China Semester Calendar

Events Open to the Public
(click title above for complete list or select links below to view by month)
August
September
October
November
December

University Art Museum China Theme Exhibit, semester long (click for details)

China Theme Academic Course Offerings
(click title for list of course offerings)

OASIS Group Activities
(click title above for complete list or select links below to view by month)
October
November

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Activities
(click title above for complete list or select links below to view by month)
September-October
October

Events Open to the Public

August

27 (MON): Gender and Nation in World Cinema: New Hong Kong Cinema “Center Stage,” (1991, Stanley Kwan),” 6:45 pm, HU 039

28 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema, “Hero,” 5:45 pm, SS 256

29 (WED): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “The Chinese Painting,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

September

4 (TUES): University Library Exhibit on China, Main Library

4 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema, “The King of Masks,” 5:45 pm, SS 256

5 (WED): Opening Ceremony.  The Honorable Ambassador Liu Biwei, Consulate-General in New York City, will visit the UAlbany campus to help launch the China Semester.  3:00 PM, University Hall Atrium.

5 (WED): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “The Chinese Painter,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

6 (THURS): Urban Filmmaking in Contemporary China, “The Story of Qiu Ju,” (1992, Zhang Yimou), 2:45 pm, AS121

7 (FRI): China Center Seminar Series Opening Event, Professor Merle Goldman, Harvard University, “From Comrade to Citizen:  The Struggle for Political Rights in China.”  2:30 PM, Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center

10 (MON): China Study Abroad Information Table, 12:00 – 3:00 PM, Campus Center Lobby

10 (MON): Gender and Nation in World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema, “Farewell China,” (1990, Clara Law), 5:45 pm, HU 039

11 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema, “To Live,” 5:45 pm, SS 256

18 (TUES) International Education East Asia General Information Meeting, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Science Library G40

20 (THURS): Films on Chinese Culture I, “Chinese Cuisine” & “Tea Culture” 12:30-1:30 p.m. Standish Room, Science Library

22 (SAT): Chinese Mid-Fall Moon Festival, Performing Arts Center, Main Theatre
3:00 PM,: $8/adult;$5/child(senior)
Contact information:  show_tickets@cccalbany.org or 346-8683
Professional performers from New York City and local community members will converge to bring a Chinese traditional show to the Capital Region in celebration of the Chinese Mid-Fall Moon Festival.  The two hour performance is filled with acrobatic programs, music, magic, juggling, singing, dancing, and much, much more.  Sponsored by the Chinese Community Center.

24 (MON): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “Early Buddhist Art at Dunhuang,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

24 (MON): Gender and Nation in World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema, “Autumn Moon,” (1992, Clara Law),  5:45 pm, HU 039

25 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema, “Farewell My Concubine,” 5:45 pm, SS 256

27 (THURS): Urban Filmmaking in Contemporary China, “Together,” (2006, Chen Kaige), 2:45 pm, AS121

October

1 (MON): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “Northern Song Landscape Painting,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

1 (MON): Study Abroad Fair 11:00 am – 3:00 PM, Lecture Center Concourse

2 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema, “Together,” 5:45 pm, SS 256

3 (WED): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “Northern Song Landscape Painting,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

8 (MON): Gender and Nation in World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema, “Once Upon a Time in China, I,” (1992, Tsui Hark), 5:45 pm, HU 039

9 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema, “Eat Drink Man Woman,” 5:45 pm, SS 256

11 (THURS): Urban Filmmaking in Contemporary China, “Loach is Fish Too,” (2006, Yang Yazhou), 2:45 pm, AS 121

11 (THURS) Poet and Memoirist Kang Zhengguo Seminar/Reading – 4:15 PM, Assembly Hall, Campus Center, Sponsored by the NYSWI.

11 (THURS): China scholar and author Jonathan Spence
Reading/Talk — 8:00 p.m., Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center
Jonathan Spence, dynamic professor and storyteller, is one of the world’s leading authorities on Chinese civilization. His newest book is Return to Dragon Mountain (2007), a translation and distillation of the writings of Zhang Dai (1597-1689), a brilliant diarist, historian and epicure of the Ming era. Publishers Weekly called it, “absorbing and evocative.... Spence retrieves a portrait of a civilization imbued with esoteric obsessions as well as sensuality.” Spence has written over a dozen books on China including  Treason by the Book (2001), Mao Zedong (1999); The Chan’s Great Continent (1998); Chinese Roundabout (1992); The Gate of Heavenly Peace (1981), winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Award and the Vursel Prize of the American Academy of Arts and Letters; The Death of Woman Wang (1978); and Emperor of China (1974). A 1988 MacArthur Fellow, Spence was named a Companion of the Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George by Queen Elizabeth in 2001.  Sponsored by the NYSWI.

13 (SAT): East River Ensemble, Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, 8:00 pm, $12/$8 students. www.albany.edu/PAC, 442-3997.  This collective of top-notch musicians from north China draws upon a timeless folk repertoire of the Hebei and Donbei regions. Playing traditional music with flair, the ensemble is uniquely led by the yangqin, a Chinese version of the hammered dulcimer. Presented by the Performing Arts Center with the Department of Music and University Auxiliary Services.

17 (WED): Alumni Association Trip to China begins

17 (WED): Chinese-American playwright Elizabeth Wong
Seminar — 4:15 p.m., Standish Room, Science Library
Elizabeth Wong, award-winning Chinese-American playwright, fuses comedy and social commentary in plays that explore Asian American themes. Her breakthrough work was Letters to a Student Revolutionary (1991), a drama based on her personal correspondence with a Chinese woman during the years before the Tiananmen Square Massacre. The Seattle Times called it, “engrossing... an animated exchange of soul-searching dispatches.” Other notable plays include The Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey King (2007), winner of the Mississippi Theatre Festival; The Lovelife of a Eunuch (2004), a lusty tale of Imperial China; China Doll (1995), about silent film star Anna May Wong; and Kimchee & Chitlins (1990), about the African American boycott of Korean-owned grocery stores in Brooklyn. A former news reporter for the San Diego Tribune and Hartford Courant, Wong also worked as a comedy writer for the ABC sitcom, All-American Girl, starring Margaret Cho.  Elizabeth Wong’s play “Letters to a Student Revolutionary” is being performed by the UAlbany Theatre Department on October 19 – 27.  Sponsored by the NYSWI.

18 (THURS): Films on Chinese Culture II. “Chinese Marriage and Family” and “Peking Opera” 12:30-1:30 p.m. Standish Room, Science Library

19-27: Letters from a Student Revolutionary (Oct. 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27).  Written and directed by Playwright in Residence Elizabeth Wong, the play tells the story of two young women -- one from the USA the other from China -- who duke out their loves, lives and emerging ideologies in this disarmingly funny coming-of-age epistolary smackdown. An award-winning play based on actual events, directed by the playwright who lived it. For more information on performance times please visit www.albany.edu/pac or call 442-3997.  Sponsored by the Theatre Department.

19 (FRI) China Center Seminar Series, 4:00 PM, Location TBD Professor Yu Zhou, Vassar, “Can China Create Its Own Innovative Region? Entrepreneurs, Capital and the State in the Globalized High-Tech Industry”

22 (MON): Gender and Nation in World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema, “Song of the Exile,” (1990, Ann Hui), 5:45 pm, HU 039

22 (MON): Tai Chi with Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei. 4:30pm, HU 354.

23 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema:  Chinese Martial Arts Films, Bruce Lee, “Enter the Dragon,” (1973), 5:45 pm, SS 256

25 (THURS): Urban Filmmaking in Contemporary China, “Still Life,” (2006, Jia Zhangke), 2:45 pm, AS 121

27 (SAT): Albany Symphony Orchestra, “A Chinese Romeo and Juliet” Concert and Gala, A celebration of one of China’s most famous folktales, “The Butterfly Lovers.” 6:30 pm, Palace Theatre.  For more information visit http://www.albanysymphony.com.

29 (MON): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “The Yuan Dynasty Master Zhao Mengfu,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

November

1 (THURS): Choreographer Nai-Ni Chen will be giving a free artist talk on Thursday, November 1 at 6pm in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center.

2 and 3: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Main Theatre, Performing Arts Center, 8:00 pm, $15/$10 students or both nights for $25/$15 students. www.albany.edu/pac or call 442-3997.  From the flowing lines of Chinese calligraphy to the thundering motion of martial arts, choreographer Nai-Ni Chen’s quest is to meld the dynamic freedom of American modern dance with the stoic discipline of the Chinese classical arts. Her company will offer two distinct programs: an evening of traditional Chinese dance on Friday and Dragons on the Wall, a contemporary work inspired by the writings of author/poet Bei Dao, on Saturday. Presented by the Performing Arts Center with the Alumni Association, UAS, NYS DanceForce, NYSCA and Altria Group

2 (FRI): Chen Qiulin: Recent Work,  University Art Museum, Main Gallery/First Floor
(through January 6, 2008), Opening Reception: Friday, November 2, 5-7p.m.
Featuring richly choreographed videos and photographs that explore the effects of rapid urbanization on contemporary Chinese culture. Over the past four years, Qiulin’s work has documented and recorded the changes resulting from the Three Gorges Dam project, which, in her words, is “a period in history which I have experienced.”  Set in post-industrial spaces, her narrative imagery often includes theatrically dressed characters whose tentative and mysterious actions play out against the panoramic backdrop of China’s changing landscape. Chen Qiulin currently lives in Chengdu where she is a full member of the Chengdu Painting Academy. Since her graduation from Sichuan Fine Arts Academy in 2000 she has participated in numerous exhibitions including Gao Minglu’s The Wall: Reshaping Contemporary Chinese Art and This is Not for You: Sculptural Discourses at Thyssen Bornemisza Art Contemporary in Vienna, Austria. In 2006, she was awarded a 6-month grant by the Asian Cultural Council to work in the United States.

2 (FRI): Chinese Shadow Figures from the Collection of Dr. Fan Pen Chen. University Art Museum, West Gallery, (through January 6, 2008), Opening Reception: Friday, November 2, 5-7p.m.

5 (MON): Gender and Nation in World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema, “Bride With White Hair,” (1992, Ronny Yu), 5:45 pm, HU 039

6 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema:  Chinese Martial Arts Films, Jackie Chan, “Drunken Master,” (1978), 5:45 pm, SS 256

8 (THURS): Urban Filmmaking in Contemporary China, “The World,” (2005, Jia Zhangke),  2:45 pm, AS 121

9 (FRI) : Tiger Tales production by Chinese Theatre Works, 7:00 PM University Art Museum.  The Chinese Theatre Works is the only professional Chinese shadow theater company in the United States. Drawing on the China’s 2,000-year history of shadow puppetry, Tiger Tales blends ancient and contemporary techniques in a comical story of survival in the modern jungle.  Tiger Tales is performed in English accompanied by traditional Chinese music, and is suitable for all ages.

10 (SAT) : Overhead Projector Shadow Puppetry Workshops: conducted by Chinese Theatre Works: 12:00 Noon and 2:00 PM  University Art Museum.  These workshops will guide participants through the entire process of planning, designing, building and performing a 2-5 minute shadow figure production. Participants will create brief shadow performances using a range of materials (cardstock, acetate, wire, fabric scraps, gel, found objects, kitchen utensils, toys, and more).  Ages 8 to adult.  For reservations call 442-4035

13 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema:  Chinese Martial Arts Films, Robert Tai, “Shaolin vs. Ninja,” (1981), 5:45 pm, SS 256

13 (TUES): A Celebration of Chinese Poetry from Classical to Contemporary
Classical Chinese Poetry with Da Chen — 4:15 p.m., Assembly Hall, Campus Center
An Evening of Contemporary Chinese American Poetry — 8:00 p.m., Assembly Hall, Campus Center
The work of contemporary Chinese-American women poets will be showcased, as well as a rich selection of works by major Chinese poets from ancient and modern times. Special emphasis will be given to the influential poets of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), notably Wang Wei, Du Fu and Li Po. Also featured will be the poetry of modern China, including works of the May Fourth Movement, Communist era, and Misty Poet school. Readers will include rising stars of Chinese-American poetry, as well as a number of major American poets and writers reading their favorite Chinese poems in English translation.  Co-sponsored by the NYSWI and the Asian American Writers Workshop.

14 (WED) China Center Seminar Series, 4:00 PM, Location TBD, Professor Anna Shields, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, “Speaking to the Dead and the Living: Friendship and Texts of Mourning in Medieval China.”

14 (WED): Films on Chinese Culture III, “Chinese New Year” and “Taiwanese Festival Troupes” 12:30-1:45 p.m. Standish Room, Science Library

19 (MON): Gender and Nation in New World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema, “Happy Together,” (1997, Wong Kar-wai), 5:45 pm, HU 039

20 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema:  Chinese Martial Arts Films, Rong Guangyu and Donnie Yen, “Iron Monkey,” (1993), 5:45 pm, SS 256

26 (MON): Introduction to the History of Chinese Painting, “The Seventeenth Century,” 5:45 pm, HU 137

27 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema:  Chinese Martial Arts Films:  Jet Li, “Fist of Legend,” (1994), 5:45 pm, SS 256

29 (THURS): Urban Filmmaking in Contemporary China, “Blind Shaft,” (2003, Yang Li), 2:45 pm, AS 121

December

4 (TUES): Introduction to East Asian Cinema:  Chinese Martial Arts Films, Jackie Chan, “Rumble in the Bronx,” (1996), 5:45 pm, SS 256

29 (SAT): Winter Session Course, Introduction to China, East China Normal University, Shanghai (through 1/21/08)

China Theme Semester Academic Course Offerings

Fall 2007

Elementary Chinese (AEAC 101L)
Instructor:  TBD
An introduction to modern Chinese (Mandarin) with emphasis on speaking, reading and writing. Basic fluency in the spoken language is developed through intensive use and repetition of fundamental sentence patterns and vocabulary. Students learn both traditional full-form characters and the simplified versions in use on mainland China. May not be taken by students with any previous knowledge of any Chinese language.

Sources of East Asian Civilizations (AEAC 103)
Instructor:  Professor Charles Hartman, Department of East Asian Studies
A basic introduction to the primary texts that have contributed to the formative cultural foundations of Chinese and Korean civilizations. Readings will include the Analects of Confucius, the Tao te ching, and the Journey to the West. [BE HU]

Introduction to East Asian Cinema (AEAS 140)
Instructor:  Professor Fan Pen Li Chen, Department of East Asian Studies (8W1)
Instructor:  Professor James Hargett, Department of East Asian Studies (8W2)
This course offers an introduction to East Asian cinema, with emphasis on movies produced in China and Japan. Lectures and class discussions will focus on the interpretation of cinematic texts, especially as they relate to cultural dynamics and social change. [AR]

Intermediate Chinese (AEAC 201)
Instructor:  TBD
Speaking, reading, and writing modern Chinese, including continued study of both full-form and simplified characters, introduction to dictionaries, principles of character formation and classification, and the phonetic writing system (chu-yin-fu-hao). Prerequisite(s): A Eac 102 or equivalent.

Survey of Classical Chinese Literature in Translation (AEAC 210)
Instructor:  Professor Fan Pen Li Chen
An introduction to the major works of Chinese literature from The Book of Songs (1100–600 B.C.) to poetry and prose writings of the Sung dynasty (960–1279). [HU OD]

Reform and Resistance in Contemporary China (Honors College – AEAC 230H/AGOG 230H)
Instructor:  Professor Christopher Smith, Departments of Geography and Planning and East Asian Studies
The course provides a survey of economic and social change in reform-era China (1978-present), beginning with a broad review of the policies that have brought about such a monumental restructuring of the economy. In the later sections of the in-class discussion will focus on the human impacts of the reforms and the extent to which the Chinese people have been constrained in their struggles for a better life and a more just and equitable society. Readings and materials from other media (including contemporary film and literature) will be selected to illustrate some of the ways the Chinese people have been exerting agency in shaping their own fate and resisting the inevitable forces that seem likely to overwhelm them in the new era of free-wheeling capitalism. The classroom discussions will focus on specific case studies of resistance drawn from a variety of sites and a range of contexts in contemporary China, which will be discussed and analyzed in the context of social science theories about the nature of resistance and its outcomes. The course will present ideas and a body of literature that question and critique the dominant ‘narrative of success’ that currently pervades Western media and academic curricula. Prerequisite(s): The course will be offered only to students in the Honors College.

China in Revolution (AEAC 260/AHIS 260)
Instructor:  Professor Steven Leibo, Department of History
This course examines China’s four great twentieth century revolutions: the 1911 Revolution, the 1949 Communist Revolution, the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, and the reforms of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Topics include authority and dissent, constituency mobilization, the relationship between urban and rural regions, and the changing nature of ideology in China. [BE]

Buddhism in China and Japan (AEAS 266/AREL 266)
Instructor:  Professor Mark Blum, Department of East Asian Studies
An introduction to the heritage of Buddhism in East Asia. Focus is on the cultural interaction between Indian Buddhist notions of the human condition and the traditional religious and philosophical assumptions of China and Japan. Discussion will center on doctrine and the history of its transmission and understanding, including issues in language, artistic expression, and the establishment of the monastic community.

Women in East Asian Literature (AEAS 270/AWSS 270)
Instructor:  Professor Fan Pen Li Chen, Department of East Asian Studies
Female persona in East Asian literature will be examined in relation to their cultural background as well as the genres in which they appear. Women as rulers and lovers; as goddesses and prostitutes; exemplars and shrews. Conducted in English; no knowledge of the East Asian languages or cultures is required. Only one of A Eas 270 & A Wss 270 may be taken for credit. [BE, HU]

Chinese Painting (AEAC 280/AARH280)
Instructor:  Professor Charles Hartman, Department of East Asian Studies
Introduces students to the major works of traditional Chinese painting and analyzes those works to arrive at an understanding of life in traditional China. The major class activity will be viewing, discussing and analyzing slides of Chinese paintings. Only one of A Arh 280 & A Eac 280 may be taken for credit. [AR]

Advanced Chinese (AEAC 301)
Instructor:  Professor James Hargett, Department of East Asian Studies
A survey of a wide variety of materials written in modern Chinese, including selections from the works of major 20th-century writers, newspaper articles from both Taiwan and mainland China, and readings from the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Students will view and study at least one full-length Chinese movie. Equal emphasis is placed on enhancing reading, writing and oral communication skills. Class is conducted entirely in Chinese. Prerequisite(s): A Eac 202 or equivalent for A Eac 301; A Eac 301 or equivalent for A Eac 302. [OD]

Debating Contemporary China (AEAC 308/AGOG 308/AGLO 308)
Instructor:  Professor Ray Bromley, Office of International Education, Department of Geography and Planning
Enables students who have recently studied in China to discuss and debate major contemporary issues: the factors underlying China’s rapid economic growth; the impact of China’s economic growth on society, environment and the global system;  the future of China’s political system; the future of China’s population policies;  the dynamics of Chinese cities;  the situation of Tibet and of ethnic and religious minorities; the future of Taiwan; relations with other Asian neighbors. Prerequisite(s): At least 3 credits of Study Abroad coursework in China sometime in the previous year.

Urban Development in Contemporary China (AEAC 350/AGOG 350)
Instructor:  Professor Huang Youqin
Provides a comprehensive understanding of urban development in China. Reviews the history of urban development in China and examines the demographic, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of the urbanization process. Analyzes the emerging urban land and housing markets, and the changing urban landscape.

Gender, Nation, and World Cinema:  New Hong Kong Cinema (AWSS 361)
Instructor:  Professor Vivien Ng, Departments of Women’s Studies and History
The aim of this course is to apply critical race, postcolonial and feminist theories to the examination of intersections between gender and nation that occur in cinematic representations from different world regions. We will explore national cinemas in historical, transnational, cultural, and political contexts and reflect on these issues through critical thinking and writing exercises.  In a given semester, the course may focus on—through the cross-cultural lens—one geographical region, cultural tradition, or theme. May be repeated once for credit if course content changes. This course fulfills the general education global and cross-cultural perspectives requirement. Prerequisite(s): Recommended but not required: A Wss 281 or A Wss 282.

Government and Politics in The People’s Republic of China (AEAC 373/RPOS 373)
Instructor:  Professor Cheng Chen
Examination of the origins of the Communist movement in China against the backdrop of the decline of dynastic rule and the era of Western imperialism. The implications of ideology, institutions, and individuals for public policy in the People's Republic of China. [BE]

Confucius and Confucianism (EAS 399)
Instructor:  Professor Anthony DeBlasi
This course surveys the main texts and themes in the development of the Confucian tradition from its origins in China through its spread in Japan and Korea to its reemergence in contemporary East Asia. The emphasis is on the way that the tradition has responded to social conditions. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between Confucian intellectuals and political power. The rivalry with other traditions (e.g., Taoism, Buddhism, Marxism, Liberalism, etc.) will also be considered. Prerequisite(s): A His 177, A Eas 103, A Eas 190, A Eac 379, or permission of the instructor.

Colloquium in East Asian Studies (EAS 495)
Instructor:  Professor Anthony DeBlasi
Directed readings and conferences involving several members of the faculty for students pursuing undergraduate honors in the Department of East Asian Studies. To be offered only when requested by students eligible for the honors program. Prerequisite(s): major in the department; junior or senior class standing; acceptance into the Honors Program.

Independent Study in Chinese (AEAC 497)
Instructor:  Professor Anthony DeBlasi
Projects in selected areas of Chinese studies, with regular progress reports. Supervised readings of texts in Chinese. May be repeated once for credit when topics differ. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level Chinese courses and equivalent, or permission of instructor.

OASIS Group Activities

The New York State Capital Region Chapter of OASIS, housed at the University at Albany, is pleased to be offering courses related to the China semester for their members.  For more information on registering for these programs please contact the OASIS office at (518) 442-3913.

October

East River Ensemble
Saturday, October 13
8:00 p.m.
Recital Hall
$8.00

This collective of top-notch musicians from north China draws upon a timeless folk repertoire of the Hebei and Donbei regions. Playing traditional music with flair, the ensemble is uniquely led by the yangqin, a Chinese version of the hammered dulcimer.

The Beijing Olympic Games of 2008: Rhetoric and Reality 
Christopher J. Smith,, Ph.D.
Monday, October 15
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Alumni House
$10.00

In 2001 Beijing was selected to host the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008. From the perspective of the leadership in Beijing, China’s winning the bid was an important milestone in its rising international status, and was seen as “a historical event in the great renaissance of the Chinese nation.” An editorial comment in China’s official news agency (Xinhua) promised that in seven years Beijing and the whole of China “will be home to a stable society, a prosperous economy and a well-off population” (People’s Daily, Friday, July 13, 2001).  The editorial also noted that as a result of having the Games in China “the cause of democracy and…[the]…rule of law will continually advance.” Based on these public announcements, some optimistic China watchers have predicted that significant improvements in China’s human rights situation would be visible by the time the Games begin in 2008; and some have even anticipated a major change in the government system. With less that one year still to go, it is appropriate to reflect on some of the extent to which these optimistic scenarios are becoming reality.

Xinhua also promised that the infrastructural work and the construction program required by the Games would result in major advances in Beijing’s status as a world city. Again, it is illuminating to speculate on the extent to which this has happened, focusing on three specific issues: the physical changes in the built environment of the Beijing metropolitan region; the social and economic impacts on Beijing’s residents of the forced evictions and residential relocations required by the construction plans; and the environmental consequences of the infrastructural improvements and new venues being built for the specific events of the Games.

Letters to a Student Revolutionary
Wednesday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m. (pre-performance talk – Given by Elizabeth Wong and hosted by the Writers Institute in the Standish Room)

Sunday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m. (performance – Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre)
$7.00

Mao vs. Manolo. BMW vs. Buddha. Little Red Book vs. Vogue. Don't call it a debate. Call it, a cautious friendship. Two young women -- one from the USA and the other from China -- duke out their loves, lives and emerging ideologies in this disarmingly funny coming-of-age epistolary smackdown. An award-winning play based on actual events, directed by the playwright who lived it.  (Playwright and director: Elizabeth Wong)

Chinese Shadow Theatre
Fan Pen Chen, Ph.D.
Monday, October 29
$10.00

Lecture – Alumni House from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
OPTIONAL trip to the University at Albany Art Museum for a “behind the scenes” look at the puppet exhibit from 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. 
Transportation will be provided to the Museum and back to Alumni House by a University at Albany campus bus.  

Performed behind cloth screens lit backstage, Chinese shadow figures (puppets) are made of brilliantly colored, translucent parchment. This class is held in anticipation to the exhibition of some of the most exquisite shadow figures from Dr. Fan Pen Chen’s collection at the SUNY-Albany Art Museum beginning in November. Fan will talk about the history and functions of the Chinese shadow theatre, and show excerpts of traditional and modern shadow plays she had taped. You will get an opportunity to touch and manipulate shadow figures made of donkey and cattle parchment.

November

Chinese Food: Beyond American-Chinese Restaurants & Chinese Banquet-style Dinner
Fan Pen Chen, Ph.D.
Friday, November 9
3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
$45.00

Lecture – Alumni House from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Banquet – Ocean Palace (855 Central Avenue, Suite #113, Albany) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This class will introduce the history of Chinese food, the relationship of food to Chinese medicine, and regional specialties.  A special eight to ten-course sumptuous Chinese banquet-style dinner will be prepared for us at Ocean Palace.  Dr. Chen will introduce the dishes and their cooking styles, and talk about banquet specialty dishes, occasions, styles and etiquette.  (This all-inclusive price covers the lecture, meal, tax & tip.  Alcohol must be purchased separately.  Off-street parking is available at Ocean Palace, so you can either go alone or carpool from the Alumni House with a friend. )

A Peek Behind the Bamboo Curtain of China Businesses
Paul Miesing, Ph.D.
Thursday, November 15
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Alumni House
$10.00

This program will survey the complex array of Chinese business structures that span global traders to local entrepreneurs. The ascent of Chinese businesses and China's accession into the World Trade Organization bring both global opportunities as well as problems. We will cover opportunities for U.S. companies to learn from this experience, as well as speculate how Chinese businesses might be governed in the future.

China's Environmental Challenge
Steven Leibo, Ph.D.
Wednesday, November 28
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Alumni House
$10.00

China's re-emergence as a major world power has come with major advantages and disadvantages for the both the Chinese people and the larger international community. No downside looms as large as the extraordinary impact of China's rise on both the national and international environment. This two-hour lecture presentation will explore not only local regional environmental challenges within China but its role in both broadening and meeting the challenge of climate instability caused by global warming.

China Through American Eyes: Fact or Fantasy?
Jim Hargett, Ph.D.
Friday, November 30
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Alumni House
$10.00

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Activities

And for UAlbany employees, family members, retirees and GSEU members, EAP is sponsoring the following programs:

September-October

10, 17, 24, 1: Tai Chi/Qi Gong:  Instructor: Jianye Jiang
Jianye Jiang holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Shanghai Physical Education Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Shandong Teachers University. He is the Capital District Tai Chi and Kung Fu Association President.

Main Campus:
4-Session Class
Mondays, 12 noon – 1pm
Science Library Lawn
Sept., 10, 17, 24 & October 1
Employee Fee: $12.00
Registration Required

October

15 & 22: Introduction to Tai Chi/Qi Gong:  Instructor: Jianye Jiang

Downtown Campus:
Monday, October 15th
12 noon – 1pm
Page Hall Courtyard
Free/Registration Required

East Campus:
Monday, October 22nd
12 noon – 1pm
Lawn behind the A Wing Cafeteria
Free/Registration Required

11, 17, 24: Acupuncture – EAP Brown Bag Lecture:  Presenter: Clarence Lu, Doctor of Acupuncture - Nationally Certified: Acupuncture – Chinese Herbs; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center-Certified   

Main Campus:
Thursday, October 11
12 noon – 1pm
Terrace Lounge – Campus Center
Free/Registration Required

East Campus:
Wednesday, October 17th
12 noon – 1pm
Conference Room 110
Free/Registration Required

Downtown Campus:
Wednesday, October 24th
12 noon – 1pm
Draper Room 115
Free/Registration Required

For more information on the EAP programs contact:
Brenda Seckerson, MA
EAP Coordinator
University at Albany
1400 Washington Ave. MSC #200
Albany, NY 12222
ph. 518.442.5483
fax 518.442.4440 

University Art Museum Exhibits

In conjunction with the UAlbany China semester, the University Art Museum will present the following exhibitions:

Chen Qiulin: Recent Work
Featuring richly choreographed videos and photographs that explore the effects of rapid urbanization on contemporary Chinese culture.

Chen Qiulin, Garden No. 6, 2007 Photograph: 50 x 59.8 inches Courtesy of the artist and Max Protetch

This Chinese artist’s work explores the effects of rapid urbanization on contemporary Chinese culture. Over the past four years, Qiulin’s work has documented and recorded the changes resulting from the Three Gorges Dam project. Set in post-industrial spaces, her richly choreographed narrative imagery often includes theatrically dressed characters whose tentative and mysterious actions play out against the panoramic backdrop of China’s changing landscape.

Chen Qiulin, River, River, 2005 Photograp: 14.76 inches x 79.76 inches. Courtesy of the artist and Max Protetch

Chinese Shadow Figures from the Collection of Dr. Fan Pen Chen
This dynamic installation brings to life a one thousand-year old popular folk art that continues to engage audiences of all ages.

         
The exhibition will feature actual shadow figures, handwritten scripts, and documentary video material from the collection of Dr. Fan Pen Chen (UAlbany East Asian Studies Department). Shadow theater is principally an Asian contribution to the performing arts. The Chinese shadow theater tradition evolved into a sophisticated art form, closely related to Chinese opera. Delicately carved and colored animal-skin figures are manipulated behind paper or cloth screens to portray characters from literature, folktales, and religious parables.

Chinese Shadow Figure (Sawing into Halves), Qing dynasty Cattle hide, dye; 11 x 15 inches Collection of Dr. Fan Pen Chen
	Chinese Shadow Figure (Female Figure in Carriage) (detail), Qing dynasty Cattle hide, dye; 16 x 29 inches Collection of Dr. Fan Pen Chen