Packing Slip 
item |
Educational Study Tour of China |
contact |
Carole Drachler (Mesa Community College) carole.drachler@mcmail.maricopa.edu |
college(s) |
Mesa Community College |
discipline(s) |
Art History |
summary |
This was a travel project to research, visit and photograph art sites in China. |
details |
This travel project was spent researching and visiting unique art sites in China. Historical places and art museums were studied and photographed as part of this experience. I also attended a series of lectures on Chinese art, culture, religion and philosophy. I collected informative and educational academic materials, books, and brochures for professional growth. The time span of the project included two weeks of travel and study in China, May 12-16, 2005 and six days to organize and assimilate the material in Phoenix, May 27, 30, 31 and June 1, 2, 3, 2005. ------------------------------------------------------------ Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read. ------------------------------------------------------------ This visit to art historical sites in China was an educational experience to enhance my knowledge of the art, history and culture of China. Major art museums and important secular and religious sites were the focus of the journey. Travel and study time were realistic for the project. The locations were selected specifically to provide a fresh and current approach to themes taught in classes at MCC. Many of these works of art previously received minimal attention in the art history survey courses. Because the ARH101 and ARH102 now have a global designation, the travel/study experience was beneficial in providing a background and familiarity with the art of this part of the world that will enhance future classes. With China’s growing importance on the economic, political, and artistic scene, it is particularly relevant to give the students a greater exposure to Chinese culture. The six-day post-travel period to process the material was useful, but it has also prompted further and ongoing research. The project has provided an opportunity to grow professionally, to invigorate my future teaching experiences and to purchase educational materials. ------------------------------------------------------------ Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you? ------------------------------------------------------------ As an art historian, it is extremely helpful to be able to study original works of art. Viewing these images of art and cultural sites first-hand is a unique experience that furthers one’s academic perspective. I visited special art exhibitions, art museums and architectural and sculptural monuments at every location. I attended a series of lectures in English in conjunction with the visits. Chinese scholar, Liu Hai presented two lectures: one on Chinese history and the other on the Forbidden Palace. Professor Yang Hong Ying presented a session on Chinese philosophy and religion. The curator art at the Shanghai Museum, Liang Wei, lectured on the vast collection of imperial art. I also researched each site/topic/museum before each visit thereby enriching the lecture experience. Now that I have had a first-hand experience of China, it should help me to analyze and to discuss Chinese culture. The trip also afforded me the opportunity to acquire new materials that have been recently published and available only on site. As a result of this summer project I emerge as a more knowledgeable art historian and energized teacher. ------------------------------------------------------------ Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college? ------------------------------------------------------------ Students will benefit from the unique educational tools I assembled. Some will be added to the instructional bulletin boards that line the classroom walls and adjacent halls. Purchased books will be loaned to students and will be used personally. I have taken hundreds of slides at the various cultural locations as well as from the newly acquired books that will provide a wealth of new information for the classes. Students will benefit from the exposure to and the understanding of a new culture. By personalizing the travel experience in the classroom, students often gain a new perspective for geography and cultural diversity as well as an enthusiasm to travel and visit art historical subjects. Hopefully, they will become more well-rounded individuals as a result of exposure to new themes and ideas. I am the only full time art history faculty member at MCC and I will share the educational materials with the adjunct faculty. Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback via the comments form below. |
web links |
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fpg/ |
shareback |
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extra |
Last modified: Sep-13-2005 Date created: Sep-12-2005 Visitor count: 4147 Dublin Core Metadata record  This package is included in the Faculty Professional Growth Summer Project Reports special collection. |
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