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.

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

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