Center for International Studies and Programs

YSU College Presentations

See the list of YSU College presentations below.  If you would the YSU College staff to present to your team or at an event, contact us at yanshanuniversitycollege@utoledo.edu or call us at 419.530.5268.


students at table writing with calligraphy brushes

Chinese Characters

In China, calligraphy is an art and is used for many activities including creating characters of the written Chinese language, called Hanzi.  

Lecture

The lecture will discuss the different writing styles, tools, and Chinese characters.

Activity

Participants will be able to learn to write some simple Chinese characters with a brush under the guidance of professionals.


Chinese Dragon

Over the years, the dragon has become an important symbol of power in China.  

Lecture

The lecture is divided into four parts:

  • Chinese dragon in ancient symbol
  • Dragons in Chinese culture
  • Idioms about dragons
  • The difference between Chinese dragons and western dragons.

rocket iconback to top


students dressed in traditional chinese clothingChinese Hanfu

Hanfu is traditional clothing from the Han Chinese nationality dating back thousands of years.  It encompasses the spirit of the Huaxia Han culture including etiquette and beauty.

Lecture

The lecture is divided into four parts:

  • Origin and development
  • Manufacturing process
  • Cultural characteristic
  • Historical value

Activity

Participants will have a chance to take a beautiful photo on Chinese hanfu.


rocket iconback to top


Chinese Zodiac

The twelve zodiac signs are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The signs are featured in a twelve-year rotation so that each year is represented by one animal.

Lecture

 

The lecture is divided into four parts:

  • stories about the zodiac
  • Characteristics of the twelve zodiac signs
  • what is zodiac year
  • find your zodiac sign

hot pot foodsChinese food

Lecture

 

Activity

Participants will be able to taste Chinese food.



rocket iconback to top


two students playing mahjongMahjong

Majhong is a game played by four players using tiles from the 19th century.  It is similar to rummy and requires some luck and some strategy.

Lecture

The lecture will be divided into three parts:

  • History of Mahjong
  • The composition of mahjong
  • Basic Rules of Mahjong

Number Culture

In chinese culture, numbers can have good or bad luck, based on pronunciation, pairing, and other factors.

Lecture

The lecture is divided into four parts:

  • Learn to speak numbers in Chinese
  • Learn to write 1-10 in Chinese
  • Learn how to gesture 1-10
  • Learn about the culture behind numbers

Activity

Participants will learn about the culture of numbers in China and get a small traditional Chinese gift.


rocket iconback to top


Qixi Festival

The origin of Qixi (or Seven Sisters) Festival dates back to prehistoric times.  It celebrates the stars on the seventh night of the seventh month in the Lunar Year.  It is also a festival of love, similar to Valentine's Day.  

Lecture

The lecture will be divided into four parts:

  • Overview
  • The legend
  • Ancient celebrations
  • Modern celebrations

Activity

Participants will be able to learn how to fold the heart with colored paper.


bowen pouring tea

Tea

China has a rich culture surrounding tea, including tea planting and production.  Tea is an important part of daily life, history, and economic development.

Lecture

 

The lecture is divided into four parts:

  • The history of Chinese tea
  • The classification of tea
  • Famous tea in China
  • Tea producing areas in China
  • Tea custom in China
  • Tea art

Activity

Participants will be able to watch the tea ceremony and taste different tea.


rocket iconback to top


red Chinese backdropsColor Culture

In China, the importance of colors is affected by the five elements (earth, fire, water, wood, metal).  Color culture influences rituals and business.

Lecture

This lecture will explain the importance of certain colors.

  • The worship of ancestors
  • The importance of red
  • Five-elements theory
  • The influence of Confucius
  • The influence of China’s porcelain industry
  • The symbolic meaning of colors

Activity

Participants will be able to learn how to weave a red Chinese knot.


rocket iconback to top

Last Updated: 7/15/24