Philosophy and Religious Studies Department Aims to Educate on Chinese Culture

HU Zhengqi can tell someone’s character by looking at their calligraphy. It might be because he started practicing calligraphy when he was only five years old.

Zhengqi, an East Stroudsburg University graduate student from China, wants to help bring an understanding of traditional Chinese culture to campus. At 7 p.m. on November 18, Zhengqi, along with Tim Connolly, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and religious studies, and James Vagliardo, Ph.D., instructor of professional and secondary education, will host a group presentation in Stroud 316 to help educate the audience on traditional Chinese culture.

“We have a growing number of Chinese students at the university,” Connolly said. “We want to give our students the opportunity to learn about their culture and have more knowledge of their traditions.”

China has been described as a “civilization state,” with enduring cultural traditions that go back 5,000 years or more in time. The traditional culture is key to understanding many aspects of Chinese society, including history, language art, philosophy, health and medicine and politics, according to Connolly.

“The ancient Chinese culture has been around for thousands of years,” Connolly said. “It’s fascinating to compare that to a young, American culture.”

The group presentation will include demonstrations and discussions of the philosophy and Confucianism, the ancient art of calligraphy, the development of the Chinese writing system and the practice of Tai Chi. The event will also welcome WU Youxuan, author of “Calligraphy, my Lifetime Love!” and “The Tolling of the Bell.”

This event is open to the public and is free of charge. For more information contact Tim Connolly at 570-422- 3406, or tconnolly@esu.edu

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