SEMINARS
a teacher walks through the beautiful garden, followed closely by a group of students…
each seeking a prime position to hear the commentary and explanations…
On March 22, teachers from the Sinology department of SISU Bilingual School brought a group of G10 and G11 students to Yangshantang and Yule Xie, where the students received expert instruction on the design of the gardens in the shadow of the mountains and the river: “The rockery is the main scene, which has the role of controlling the whole garden. The corridor connects the north and south, creating a peaceful and inspirational mood.”
What is a ‘humanities walk’?
Every semester for the past four years, Sinology teachers from SISU Bilingual School have taken groups of students to a variety of locations for practical lessons that teach the charm of Chinese traditional culture and literature, and train the students to recognize and appreciate manifestations of Chinese philosophy and literature in the built physical environment around them.
These lessons outside the classroom leave a profound impression on the students, expanding their horizons about what it means to be a student, and challenging them to understand the lived reality of Chinese culture, and not simply think of learning as an activity that takes place in the classroom alone.
And what do the students think?
“I used to visit some scenic areas with my parents, but it was only to look around and take some photos of the building, pretending that I experienced the beauty of the gardens. However, when our class visited the “Yu Garden” of Yunduan Pan, I understood the real significance of the features I would previously have only considered as pretty. The knowledge, information and opportunity for discussion and debate with my classmates made the visit much more meaningful.”
“Whenever I complete a ‘humanities walk,’ I always feel the time has passed by so quickly. This time on our visit to “Yu Garden” was no different. I understood the landscaping and design of the garden and comprehended why these features of natural beauty are so significant for Taoism. I left feeling enriched by the experience and in possession of a deep calm. I am so happy that places like this garden exist especially in the midst of such a bustling city as Shanghai.”
“Although this was not my first visit to “Yu Garden,” it was definitely the most unforgettable. I learned and understood for the first time how several generations of shifting tastes have created a subtle design and a pleasing overall effect. I particularly enjoyed the feeling of seeing something familiar in a new and more complete way. And that is what my Sinology course gives me: I can see and appreciate the lived reality of Chinese culture and philosophy all across the built environment of where I live and visit.”