August 21, 2008

Confucius Institute to offer conversation, calligraphy courses

Two non-credit courses -- Elementary Chinese Conversation and Fun with Chinese Calligraphy -- will be offered this fall through the Confucius Institute at Purdue (CIP) and Purdue Continuing Education. The courses are open to anyone with an interest in Chinese language and culture.

Elementary Chinese Conversation is intended to develop the participants' oral skills for self-expression at the elementary level of Chinese. Guided practice in conversation, led by the course instructor, will enhance participants' practical communicative competence. Small group discussions on topics in daily life will be conducted. This course will also develop participants' cultural awareness by introducing general topics on Chinese culture, society, history, and economy. Course materials will be provided.

Classes will be held on Wednesdays, Sept. 10 - Oct. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. Class size is limited to 15.

Fun with Chinese Calligraphy uses the Chinese brush, a magical tool with choreographic movements, to provide participants the basic skills to create graceful and balanced writing. While learning how to make black ink by grinding an ink stick with water on an ink stone, to fit one's aesthetic taste, the participants will practice the regular style of calligraphy from the glorious Tang Dynasty. Basic strokes, structures, proper sizes, and ink effects will be stressed when students advance to composition arrangements of short words on blank paper. Participants will be expected to complete a calligraphy project with selected themes and art forms.

Course materials will be provided. Classes will meet on Tuesdays, Sept. 9 - Nov. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. Class size is limited to 12.

To register for any of these courses, go to: https://www.continuinged.purdue.edu/chinese/