Learning Plan for Spring 2001
Student: David Dayton
Location: China Center: Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
Semester: Spring 2001
Advisor: Zhan Tian Xiang
Course Title: Beijing Opera
Distribution of Credit: Arts/Literature
# of Credits: 3
A class of learning Acrobatics and movements of Beijing Opera. The class will meet three times a week for a couple of hours each time focusing on physical training and conditioning. Evaluation is based upon instructor evaluation, written reflections, and possibly a performance of the skills I have learned.
Course Title: Senior Project - Research/Preparation
Distribution of Credit: Arts/Literature
# of Credits: 3
This course will be the beginning
processes of my senior project. I plan to do a dance/movement
performance possibly with a local group displaying my idea of
'Movement as Awareness'. This portion of the study will include
researching performing arts in China to facilitate understanding
the effects it has on the culture and then extending 'Movement as
Awareness' to cross-cultural perspectives. Trips will be taken to
varied parts of China to gain insights into different forms and
also find leads into places I can perform my project. The
techinicalities of the performance will hopefully be worked out
by the end of this semester thus allowing the last semester to
concentrate on creating the dance. This also includes finding the
possible implausibility of doing it in China and then finding
leads into a place I can.
Evaluation will be based on reflections and fuller presentation
of idea, 'Movement as Awareness'.
Course Title: Chinese Language I I
Distribution of Credit: Language
# of Credits: 6
An intensive course of ten hours a week of Chinese, focusing on comprehension skills. Students continue study in grammar, Chinese characters and conversation. Significant emphasis is placed on establishing an extensive vocabulary and character recognition so as to facilitate interaction in Chinese society. Evaluation is based on take-home exercises, in-class quizzes, notes and teacher evaluation.
Course Title: Migration in China
Distribution of Credit: Human Issues
# of Credits: 2
A study of migration patterns in China as the rural population gathers in the cities to benefit from the economic prosperity China is experiencing now. Also a special look will be made into how this trend effects minority communities in China and what part they play in migration. Study will be done by travelling to different parts of China such as Harbin and Kunming and then taking notes of the encounters on the trains as well as in the communities. As well, I will integrate research from outside sources. Evaluation of this course will be based upon written reflections and a final thesis/presentation.
Course Title: Wushu
Distribution of Credit: Crafts/Trades
# of Credits: 1
A study of Chinese martial arts. The course will meet twice a week for duration of the semester. Emphasis is on learning sequences of forms and physical conditioning. Evalutaion is based on attendance, instructor evaluation, and notes/reflections.
Course Title: Tai Ji Chuan
Distribution of Credit: Crafts/Trades
# of Credits: 1
A course on Chinese Tai Ji Chuan. The class meets twice a week for the duration of the semester. Emphasis is on learning sequences of forms and perfecting the movements. Evalutaion is based on attendance, instructor evaluation, and notes/reflections.
Course Title: Creative Writing
Distribution of Credit: Arts/Literature
# of Credits: 2
A creative writing seminar taught by one of the center faculty. It will be made up of weekly meetings containing writing execersises and brainstorming/criticing of presented pieces. It will be a forum in which students may present pieces and get feed back. My goal in this course is to create a great amount of raw material for use in other pieces or that can be refined into finished pieces. Maybe in the end piece I will group all the short pieces together as a collection or a larger piece. Evaluations will be made on attending workshops and participation, instructor review, and creation of finished piece.
Total # of Credits: 18