Exploring Chinese Culture

“Exploring Chinese Culture” is an 8-part workshop where participants will experience the different expressions of Chinese culture and tradition in fun and meaningful ways. This short course is designed in such a way that its students will have hands-on participation in the cultural demos and activities. This project aims to provide a platform for bridging cultural divides by understanding that Chinese culture is fun and enjoyable.

Exploring Chinese Culture

Join us for an 8-part workshop where we’ll dive into the vibrant world of Chinese culture and tradition! This fun and interactive course is all about hands-on experiences, so you’ll get to try your hand at cultural demos and activities. We believe that Chinese culture is not just about history and traditions, but also about having fun and enjoying life. So come on over and let’s explore together!

Day 1: Languages and Cross-Cultural Ties

Language plays a vital role in determining the cultural identity of a people. The Chinese language is no different. This class is designed to teach the participants on how Chinese languages are a link Chinese people with one another, but also on how it connects to other cultures as well.

Day 2: Chinese Calligraphy

In consonance with spoken language is the written word. In Chinese, words are expressed in the form of characters. And just as in other languages, Chinese characters have been stylized into beautiful works of art. This class is about learning the basic rules and traditions of the delicate art of Chinese calligraphy.

Day 3: Chinese Games

A people’s culture is also expressed in how they play. Traditional games tend to play a role in showing how a people appreciate its culture. This session will explore some of the most popular expressions of Chinese culture through age old strategy games such as Chinese Chess（象棋）and Mahjong（麻將）.

Day 4: Chinese Crafts & Tea Culture

Handmade crafts such as lanterns and paper cutouts are common visuals in many Chinese occasions. This class will focus on getting the participants’ hands busy by making their own handicrafts. And while they are doing so, this relaxing session is matched with an introduction to China’s tea culture.

Day 5: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is the millennia-old system of health and healing of the Chinese, inseparable from Chinese culture and civilization, and significant even in our modern globalized world. The philosophies and scientific principles of Chinese Medicine have also greatly shaped the field of sports, athletics and martial arts of the Chinese.

Day 6: Taichi （抬起）

Taichi is an iconic form of Chinese exercise. Known for being both healing and meditative, Taichi is a popular and accessible exercise that is embraced by many. In this class, the participants will be taught how to do the basic steps and forms of taichi.

Day 7: Festivals and Traditions

Any study of culture would not be complete without studying a culture’s different celebrations. This session will introduce participants to various Chinese festivals, the cultural practices that come with them, and some of the nuances that exist among practices.

Day 8: Food

Food plays an important part in determining a people’s culture. It is often a reflection of what people deem as important as it plays a role in their diet. The culminating session of the course is a conversation and experience with Chinese food.

REGISTRATION:

go.ateneo.edu/ExploringCHNCulture