing and overall just China from the perspective of a rickshaw that people on the streets, the storefronts, the cars, and basically just the everyday interactions of Chinese people. Playing it back, it struck me how much of an outsider I am and how I'm simply just a visitor to this country. It was so different from the streets and cities of Delaware. On any other normal day in Delaware, I would be doing my own thing and going through my own regular routine so being able to see the bustle of Beijing citizens was interesting as it made me think about how big the world is. Declan Hendrix My most impacting experience in Beijing had to have been the summer palace. The area was amazingly kept, and utterly beautiful. I felt as if I was standing back in time, to a world before western civilization. Where culture and family came before technology and pollution. Just walking through the front gate I was set back by the amount of detail, and time that was taken to create such a beautiful place. There is nothing, that comes to mind, that is so similar in the United States; nothing nearly as breath taking. The beauty of the culture, the length of history it represents, and the peacefulness of the location left me nearly to tears when we departed. 我印象最深刻的是北京的颐和园。最难忘的经历在北京颐和园 Jordan Macrohon It's truly a stunning experience to visit the Ming Tombs in 北京. To stand in the halls of the emperors in which were built thousands of years ago is quite an honor. I am grateful for the knowledge that lies behind the tombs such as how one of the emperors was missing and the controversies that embed the truth behind it- how they say that he was killed and burned in the war or how he could've escaped to foreign lands to become a monk. The Ming Tombs allowed me to appreciate history even more than anything else because of how it endured (for the most part) and how in America there is nothing that's of that degree of age to compare, and that's because we don't have that stable cultural history because of the events that have forever changed our society. We don't have much of the same traditions and culture we had thousands of year back. Also America was not an original country like China where they have the same cultural basis from the far past which is what I really take from this exhibit. 明十三陵让我了解了更多的中国历史。。 Megan Shockley The most influential experience of Beijing was climbing the Great Wall. From my climb, I not only learned about the history and struggle of the people who made the Great Wall, but I also learned about myself. Learning about the wall was extremely humbling knowing how hard it was to build the wall, and how many died in the process. After climbing just a portion of the wall, I can not imagine being one of the workers having to carry blocks up the steps days after days on end. Having the opportunity to climb up the wall not only once but twice, has made me feel very grateful. In addition, I found a new appreciation for virtues such as determination and perseverance that I have learned from my karate dojo. Leading up to the trip, I was very set that I wanted to get to the top of the Great Wall, especially since I knew people that had, and I didn't get to the last time. However, the entire time, my mind was filled with fear. I was worried that I would be too slow or that Sammi would leave me in the dust. All of these I learned were unnecessary fears because as I climbed the Great Wall, I had focus, determination, and perseverance. When I got to the top, I realized that it didn't matter if I got tired, or was not in the best shape, or took more than an hour to get to the top. I just kept going until I got there and there was no option for me to turn back before I reached the top. It made me realize that I am stronger and more capable than what I've believed, and that I shouldn't put forth so much doubt on myself. My karate instructor always tells myself and other students that we can do more than we think we can and from the Great Wall, I finally believed him. 我学到一件事:我能做到的比我想象的更多。 Lauren Thornburg
Of the three days in Beijing, I cannot pick a favorite, since incredible things happened each day. However, my favorite experiences were the Hutong neighborhood and the Summer Palace. 我很喜欢在北京胡同吃的那顿午饭。It was the most genuine experience, less touristy than the Great Wall or the Ming Tombs. The home was beautiful and detailed. The food was incredible, as well. However, the Summer Palace was incredibly exquisite, rivaling any garden back in the U.S. The lake with water lilies glistened in the light. I was mesmerized. The architecture was phenomenal, and I was kind of upset that European style architecture isn’t as detailed. It’s fascinating to me to see different styles of architecture from around the world. Even away from the historic monuments, the architecture in Beijing was nice. The only thing that made me sad was seeing the the disparity of wealth that exists. Students and their families met at the Collette Center in Dover for our first pre-departure orientation. Dr. Gregory Fulkerson shared the daily itinerary, travel arrangements, rules and expectations. Our five teacher-chaperones were introduced and facilitated activities in preparation for our trip. We set up a WeChat group for communication, and students participated in a program survey.
Everyone is very excited as we secure our Visas, Passports, and other documentation in preparation for our travel abroad. This Blog tab is where we will share updates and photos from our daily itinerary. Also, we will be communicating and collaborating through the App, We Chat. Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep up with what we are learning.
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