ALBANY, N.Y. (September 5, 2007) -- The University at Albany today launched its fall 2007 China Semester, Gateways to China, designed to enhance the campus community's awareness of programs, academic courses, and cultural activities dealing with China and its people. The semester was inaugurated with a visit from Hon. Chinese Ambassador Liu Biwei, consulate-general of China in New York City.
"A theme semester centered around China is a wonderful way to stimulate interest in the country's language and culture among students and the greater community, as well as facilitate discussion and debate on the implications of China's growing importance on the world stage," said UAlbany Officer in Charge and Provost Susan Herbst.
The semester offers UAlbany and the community the chance to experience all things Chinese -- including food, film, history, art, politics, theater, and literature. Among the semester's activities will be the seminar "From Comrade to Citizen: The Struggle for Political Rights in China" by Harvard University Professor Merle Goldman on Sept. 7 at 2:30 p.m.; a New York State Writers Institute-sponsored special reading by China scholar and author Jonathan Spence on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.; a visit by world-class musicians from northern China on Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.; and performances by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on Nov. 2-3 at 8 p.m.. These events, and others throughout the semester, are open to the public. For more information and a complete list of activities offered at UAlbany, visit the China semester Web site or call (518) 442-4082.
One of the semester's goals is to increase the number of UAlbany students learning Chinese and studying abroad in China. Chinese language courses will be offered, as well as a Study Abroad Fair on Oct. 1. The University will also offer "The China House," an on-campus residential community of students interested in deepening their language skills by using the language in a residential environment. "The China House" is a joint effort of the Department of East Asian Studies and the Office of International Education.
The semester is sponsored by the University's Center for the Humanities, Arts and TechnoSciences (CHATS); China Center; College of Arts and Sciences; Office of International Education; Office of the Provost; and the Urban China Research Network.
