This year's Alumni College will examine the role that China plays on the global stage at this point in history and roles it is likely to play in coming decades. On a daily basis we find news stories about China in magazines and newspapers. We read about the burgeoning industries; the status of human rights; the new entrepreneurial class; the potential for pandemic diseases; imperial power; the nascent film, music, and popular culture industries; the potential power of 1.2 billion consumers in the global market; and China's unique transition from Maoist communism to capitalism. The current and future roles of China are, however, intimately tied to China's rich historical past.
Understanding the role China plays and will play in the world requires an understanding and appreciation of China's cultural legacy. This year's Alumni College aims to acquaint participants with several significant aspects of China's rich heritage, including its religious, philosophical, military, political, artistic, economic, and literary traditions. We will then trace these threads of tradition as they are woven into the fabric of China's current transition and its future challenges and promise. In addition to faculty lectures, participants will learn about Asian art, including work from Colby's own collection, they will have an opportunity to learn by doing the gentle movements of Tai Chi, and they will be able to see an array of films from contemporary Chinese cinema.
—Jill Gordon, professor of philosophy
|
