Thoughts about the 3rd session

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed the further discussion of competing ideologies in China during its warring states period. It was great to gain a better understanding of the influence of Buddhism in China and the development of its different forms. As a visual learner, it was awesome to see examples of artwork from the period and to see how the art transitioned from being purely functional, to the more aesthetically valued forms.

[Anonymous]

I appreciated learning about the history of China, in particular how it was broken down into the three stages of Chinese civilization development. It was also great to see how the schools of thought (Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism) influenced each stage. I was also fascinated to see how the literature was also influenced by what what was happening politically. Professor Ye's love and support for humanities as the greatest and most remembered achievement of a society makes perfect sense.

[Anonymous]

Part I China's Middle Ages was interesting. While taking vigorous notes , I found myself pausing and visualizing about the unique periods of Chinese history. The description of stages one through three from the history of cosmopolitan east Asia to contemporary modern day China was enlightening. I was surprised at the in-depth and somewhat complex cultural evolution during the various stages. Professor Ye's personality and overall enthusiasm for the topics was projected throughout the class which I found motivational as well.

[Anonymous]

I stated this in another thread, but I really enjoyed the Chinese poetry, especially the sonnets. That's something I definitely intend on using in my classroom when we do our poetry unit. I think I also want to discuss with my sophomores the comparison Prof. Ye made between Aesop and Chinese prose. I think that would make a good juxtaposition for them to see that various ways fables could and have been told in the past.

Also, I want to agree with sbuttle and say that Prof. Ye's enthusiasm for the subject matter was really awesome and definitely made what I thought would be a long day much shorter.

[Anonymous]

Two "details” about the Saturday session amazed me.
One of them was the emphasis on art and specifically on literature. Isn’t it amazing how literature as art reflects peoples’ stories? I intentionally say “stories” as opposed to “history”. Stories make history meaningful and memorable. Stories also allow shrinking of time and space and make a gigantic history short and comprehensive. One of the big pluses of the session was its emphasis on literature.
The second amazing fact about the session was the lecturer’s ability to draw parallels between Chinese culture and Western literary and philosophical tradition.

[Anonymous]

Saturday session was exceptional! Thank you Prof. Dube for inviting Prof. Ye to share his cosmopolitan knowledge with us. The time went by quickly listening to the inspirational talk of Prof. Ye and most of it to his beautiful recitation of British poetry and chanting in Chinese. I must share that I was almost in tears when he was chanting. Amazing!

[Anonymous]

I agree with Macias about Prof.YE lecture. It is amasing that the Chiese history and ancient literature was interpreted in a unique way by Prof.Ye, which made you feel the day so short.
I was also impressed deeply by his chants of those poems, which refreshed the memory of my childhood. It is indeed a very impressive lecture.

[Anonymous]

I was most impressed with Dr. Ye's caligraphy knowledge and passion when he talked about the art. I remembered studied caligraphy in 4th grade, and it actually made me want to look it up again, or at least add it into my lesson plans a bit. So inspiring!

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the portion of the lecture dedicated to art. I would have liked to spend more time looking a more specific pieces. Perhaps resources to find more specific art for that time period would have been helpful. I try to use art in my classroom when ever I can, I find that students really enjoy using it to conceptualize broader ideas.

[Anonymous]

I too was very impressed with his chants, I had never heard anything like them before. They were soothing. This experience definitely helped be appreciate this art form. I was also surprised to realize that this is a rare art, which is unfortunate.

[Anonymous]

Re: chanting
It was reaaly amazing. I've been in the academia for quite a while but it was my first encounter with the emotional appeal of chanting in a pure academic environment. A unique experience.

[Anonymous]

I had no idea that calligraphy was considered so important, and such a sense of beauty was attached to this art form. It is also noteworthy that we were told by Dr. Miayke, when speaking about the Japanese court, that writing was also considered very important.

I also found the poetry so beautiful, and so sad. Many of the authors seemed dejected. I did though, think many of the writings captured the beauty of writing, and the inspiration needed for it.

[Anonymous]

Very nice class. I specially liked the poetry. Class inspire me to bring more of the arts to my school and to learn and build more knowledge in the Asian Arts. I want to learn more. I like the cosmopolitan as well as the old time arts that the proffesor shared with us.

[Anonymous]

As an arts teacher, I truly enjoyed this lecture because it made plain how one learns about culture through the arts. She shared the Jefferson lecture speech and that spoke volumes to me!

[Anonymous]

Wow! That was some session! I came away with an understanding and appreciation of Chinese art and literature. There was a lot covered that day. It went fast for a Saturay. I learned more about the four schools: Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Legalism. Professor Ye has passion and enthusiasm for Chinese culture, which was very moving that it kept my interest and attention. I learned about how literature and art reflect what happened in soceity historically. I enjoyed the comparison to the western world.
I also want to applaud the chanting done by Professor Ye. It was awesome! It was clear and had wonderful intonation. I didn't understand it, but I was moved by it. Bravo!

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