INQ-277 | Kungfu and Its Cultural Values

Topic Description:

This course is designed to introduce the student participants to the riches of Chinese martial arts (kungfu): their origin, history, cultural context, and spiritual values. Instead of viewing martial arts merely as sport or entertainment as most Westerners do, students will be able to study the rich culture that produces and nourishes the martial arts and the people who practice them. Students will also be exposed to the chivalrous spirit of xia or xiake (whose closest English translation is "chivalrous man" or "hero") and his role in maintaining order and justice in a world of outlaws. This is a travel course to China. Travel destinations will include the Shaolin Temple, the cradle of Chinese martial arts, museums, Buddhist grottos and temples. We will also visit capitals of China (Beijing and Xi’an), and Shanghai, the commercial and industrial center of China.

Course Types Offered: Travel

Topic Approved: April 2006