Mar 30 Class Cancelled

Learn Chinese @ NDSU! will be cancelled on Monday (Mar 30) due to flooding in Fargo.

Mar 23 Class Cancelled

Learn Chinese @ NDSU! will be cancelled today due to flooding in Fargo.

Learn Chinese @ NDSU!
Mar 23, Monday
5:00-6:00pm
(Come hang out / bring questions as early as 4:30pm)
Meadow Lark

Paper-cutting, literally means cutting papers with scissors or an engraving knife, may not sound exceptionally interesting; yet, it is a distinctive visual art of Chinese handicrafts. It is easy to learn about cutting a piece of paper but very difficult to master it with perfection.
Paper-cutting originated from the 6th century when women used to paste golden and silver foil cuttings onto their hair at the temples, and men used them in sacred rituals. Later, they were used during festivals to decorate gates and windows. After hundreds of years' development, now they have become a very popular means of decoration among country folk, especially women.
People find hope and comfort in expressing wishes with paper cuttings. For example: for a wedding ceremony, red paper cuttings are a traditional and required decoration on the tea set, the dressing table glass, and on other furniture. A big red paper character 'Xi' (happiness) is a traditional must on the newlywed's door. Upon the birthday party of a senior, the character 'Shou' represents longevity and will add delight to the whole celebration; while a pattern of plump children cuddling fish signifies that every year they will be abundant in wealth.

Come join us tomorrow and give it a try! Don’t forget to practice the initials you learned! There will also be a presentation on Chinese tea—something different from just coffee or pop!

P.S: If you lost your PRS on Mar 9, contact Winga and get it back tomorrow!

Found PRS

Did you lost your PRS on Mar 9? Contact Winga and get it back!

Possible Presentation Topics

Which one interest you most? Let us know and you might get what you want soon!!!

Three-word chant / Three Character Classic (San Zi Jing)
China’s traditional enlightenment / education: embodiment of Confucian thoughts, which have great impact even on today’s Chinese society

The Forbidden City
Introduction and discussion of the imperial palace (Emperor(s), Empresses, Eunuchs, Officers, etc.), its structure and system of rules.

Traditional Clothing
Styles in different dynasties (e.g. Han, qipao, etc.)

Traditional Gourmet Food
Chinese eating styles, E.g. Sichuanese cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Imperial Man-Han Banquet

Tai Chi (Taoism)
Origin, beliefs, bagua, ying-yang, qi gong, current development

The Art of War (Sun Zi Bing Fa)
Application of ancient saint’s knowledge, in the business world

Eastern Style of Architecture (feng shui system)
Chinese elements e.g. Suzhou Gardens, Great Wall, etc.

Confucianism (Confucius and Mencius)
Introduction of Confucius and Mencius, their philosophies and impacts on China

China’s Education System (since ancient times)
From the imperial examination system to college entrance examination; comparison between western and Chinese systems

Chinese Ethnic Minorities
Demographics, traditions, rights, current affairs and developments

Giant Panda
Distribution, breeding and growth process; significance to China

Wu Zetian (the only Empress in Chinese history)
Women’s status since ancient times; Wu’s character, achievements and stories

Chinese Buddhism
the development and evolution of Buddhism in China, its status in history and current condition

Guqin (traditional Chinese musical instrument)
The oldest Han musical instrument; its medical efficacy, its legends, etc.

Family Relationships (form of address)
Seniority; genealogy; family meetings

Chinese Weddings and Funerals
Traditions (since ancient times); today’s customs

Feudalism
Impact on today’s society; seniority; equality vs. obedience; face (social perceptions of a person's prestige)

Zhang Yimou (2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony)
Films, large-scale productions, China’s human resources and technology

Collectivism (Yao Ming, Liu Xiang)
Chinese perception of loyalty, belongingness, sense of honor to a group

Culture of Tea (Teahouse)
Tea from different regions, tradition of tea-drinking, etc.

Chinese Opera
Beijing opera, Sichuan opera, Cantonese opera, etc.

Martial Arts Stars (Jackie Chan, Jet Li, etc.)
Roads to success as a martial arts star, movies, significances

Culture of Alcohol (Wine / Beer)
Productions from different regions; tradition of drinking; today’s industry

Treating someone to Dinner
Differences between American (Going Dutch) and Chinese tradition; origin of the tradition, its development and current state

Modern Chinese Entertainment
Night life, karaoke, mahjong, etc.

The Great Wall
Its structure, role, related historical events, etc.

One-child Policy
Purpose, effect, citizens’ perception and acceptance level

Chinese Human Rights
Election system

5.12 Sichuan Earthquake (2008)
personal experience

Extended time = "Fatabulous" learning experience!

Did you all know that we were in the union 2/F Meadow Lark room today? We're missing a few of you... I know mid-terms are coming up, but we still ought to have fun on the side, right? And let me give you a little explanation on how the "2-hour class works":

The main part of the lecture + presentation + activities is still going to be 5:00-6:00pm.
4:30pm is the social time for you to come ask questions, get more practice and reviews, or do whatever you want with us... after the class, we could hang out and play games till 6:30pm every Monday! How does this sound?