Sorry, this page is no longer available
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Hong Zeng

Hello, everyone, welcome to my new course, “Chinese language, poetry creation, philosophy season 2 ”. This sequence, by far the most beautiful, in-depth course that I have designed among all my courses published on Udemy, will teach you Chinese language, poetry, and poetry creation as well as the Chinese philosophical thoughts influencing poetry creation. My five-course language sequence published on Udemy in the past year, "college Mandarin Chinese On Your Own" is ranked no.1 in student review and sales in the Chinese language category on Udemy. Poetry is the most beautiful, concise use of a language, and the vocabulary of modern poetry is perfectly applicable for daily use. Learning poetry and poetry creation will allow you to acquire a language at its best and in a speedy, most impressive and memorable manner. For each poem, I have made it into extremely beautiful video with pictures, music and my own recitation, which brings into resonance the artistic contagion of different mediums of art.

Read more

Hello, everyone, welcome to my new course, “Chinese language, poetry creation, philosophy season 2 ”. This sequence, by far the most beautiful, in-depth course that I have designed among all my courses published on Udemy, will teach you Chinese language, poetry, and poetry creation as well as the Chinese philosophical thoughts influencing poetry creation. My five-course language sequence published on Udemy in the past year, "college Mandarin Chinese On Your Own" is ranked no.1 in student review and sales in the Chinese language category on Udemy. Poetry is the most beautiful, concise use of a language, and the vocabulary of modern poetry is perfectly applicable for daily use. Learning poetry and poetry creation will allow you to acquire a language at its best and in a speedy, most impressive and memorable manner. For each poem, I have made it into extremely beautiful video with pictures, music and my own recitation, which brings into resonance the artistic contagion of different mediums of art.

The course is divided into several sections, the first section are poems whose creation are inspired by painting: the poem of Buddhist enlightenment inspired by the paintings in the Mogao Caves; the wasted feminine youth and beauty inspired by the radically aestheticized photography of lotus flowers; Buddhist and Taoist equanimity inspired by the aesthetics of Chinese literati painting and Buddhist painting; Buddhist renunciation inspired by the oil painting of the sun of the glacial age; the dream of transmigration conveyed in black-and-white photos of my disappeared hometown in a past time and of the River of Ganges. The second section of the course will examine comparative religion of the East and the West, and their unexpected affinity beneath apparent difference, and an unconventional understanding of sacramental ritual. The third section will examine the semiotics of photography as exile, mourning and lyrical time. The fourth section will examine the Taoist collapse of opposition implied in the emblem of the raven.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn a wide variety of chinese expressions in nature and human conditions, learn poetry creation and chinese philosophies and oriental religions and arts.
  • Learn creating poetry in chinese
  • Learn how to understand poetry
  • Learn chinese philosophy underlying poetry

Syllabus

The students will learn the goal, design and method of this course. They will have a study guide.

This lecture introduces the goal, approach, and design of the course. It
also provides day-to-day study guide to learn each lecture in the
resource section "study guide".

Read more

This part will teach you the first part of vocabularies and text of the poem "Watch Painting".
You will read after me the vocabularies and texts two times, trying to
imitate my tone and pronunciation. It will also explain in English the
literal meaning of the poem.

This part will teach you the second part of vocabularies and text of the poem "Watch Painting".
You will read after me the vocabularies and texts two times, trying to
imitate my tone and pronunciation. It will also explain in English the
literal meaning of the poem.

This lecture will analyze the creative inspiration and creative process
of this poem, as well as the interpretation of the poem, and the
philosophical background I draw on to create it.

The lecture description follows the corresponding part of the previous poem lectures.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by a professor of Chinese with 16 years of experience at American universities, which may lend credibility to the course material
Explores Chinese philosophical thoughts influencing poetry creation, which may appeal to learners interested in the intersection of language and philosophy
Includes musical recitation videos with Chinese and English subtitles, which may enhance language acquisition and aesthetic appreciation
Requires learners to imitate the instructor's tone and pronunciation, which may be challenging for some learners without prior experience
Focuses on poetry creation, which may not appeal to learners primarily interested in conversational Chinese
Features poems that are reserved for the instructor's future publication and are copyright-protected, which restricts learners from using them for their own authorship

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

In-depth chinese poetry, philosophy, and language

According to the course description, learners can expect an in-depth and aesthetic exploration of Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy. The course aims to teach language through the unique method of poetry creation, integrating vocabulary said to be applicable for daily use. Students will delve into Chinese philosophical thoughts and cultural contexts, informed by the instructor's 16 years of experience. A notable feature is the inclusion of beautiful musical recitation videos designed to enhance aesthetic appreciation and memorability. The curriculum also touches upon comparative religion and the semiotics of photography, offering a broad cultural perspective alongside language acquisition.
Vocabulary applicable to daily use?
"The course states vocabulary is applicable for daily use."
"Learning the language in the poem seems focused on daily application."
High quality musical recitation videos.
"The musical videos are extremely beautiful and engaging."
"These videos really resonate with the artistic contagion."
"Recitation and visuals enhance the aesthetic appreciation."
Learn language via aesthetic poetry.
"I found the unique approach of learning Chinese language through poetry fascinating."
"Teaching language via poetry creation seems a very effective method."
"This aesthetic approach makes learning memorable and impressive."
Explore Chinese philosophy and art.
"I appreciated the deep dive into Chinese philosophical thoughts."
"The course links poetry to art and comparative religion effectively."
"Gained a richer understanding of Chinese culture beyond language."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chinese language, poetry creation and philosophy season 2 with these activities:
Review Basic Chinese Grammar
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental Chinese grammar to better grasp the nuances of the poems and philosophical concepts presented in the course.
Show steps
  • Review basic sentence structures.
  • Practice forming simple sentences.
  • Study common grammatical particles.
Read 'The Tao Te Ching' by Lao Tzu
Explore the philosophical foundations of Taoism to better understand the philosophical themes present in the poems.
Show steps
  • Read different translations of the Tao Te Ching.
  • Reflect on the meaning of each verse.
  • Consider how these ideas relate to the poems studied in the course.
Read 'Chinese Poetic Writing' by François Cheng
Gain a deeper understanding of the principles and techniques of Chinese poetry to enhance your appreciation and creation of poems.
Show steps
  • Read the book chapter by chapter.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Reflect on how these concepts apply to the poems in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Glossary of Key Terms
Solidify your understanding of the course material by compiling a glossary of key terms related to Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy.
Show steps
  • Identify key terms from the course lectures and materials.
  • Define each term in your own words.
  • Provide examples of how each term is used in the poems.
Write a Poem Inspired by a Painting
Practice the techniques learned in the course by creating your own poem inspired by a Chinese painting, mirroring the course's structure.
Show steps
  • Select a Chinese painting that resonates with you.
  • Identify the emotions and themes conveyed by the painting.
  • Write a poem in Chinese that captures these emotions and themes.
  • Share your poem with others for feedback.
Translate a Poem into English
Deepen your understanding of the poems by translating them into English, paying close attention to the nuances of meaning and cultural context.
Show steps
  • Choose a poem from the course.
  • Create a literal translation of the poem.
  • Refine the translation to capture the poem's artistic essence.
  • Compare your translation with existing translations.
Create a Video Recitation of a Poem
Enhance your appreciation of the poems by creating a video recitation, incorporating visual elements and music to convey the poem's meaning and emotion.
Show steps
  • Select a poem from the course.
  • Practice reciting the poem with proper pronunciation and intonation.
  • Choose visual elements and music to complement the poem.
  • Record and edit your video recitation.

Career center

Learners who complete Chinese language, poetry creation and philosophy season 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Poet
A poet crafts original literary compositions, often exploring themes of human experience, nature, and emotion. This course, which centers around Chinese language and poetry creation, is directly relevant for aspiring poets, especially those interested in Chinese poetic forms or the influence of Chinese philosophy on poetry. The course offers instruction in creating poetry in Chinese and insights into the creative process, as well as philosophical understanding.
Professor
A professor is a postsecondary educator who teaches and conducts research in their field of expertise, typically holding a doctoral degree. This course may be useful for a professor of Chinese language, literature, or philosophy. The course focuses on poetry creation and Chinese philosophies and oriental religions and arts. As the instructor says, after taking the course, "you will feel your Chinese language soar with your aesthetic delight in the ecstatic poetic flight."
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language into another. This course, focusing on Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy, may be useful for those aiming to specialize in literary or philosophical translations. The poetic vocabulary and philosophical insights offered by the course can greatly enrich a translator's understanding and rendition of complex texts. Furthermore, learning how to create poetry in another language helps a translator deeply understand the source language, providing insights that might be missed through conventional language study.
Art Critic
An art critic analyzes and evaluates works of art. The course, focusing on Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy, may be useful for those interested in specializing in Chinese art. The course explores poems whose creation are inspired by painting. The course's instruction in semiotics may also be relevant. The course's aesthetic components, such as visual and musical elements, may further enhance skills in art criticism.
Foreign Language Teacher
A foreign language teacher instructs students in the language, culture, and literature of another country. For individuals aiming to teach Chinese, this course may be helpful. The instructor has 16 years of experience teaching Chinese at the university level. The course includes instruction in philosophy and culture, as well as language and poetry. The course's aesthetic components, such as visual and musical elements, could also be integrated into a language teacher's pedagogical methods.
Museum curator
A museum curator manages a museum's collections, conducting research, developing exhibits, and overseeing the preservation of artifacts. If you are interested in specializing in Chinese art or history, this course may be useful. The course focuses on poetry inspired by painting. The course may help develop the level of aesthetic appreciation necessary to excel as a museum curator. This can help with collection development, research, and exhibition design.
Cultural Attaché
A cultural attaché works for a government or organization to promote understanding and exchange between cultures. This course, which delves into Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy, provides valuable insights into Chinese culture and thought. The course also explores Eastern and Western comparative religion. The course's emphasis on aesthetics, as well as the instructor's experience as a professor of Chinese at American universities, could set one up for success as a cultural attache.
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad, engaging in diplomacy, consular services, and cultural exchange. Given that this course provides instruction in Mandarin Chinese as well as Chinese culture and philosophy, those who aim to become a Foreign Service Officer may find it valuable. The course examines comparative religion of the East and the West, and their unexpected affinity beneath apparent difference, and an unconventional understanding of sacramental ritual. The course also emphasizes vocabulary applicable to daily use.
Content Creator
A content creator develops written or multimedia content for various platforms. This course, focusing on Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy, may be useful for content creators interested in producing content related to Chinese culture, literature, or philosophy. The course's aesthetic components, such as musical and visual elements, could be adopted and adapted into content creation. Moreover, the poetry writing practice in the course is a valuable skill to have for a budding content creator.
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken language from one language to another. While this course focuses on poetry and philosophical thought, the language skills one gains may assist an interpreter. The instructor focuses on vocabulary applicable to daily use. This also may help one gain an appreciation for cultural nuances and the philosophical underpinnings of language, which are helpful in conveying meaning accurately and effectively in spoken communication. The course's emphasis on pronunciation may be helpful.
Journalist
A journalist investigates and reports on current events and cultural issues. This course, focusing on Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy, may be useful for journalists covering topics related to Chinese culture, arts, or philosophy. The course provides language skills, cultural insights, and philosophical understanding that are helpful for providing context and depth to news stories. The course's instruction in semiotics may also prove useful.
Lyricist
A lyricist writes the words for songs. This course, which teaches poetry creation along with Chinese language, may be useful for those interested in lyricism. The course features musical recitations of each poem. The course emphasizes how to use vocabulary on a daily basis, which could apply to lyrics for songs as well. The course also focuses on translating abstract concepts like Buddhist enlightenment into poetry.
Film Director
A film director is responsible for the creative and technical aspects of a film's production. This course may be useful for those directing films related to Chinese culture. The course focuses on poetry creation and Chinese philosophies and oriental religions and arts. The course's discussion of semiotics may be useful for a director. The course also emphasizes aesthetic appreciation, which may lead to better art direction.
Archivist
An archivist assesses, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to historical documents and records. Those working with Chinese historical texts may find value in this course's insights into Chinese language, poetry, and underlying philosophical concepts. The course's instruction in philosophy, religion, and human emotion may be relevant to historical investigation. The course may help with interpreting historical records.
Librarian
A librarian manages and curates collections of information resources. This course, focusing on Chinese language, poetry, and philosophy, may be useful for librarians specializing in East Asian collections. The course provides knowledge of Chinese literature and philosophy helpful for selecting and cataloging materials. The course also provides an understanding of translation, which may be helpful in communicating with experts.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chinese language, poetry creation and philosophy season 2.
Provides a deep dive into the aesthetics and philosophy behind Chinese poetry. It explores the unique characteristics of the Chinese language and how they contribute to the creation of profound poetic imagery. Reading this book will greatly enhance your understanding of the poems analyzed in the course and inspire your own creative writing. It is often used as a reference text in university courses on Chinese literature.
This classic text of Taoist philosophy provides essential context for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of many Chinese poems. It explores themes of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things. Reading this book will deepen your appreciation of the philosophical depth present in the course's poems. It foundational text for understanding Chinese thought.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser