Introducing China in English (Part 3)

About This Course

Introducing China in English is designed to provide participants with a wide range of areas best defines Chinese culture. It is divided into three parts. Each part is a stand-alone course.

Part Three presents a colorful picture of China with the following four topics:

development and features of Peking Opera,

traditional Chinese Medicine,

Chinese painting and

Chinese Kung Fu.

Peking opera is an intriguing and mellow form of traditional Chinese theater. To help you to appreciate Peking Opera, we’ll explain its development and unique features like four major roles, meanings of facial makeup and four artistic skills in speech, singing, dancing and combating in movements that are more symbolic and suggestive. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on Chinese philosophy about yin-yang balance theory, harmonious relationship between man and nature. With those views, we’ll look at meridians and Qi, traditional treatment methods such as acupuncture, scraping therapy, herbals, etc. Traditional Chinese painting is the third theme discussed. We’ll talk about historical periods of Chinese painting from pottery painting of Yangshao civilization (5000 BC) till present day. Of course, we’ll also display some famous paintings and painters with some techniques explained. In the last unit, we'll explore the principles and characteristics of Chinese kung fu deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy of yin yang and force or Qi theory. We’ll also look at the major schools such as Wudang kung fu, Emei kung fu, Kunlun kung fu, etc.

Course Schedule

• Week 1: Unit 1 Peking Opera
• Week 2: Unit 2 Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Week 3: Unit 3 Chinese Painting
• Week 4: Unit 4 Chinese Kung Fu