Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
HKBU Poetry Contest
Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
We’d drive the highway to meet eternity
my mother and I,
until we reached an antique treasure
buried in the heart of New England,
perhaps, Massachusetts.
I don’t recall.
my mother and I,
until we reached an antique treasure
buried in the heart of New England,
perhaps, Massachusetts.
I don’t recall.
Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast,
tucked into a cove by the sea.
The place was surrounded by white houses
and engulfed in salty ocean mist.
The cedar paneling on the walls inside
breathed history
and the receptionist at the counter
was 1,000 years old, at least.
I’d get the key to our room
from the ancient lady
and I’d begin the journey
to the musty attic
on the third floor.
tucked into a cove by the sea.
The place was surrounded by white houses
and engulfed in salty ocean mist.
The cedar paneling on the walls inside
breathed history
and the receptionist at the counter
was 1,000 years old, at least.
I’d get the key to our room
from the ancient lady
and I’d begin the journey
to the musty attic
on the third floor.
The stairs groaned and creaked
with every step I took
and my suitcase
thumped along behind me
in protest.
The halls were lined with
portrait paintings of previous owners.
Their faces all stared back at me
the only way they knew how to,
and I watched their still eyes,
fascinated.
with every step I took
and my suitcase
thumped along behind me
in protest.
The halls were lined with
portrait paintings of previous owners.
Their faces all stared back at me
the only way they knew how to,
and I watched their still eyes,
fascinated.
A decade later,
my mother and I arrived at our room
and Mom jiggled the key in the lock
until the old oak door
broke free and swung open
to reveal our temporary home.
Mom would sigh in relief,
but I’d throw my luggage down
and spring into the old bed,
excitement pumping through my tiny body.
my mother and I arrived at our room
and Mom jiggled the key in the lock
until the old oak door
broke free and swung open
to reveal our temporary home.
Mom would sigh in relief,
but I’d throw my luggage down
and spring into the old bed,
excitement pumping through my tiny body.
I’d lay surrounded by
a handmade quilt’s embrace,
and I could imagine
an elderly woman in a rocking chair
stitching each square together carefully
and cursing quietly
when the threading was not precise.
The thought made me giggle.
a handmade quilt’s embrace,
and I could imagine
an elderly woman in a rocking chair
stitching each square together carefully
and cursing quietly
when the threading was not precise.
The thought made me giggle.
Even now, reminiscing,
I smile at the thought
of the old lady cursing.
I close my eyes and imagine
the old inn by the sea.
I can smell the cedar paneling
and taste the ocean air--
well, almost.
I smile at the thought
of the old lady cursing.
I close my eyes and imagine
the old inn by the sea.
I can smell the cedar paneling
and taste the ocean air--
well, almost.
That was years ago.
Strange how time goes by
and memories become a mist around us,
reeled in only on a whim.
Strange how time goes by
and memories become a mist around us,
reeled in only on a whim.
Nelly @ Macau
So maybe Nelly is a little bit old school and maybe it was a little bit crazy to leave the country to see him in concert, but guess what? IT WAS SO WORTH IT!The concert was an absolute blast. Mellissa and I got a hotel for the evening and hit Club Cubic to see our boys, Nelly and Paul Wall. I was sooo close to the stage! In fact, at one point I was even on the stage when Nelly pulled me up to dance with him! Too bad I got kicked off by the bouncer... Either way, I had the best time!
 |
| yeah, I was THAT close. |
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
I have the coolest grandma!
Last week, I had a very special visitor in Hong Kong!!Grandma's flight landed in Hong Kong on the 18th and she was able to stay for about 7 days. She stayed at the Holiday Inn at Tsim Sha Tsui, not too far from my dorm in Kowloon Tong...Maybe about 12 minutes by taxi. Grandma came just in time to watch me accept an award for my poetry!
I took her to visit all the best spots...Jumbo Floating Resturant, Mr. Wong's, all over the HKBU campus, on the Star Ferry, to the Peak, Monkey Mountain, Repulse Bay, Tin Hau Temple, and I even brought her to classes with me! It was a blast!
 |
| Love you Grandma! xxoo |
Monday, October 17, 2011
Pictures from Temple of Heaven (Beijing)
I have been so busy with school work lately, I forgot to update my blog! Here are some more photos of Beijing :) All of these photos were taken at Temple of Heaven (my favorite place in Beijing!) The gardens and architecture are too beautiful to describe.
ps--the last "picture" is a link to the video I took of some locals singing. Check it out!
ps--the last "picture" is a link to the video I took of some locals singing. Check it out!
 |
| Outside one of the gardens, just as the sun was setting! |
 |
| a local writing prayers on the walkway |
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square
 |
| Inside Forbidden City with Emma |
Forbidden City is supposed to be one of the best places to visit while in Beijing. The architecture is beautiful and it is such a peaceful place compared to the rest of the city. Forbidden City was established as the Imperial Palace during the Ming dynasty.. I don't really know too much about the history of the place, but from what I understand, Forbidden City got it's name from being an area where commoners were not allowed to be. Forbidden City also played a big part in establishing Beijing as the capital city of China. Today, many come to visit and all are allowed. It is a very large area of land and is definitely an interesting place to visit.
Besides the interesting history of the places, I found the people to be quite...well...interesting too. First thing I noticed was their manners (or lack thereof.) For Chinese people, it seems perfectly acceptable to spit anywhere, anytime and push people out of the way to get wherever they are going. And they love to try to take advantage of tourists. The woman who sold us the Chinese flags tried to sell them to us for 20 Yuan. After much of a struggle for the three of us, Emma and I were able to haggle them down to 5 Yuan for both of them...a much more reasonable price. Probably the funniest thing that happened was the Chinese requesting photos with us. They were very excited to see westerners, so we posed for no joke, over 20 pictures with Chinese people. It was ridiculous! They all lined up to take photos with us...so Emma and I put on our panda hats and waved our Chinese flags...and looked like the biggest tourists ever! So funny!
 |
| A photo request that we were happy to complete :) |
Beginning of Beijing Trip..
We checked into our super awesome hostel, Salitun Youth Hostel and we were so happy! It was a little bit hard to find, but luckily we had the address in Chinese so our taxi driver knew where to take us. Our room was super clean and nice, the staff was friendly, and the food was delicious! (And they had three cute kittens!)
Emma and I went out for duck for dinner at a restaurant just a few minutes away from our hostel. Delicious :) Later in the evening, Emma and I met up with the other exchange students who were staying in our hostel. It was so exciting to see everyone!
 |
| what a crew! |
Beijing--Hong Kong
I just arrived back in wonderful HONG KONG!
Beijing was sooo fun! Over the next few days, I play to update my blog with pictures of the hostel I stayed in, the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Tian'amen Square, bizarre foods, and good times with friends!
xx
Beijing was sooo fun! Over the next few days, I play to update my blog with pictures of the hostel I stayed in, the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Tian'amen Square, bizarre foods, and good times with friends!
xx
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
My International Number
Hey Everyone!
Just wanted to let people know what number they can reach me.....+85266766182
Now off to Beijing!
<3
Just wanted to let people know what number they can reach me.....+85266766182
Now off to Beijing!
<3
Friday, September 30, 2011
Success!
 |
| It's the best day EVER. |
Thursday, September 29, 2011
T8
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15103005
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Mainland China!
Emma and I have been planning our trip to mainland China. We booked a one-way flight to Beijing, leaving Hong Kong on the morning of October 5th, connecting in Shanghai, and arriving seven hours later. A lot of the other exchange students are traveling then as well, so odds are we will see them there! Basically the plan is to fly to Beijing, stay in a hostel, see Forbidden City, other tourist attractions, ect on the 6th, camp on the Great Wall on the 7th (!!!!!) and take the high speed train back to Hong Kong on the 8th.
Tomorrow, we have to go to the Chinese embassy to get our visa stuff worked out. Emma's visa will be much cheaper than mine since she is from Wales. Americans have to pay about $150 USD for China multiple entry visas. Hopefully, all will go smoothly and we will have our visas ready to go in four business days!
Tomorrow, we have to go to the Chinese embassy to get our visa stuff worked out. Emma's visa will be much cheaper than mine since she is from Wales. Americans have to pay about $150 USD for China multiple entry visas. Hopefully, all will go smoothly and we will have our visas ready to go in four business days!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
sick.
Last night was terrible.
I thought I was going to die.
Food poisoning I guess...
Grandma!! I wish you were already here visiting so that you could take care of me!
I really needed a nurse!
I went to the doctors today, but that really wasn't much help.
Oh well....I'm doing a lot better today, thank God!
I thought I was going to die.
Food poisoning I guess...
Grandma!! I wish you were already here visiting so that you could take care of me!
I really needed a nurse!
I went to the doctors today, but that really wasn't much help.
Oh well....I'm doing a lot better today, thank God!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Happy Moon Festival!
My first time celebrating Moon Festival was wonderful! BBQ with my friends Ting-Yi, Peggy, Anne, and Michael...beach BBQs are the best! The moon was beautiful and so were all the colorful lanterns. I didn't have moon cake until today but I shared a traditional double yolk moon cake with my hall tutor today. Oh, and having the day off today was quite enjoyable! :)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Revised Class Schedule....
So scheduling classes has really been a pain. There have been many conflicts...for example, I had Mandarin at the same time I wanted to take "Literature and Film." I've spent about an hour revising my schedule for (hopefully) the last time. I had to make some compromises, but hey, I am studying abroad and being flexible is the name of the game. Here is my new list of classes....
CHEM 1010 Ocean Voyage - Science in the Sea:
This course will introduce the concepts of marine and environmental science, as well as cultural, economic and political impacts to address marine-environmental issues at local and regional scales. The course will be broadly divided into 3 parts:
ENG 3440 Literature and the Nobel Prize:
The course will focus on specific Nobel Prize winning literary works (poetry, drama, and/or fiction in English or in English translation). Literary works studied will also recognize the variety and scope of Nobel laureate writing in different genres and across different national or regional literary traditions.
ENG 3770 Literature and Film
This course will allow students to examine critically the process of storytelling across different media. Emphasis will be put on the roles played by the narrator and the camera in shaping readers'/audience's
understanding. It will explore the inter-relationship between literature and film, and examine how the word and the image (re)present reality.
ENG 1190 Introduction to the Study of Language:
This course aims at enhancing students' linguistic awareness via the study of different aspects of human language (especially the English language). Students will be introduced to the acquisition of language, the sound patterns and the word structures of language, the rules that govern the use of language, historical changes of language, culture, society and language, etc.
V.A. 2200 From Liquid to Solid: The Art of Glass Blowing:
This course will provide students with the basic knowledge, practice and experience in glass blowing. Glass is a highly versatile material. Glass blowing is the most exciting glass making technique, and also a unique skill among most art material. It could be used in every day life from functional tableware and product or as a medium for fine art production. The learning of glass blowing will allow students to apply their knowledge in drawing, sculpture, installation and design, to enable a broader dimension on artistic expression, as well as to activate their imagination.
In addition to these courses, I will be taking a non-credit Introductory Mandarin course for part of the semester.
the history of ocean voyage and marine science;an introduction to the ocean as a chemical system with topics including important chemicals that affect our daily life and also drive marine ecosystems;the relationship between humans and the ocean-the impact of humans on the marine environment and Vice-versa.
ENG 3440 Literature and the Nobel Prize:
The course will focus on specific Nobel Prize winning literary works (poetry, drama, and/or fiction in English or in English translation). Literary works studied will also recognize the variety and scope of Nobel laureate writing in different genres and across different national or regional literary traditions.
ENG 3770 Literature and Film
This course will allow students to examine critically the process of storytelling across different media. Emphasis will be put on the roles played by the narrator and the camera in shaping readers'/audience's
understanding. It will explore the inter-relationship between literature and film, and examine how the word and the image (re)present reality.
ENG 1190 Introduction to the Study of Language:
This course aims at enhancing students' linguistic awareness via the study of different aspects of human language (especially the English language). Students will be introduced to the acquisition of language, the sound patterns and the word structures of language, the rules that govern the use of language, historical changes of language, culture, society and language, etc.
V.A. 2200 From Liquid to Solid: The Art of Glass Blowing:
This course will provide students with the basic knowledge, practice and experience in glass blowing. Glass is a highly versatile material. Glass blowing is the most exciting glass making technique, and also a unique skill among most art material. It could be used in every day life from functional tableware and product or as a medium for fine art production. The learning of glass blowing will allow students to apply their knowledge in drawing, sculpture, installation and design, to enable a broader dimension on artistic expression, as well as to activate their imagination.
In addition to these courses, I will be taking a non-credit Introductory Mandarin course for part of the semester.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
My Classes!
I have finally worked out the details of my class schedule! Here are the classes I'm going to be taking...
ENG 1190 Introduction to the Study of Language:
This course aims at enhancing students' linguistic awareness via the study of different aspects of human language (especially the English language). Students will be introduced to the acquisition of language, the sound patterns and the word structures of language, the rules that govern the use of language, historical changes of language, culture, society and language, etc.
ENG 2670 The English Language and Communication across Cultures:
This course is designed to raise students' consciousness of cultural dimensions in communication in English. It elucidates the interrelatedness of the English language and the other aspects of the culture of its speakers and provides students with guided experiences in using English cross-culturally for the purpose of coming to a
practical understanding of this complex of problems.
ENG 3440 Literature and the Nobel Prize:
The course will focus on specific Nobel Prize winning literary works (poetry, drama, and/or fiction in English or in English translation). Literary works studied will also recognize the variety and scope of Nobel laureate writing in different genres and across different national or regional literary traditions.
LANG 1000 Introductory Mandarin for Non-Chinese Speakers: This course aims at introducing non-Chinese speakers to the study of Mandarin (locally known as Putonghua) through practice in the basics of phonetics of modern Chinese. Students will be familiarized with the initials, finals, the four basic tones as well as the rules of pinyin. The skills will enable students to identify the basic sentence patterns and expressions and communicate in simple dialogues with Putonghua speakers.
V.A. 2200 From Liquid to Solid: The Art of Glass Blowing:
This course will provide students with the basic knowledge, practice and experience in glass blowing. Glass is a highly versatile material. Glass blowing is the most exciting glass making technique, and also a unique skill among most art material. It could be used in every day life from functional tableware and product or as a medium for fine art production. The learning of glass blowing will allow students to apply their knowledge in drawing, sculpture, installation and design, to enable a broader dimension on artistic expression, as well as to activate their imagination.
ENG 1190 Introduction to the Study of Language:
This course aims at enhancing students' linguistic awareness via the study of different aspects of human language (especially the English language). Students will be introduced to the acquisition of language, the sound patterns and the word structures of language, the rules that govern the use of language, historical changes of language, culture, society and language, etc.
ENG 2670 The English Language and Communication across Cultures:
This course is designed to raise students' consciousness of cultural dimensions in communication in English. It elucidates the interrelatedness of the English language and the other aspects of the culture of its speakers and provides students with guided experiences in using English cross-culturally for the purpose of coming to a
practical understanding of this complex of problems.
ENG 3440 Literature and the Nobel Prize:
The course will focus on specific Nobel Prize winning literary works (poetry, drama, and/or fiction in English or in English translation). Literary works studied will also recognize the variety and scope of Nobel laureate writing in different genres and across different national or regional literary traditions.
LANG 1000 Introductory Mandarin for Non-Chinese Speakers: This course aims at introducing non-Chinese speakers to the study of Mandarin (locally known as Putonghua) through practice in the basics of phonetics of modern Chinese. Students will be familiarized with the initials, finals, the four basic tones as well as the rules of pinyin. The skills will enable students to identify the basic sentence patterns and expressions and communicate in simple dialogues with Putonghua speakers.
V.A. 2200 From Liquid to Solid: The Art of Glass Blowing:
This course will provide students with the basic knowledge, practice and experience in glass blowing. Glass is a highly versatile material. Glass blowing is the most exciting glass making technique, and also a unique skill among most art material. It could be used in every day life from functional tableware and product or as a medium for fine art production. The learning of glass blowing will allow students to apply their knowledge in drawing, sculpture, installation and design, to enable a broader dimension on artistic expression, as well as to activate their imagination.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Just some pictures from today!
 |
| From Victoria Peak...Unfortunately it was a little foggy, but still a beautiful view of the city. |
 |
| Peter Li and some friends at Victoria Peak! |
 |
| Beautiful statues at Repulse Bay |
 |
| Beach at Repulse Bay |
 |
| On the ferry to Jumbo Floating Resturant |
 |
| Yes, it really is a jumbo floating restaurant...with delicious dim sum! |
 |
| View out the window of Jumbo :) |
 |
| Fountain at Wong Tai Sin Temple |
 |
| Wong Tai Sin |
 | ||||
| joss sticks at Wong Tai Sin |
Mail me stuff? :)
Robyn Spangler
Hong Kong Baptist University
C.L. Soong Hall N1406
5 Baptist University Road
Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
C.L. Soong Hall N1406
5 Baptist University Road
Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Hello there, Hong Kong!
Well, I am finally here in Hong Kong and I am SO happy!!
Yesterday was my first full day here. So far, the food is fabulous and I have met some awesome people. I have met so many of the exchange students from all over....Germany, Tiawan, Denmark, Finnland, Sweden, France, Japan, Scotland, and a few from the states. I love that their are so many exchange students here...we are all in the same boat....trying to figure out our new lives in Hong Kong and having the most incredible and adventerous experience. Totally wonderful.
Today I am planning to go to Macau with a few of the exchange students...I'm not sure if our sudent visa will allow such travels, so I will have to double check that this morning before we make the journey. Either way, tonight is the first exchange student party...cannot wait! All you can eat and drink..PERFECT!
:D
Yesterday was my first full day here. So far, the food is fabulous and I have met some awesome people. I have met so many of the exchange students from all over....Germany, Tiawan, Denmark, Finnland, Sweden, France, Japan, Scotland, and a few from the states. I love that their are so many exchange students here...we are all in the same boat....trying to figure out our new lives in Hong Kong and having the most incredible and adventerous experience. Totally wonderful.
Today I am planning to go to Macau with a few of the exchange students...I'm not sure if our sudent visa will allow such travels, so I will have to double check that this morning before we make the journey. Either way, tonight is the first exchange student party...cannot wait! All you can eat and drink..PERFECT!
:D
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
See ya later, Cleveland!
Well today is the day! My flight leaves at 6.40am today... (One-way flight, that is!) I will be flying Cleveland to Toronto to Hong Kong! I can't believe the day has finally come.
I feel like I should be nervous and more excited, but overall I feel pretty calm about leaving. I have everything packed and ready to go and I feel very prepared. I'm not sure how prepared you can feel about a trip like this, but I feel as though I have done all I can do to get ready.
I am so excited to meet my roommates, finalize my schedule, meet all the exchange students, and finally see Hong Kong!
I feel like I should be nervous and more excited, but overall I feel pretty calm about leaving. I have everything packed and ready to go and I feel very prepared. I'm not sure how prepared you can feel about a trip like this, but I feel as though I have done all I can do to get ready.
I am so excited to meet my roommates, finalize my schedule, meet all the exchange students, and finally see Hong Kong!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
ACCEPTED!
Today I got an email from HKBU...it said they would send my acceptance letter soon!!!
YAYYYYY!!!! :D
YAYYYYY!!!! :D
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A Letter to Myself
The study abroad office at BW has requested that all students studying abroad write a letter to themselves about their fears, excitement, goals, ect for their abroad experience. Upon returning, we will receive our letters to see how we have changed/grown.
I just finished writing my letter! Tomorrow is the mandatory meeting where we will talk about our study abroad experiences in depth. I am pretty excited to learn more about what to expect and how to prepare. Also, I will meet the other BW students who are going to Hong Kong for the first time.
I just finished writing my letter! Tomorrow is the mandatory meeting where we will talk about our study abroad experiences in depth. I am pretty excited to learn more about what to expect and how to prepare. Also, I will meet the other BW students who are going to Hong Kong for the first time.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Bizarre Foods: Hong Kong Edition!
About a month ago, I watched Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (Travel Channel) with Ashley while we ate Americanized Chinese take-out. =)
Anyway, it was well-worth watching and it made me even more excited to go to Hong Kong.
The show started with Andrew Zimmern visiting a CMD (Chinese Medicine Doctor) and getting a health evaluation. The doctor told him that Chinese people believe that food is for the health of the body, mind, and soul. The doctor also had some discouraging news.....Andrew should not eat any fried food at all while in Hong Kong....and drink an interesting tea blend daily meant to cleanse one's body.
This tea blend consisted of dried worms, insects, shells, and bark to name a few. Needless to say, this was not Andrew's favorite beverage, so he didn't stick with the doctor's orders too long....Not with the tea, and certainly not with the fried food...Naturally.
Andrew tried a wide variety of foods; some that looked pretty gross, like turtle shell jelly and preserved eggs....yuck. But one food looked particularly tasty..snake soup!! When he was in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, he went to a restaurant where they specialized in snake type meals, appetizers, ect. Hopefully, I can go to that place or a place similar to that! I think it would be an adventure in a half!
And all the fried food he tried looked AMAZING! Like the Hong Kong Waffle...apparently made of tapioca flour...hmm!
Oh, and in Hong Kong, apparently, there are a ton of places along the pier where you can pick out freshly caught (and still alive) sea critters to buy. After you buy them, you can take them to virtually any restaurant and have them prepared to your liking!!! That may be one of the most exciting things I have ever heard!
Anyway, it was well-worth watching and it made me even more excited to go to Hong Kong.
The show started with Andrew Zimmern visiting a CMD (Chinese Medicine Doctor) and getting a health evaluation. The doctor told him that Chinese people believe that food is for the health of the body, mind, and soul. The doctor also had some discouraging news.....Andrew should not eat any fried food at all while in Hong Kong....and drink an interesting tea blend daily meant to cleanse one's body.
This tea blend consisted of dried worms, insects, shells, and bark to name a few. Needless to say, this was not Andrew's favorite beverage, so he didn't stick with the doctor's orders too long....Not with the tea, and certainly not with the fried food...Naturally.
Andrew tried a wide variety of foods; some that looked pretty gross, like turtle shell jelly and preserved eggs....yuck. But one food looked particularly tasty..snake soup!! When he was in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, he went to a restaurant where they specialized in snake type meals, appetizers, ect. Hopefully, I can go to that place or a place similar to that! I think it would be an adventure in a half!
And all the fried food he tried looked AMAZING! Like the Hong Kong Waffle...apparently made of tapioca flour...hmm!
Oh, and in Hong Kong, apparently, there are a ton of places along the pier where you can pick out freshly caught (and still alive) sea critters to buy. After you buy them, you can take them to virtually any restaurant and have them prepared to your liking!!! That may be one of the most exciting things I have ever heard!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Possible Classes?
I've been working on picking out classes to take next semester over the last few weeks. I just turned in my form to be mailed to HKBU stating which classes I am most interested in taking. I listed eight classes, but I plan on taking four or five at most.
In order, here are the classes (and class descriptions) of the courses I want to take while abroad. Hopefully I can get into my top choices and hopefully they are going to be offered the semester I am there...It doesn't say on the website...
1. Introductory Mandarin for Non-Chinese Speakers: This course aims at introducing non-Chinese speakers to the study of Mandarin (locally known as Putonghua) through practice in the basics of phonetics of modern Chinese. Students will be familiarized with the initials, finals, the four basic tones as well as the rules of pinyin. The skills will enable students to identify the basic sentence patterns and expressions and communicate in simple dialogues with Putonghua speakers.
2. Hong Kong Handicraft: Tradition and Transformation: This is a practice-based course presenting the Hong Kong handicraft industry's early development and handicraft skills. The course will involve experience sharing of and collaboration with local traditional craftspeople. It emphasizes both technique training and materials exploration, including the handling and interpreting of traditional or new materials and how to convert them into a new form of art and design. Student will be encouraged to interact with each other and the local community for their creative projects. Handicrafts such as paper offerings for ancestors, paper scissor-cuts, Cantonese embroidery,Chinese bird cage, paper lantern, flour-clay character, rattan knitting, construction of bamboo scaffolds, mosaic, traditional musical instrument, wooden tenon craft, galvanized iron manufacture, cart and wooden boat building etc. will be studied in this course.
3. The Story of Chinese Philosophy: This course introduces the origin and development of major philosophical themes in the traditional schools of Chinese philosophy such as Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and Mohism. While providing a survey of the history and interrelationships between main streams of Chinese thought from Confucius to the modern period, the course also presents to students some critical assessments of these trends. In the course of discussions some attention will also be given to sub-traditions such as the teachings of Gongsun Long and Hui Shi, as well as some of the new doctrines developed by Neo-Daoists, Chinese Buddhists and Neo-Confucians, and the criticisms raised by some modern Chinese philosophers. By this means students will be provided with broad historical accounts to the background and development of the problems addressed in various Chinese philosophical traditions.
4. Introduction to the Study of Language: This course aims at enhancing students' linguistic awareness via the study of different aspects of human language (especially the English language). Students will be introduced to the acquisition of language,the sound patterns and the word structures of language, the rules that govern the use of language, historical changes of language, culture, society and language, etc.
5. History and Aesthetics of Chinese Cinema: The aesthetics of the Chinese cinema are explored through the study of the history of Chinese cinema. Focus is on memorable achievements in acting, script treatment, picture composition, camera movement, and mise-en-scene.
6. Zen Buddhism and Modern Life: This course provides a broad and deep understanding of Zen Buddhism in the aspects of doctrine, practice, and application in life. In particular, we will see Zen from a critical viewpoint as to how it can be a useful and living religion to be lived and enjoyed in modern life, rather than a dead religion to be studied in the universities and institutes. The difficult issues such as how to bring together Zen and modern science and technology in a coherent and mutual complementary manner will also be discussed.
7. You and Your Health: This course introduces the basics of life and living to non-biology major students. Topics chosen are closely related to health and diseases. Particular health problems of public interest will be selected for discussion.
8. The Art of Glass Blowing: This course will provide students with the basic knowledge, practice and experience in glass blowing. Glass is a highly versatile material. Glass blowing is the most exciting glass making technique, and also a unique skill among most art material. It could be used in every day life from functional tableware and product or as a medium for fine art production. The learning of glass blowing will allow students to apply their knowledge in drawing, sculpture, installation and design, to enable a broader dimension on artistic expression, as well as to activate their imagination.
In order, here are the classes (and class descriptions) of the courses I want to take while abroad. Hopefully I can get into my top choices and hopefully they are going to be offered the semester I am there...It doesn't say on the website...
1. Introductory Mandarin for Non-Chinese Speakers: This course aims at introducing non-Chinese speakers to the study of Mandarin (locally known as Putonghua) through practice in the basics of phonetics of modern Chinese. Students will be familiarized with the initials, finals, the four basic tones as well as the rules of pinyin. The skills will enable students to identify the basic sentence patterns and expressions and communicate in simple dialogues with Putonghua speakers.
2. Hong Kong Handicraft: Tradition and Transformation: This is a practice-based course presenting the Hong Kong handicraft industry's early development and handicraft skills. The course will involve experience sharing of and collaboration with local traditional craftspeople. It emphasizes both technique training and materials exploration, including the handling and interpreting of traditional or new materials and how to convert them into a new form of art and design. Student will be encouraged to interact with each other and the local community for their creative projects. Handicrafts such as paper offerings for ancestors, paper scissor-cuts, Cantonese embroidery,Chinese bird cage, paper lantern, flour-clay character, rattan knitting, construction of bamboo scaffolds, mosaic, traditional musical instrument, wooden tenon craft, galvanized iron manufacture, cart and wooden boat building etc. will be studied in this course.
3. The Story of Chinese Philosophy: This course introduces the origin and development of major philosophical themes in the traditional schools of Chinese philosophy such as Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and Mohism. While providing a survey of the history and interrelationships between main streams of Chinese thought from Confucius to the modern period, the course also presents to students some critical assessments of these trends. In the course of discussions some attention will also be given to sub-traditions such as the teachings of Gongsun Long and Hui Shi, as well as some of the new doctrines developed by Neo-Daoists, Chinese Buddhists and Neo-Confucians, and the criticisms raised by some modern Chinese philosophers. By this means students will be provided with broad historical accounts to the background and development of the problems addressed in various Chinese philosophical traditions.
4. Introduction to the Study of Language: This course aims at enhancing students' linguistic awareness via the study of different aspects of human language (especially the English language). Students will be introduced to the acquisition of language,the sound patterns and the word structures of language, the rules that govern the use of language, historical changes of language, culture, society and language, etc.
5. History and Aesthetics of Chinese Cinema: The aesthetics of the Chinese cinema are explored through the study of the history of Chinese cinema. Focus is on memorable achievements in acting, script treatment, picture composition, camera movement, and mise-en-scene.
6. Zen Buddhism and Modern Life: This course provides a broad and deep understanding of Zen Buddhism in the aspects of doctrine, practice, and application in life. In particular, we will see Zen from a critical viewpoint as to how it can be a useful and living religion to be lived and enjoyed in modern life, rather than a dead religion to be studied in the universities and institutes. The difficult issues such as how to bring together Zen and modern science and technology in a coherent and mutual complementary manner will also be discussed.
7. You and Your Health: This course introduces the basics of life and living to non-biology major students. Topics chosen are closely related to health and diseases. Particular health problems of public interest will be selected for discussion.
8. The Art of Glass Blowing: This course will provide students with the basic knowledge, practice and experience in glass blowing. Glass is a highly versatile material. Glass blowing is the most exciting glass making technique, and also a unique skill among most art material. It could be used in every day life from functional tableware and product or as a medium for fine art production. The learning of glass blowing will allow students to apply their knowledge in drawing, sculpture, installation and design, to enable a broader dimension on artistic expression, as well as to activate their imagination.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Forms...
Well, a majority of my forms are turned in to the study abroad office.....so...I guess that means I'M GONNA STUDY ABROAD IN HONG KONG NEXT SEMESTER!!
This week, I plan on meeting with my academic advisor to work on planning my schedule. I basically know what classes I want to take, but I need to double check with Dr. Oldrieve and make sure all my credits will transfer.
There are a few more forms that I need to fill out regarding my current health (but I have to have my family doctor do that) and I need to get some passport photos to attach to some other forms.
Also, the people at the study abroad office told me today that I am one of four BW students going to Hong Kong next semester! I'm surprised there are that many of us going since last time I checked, I was the only one.
-Robyn
This week, I plan on meeting with my academic advisor to work on planning my schedule. I basically know what classes I want to take, but I need to double check with Dr. Oldrieve and make sure all my credits will transfer.
There are a few more forms that I need to fill out regarding my current health (but I have to have my family doctor do that) and I need to get some passport photos to attach to some other forms.
Also, the people at the study abroad office told me today that I am one of four BW students going to Hong Kong next semester! I'm surprised there are that many of us going since last time I checked, I was the only one.
-Robyn
Sunday, February 6, 2011
你好
Hi!
I created this blog to let people know how I am doing with my study abroad process. I plan on going to Hong Kong this August (2011) and staying for a semester (until December 2011.)
I will be studying at Hong Kong Baptist University, a small school located on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
I am currently working on obtaining a visa as well as filling out a whole bunch of applications for the university as well as BW.
I will be keeping everyone up to date through my blog. :)
<3 Robyn
I created this blog to let people know how I am doing with my study abroad process. I plan on going to Hong Kong this August (2011) and staying for a semester (until December 2011.)
I will be studying at Hong Kong Baptist University, a small school located on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
I am currently working on obtaining a visa as well as filling out a whole bunch of applications for the university as well as BW.
I will be keeping everyone up to date through my blog. :)
<3 Robyn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)