Upcoming & Recent Events

Past Events

Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Film Screening: "The Mountain Path" by Edward Burger

Tuesday, April 19, 2024

A spirited young man journeys into the mountains of China in search of a Buddhist hermit master. Along the trail he meets an unexpected cast of dedicated recluses; the gaunt ascetic, the persevering nun, a wise old master and his disciples, all who, despite living far from the world, teach him all about how to live within it.

Edward A. Burger is one of the few foreigners to have lived and studied with the hermits of the Zhongnan Mountains. The Mountain Path recounts his personal journey, including the story of how he found his lifelong teacher and entered into the world of these dedicated recluses.

Book Launch: Enchanted Revolution by GW Prof. Xiaofei Kang

The Chinese Arts & Humanities Initiative sponsored the launch of Department of World Religions Professor Xiaofe Kang's book "Enchanted Revolution: Ghosts, Shamans, and Gender Politics in Chinese Communist Propaganda, 1942-1953". The book launch was part of the broader 2024 Spring Conference hosted by the China Affairs Forum, a GW student organization that is "dedicated to studying China from an objective and nonpartisan perspective."

Professor Kang gave a book talk and Q&A before raffling off 3 copies of her new book.

Academic Year 2022 - 2023

History & Culture of Contemporary Chinese Dance

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Attendees explored the rich history and culture of contemporary Chinese dance through a lecture by Professor Emily Wilcox 魏美玲, author of Revolutionary Bodies, and a live performance by the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble. Drawing from over 80 years of dance history, Dr. Wilcox challenged common views of socialist-era influence and highlighted the evolution of Chinese dance through local and global influences. The ensemble’s performance brought her insights to life, showcasing the vibrancy of Chinese folk and classical dance in a dynamic fusion of scholarship and art.

Crafting Character: East and West: Lecture by Prof. Philip J. Ivanhoe

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

The event featured a lecture by Professor Philip J. Ivanhoe on the theme of human nature and ethics across early Greek, Roman, and Chinese philosophical traditions. It explored how these traditions understand human nature and how it can be shaped into a “second nature” for living a good life. Professor Ivanhoe focused especially on early Chinese texts, comparing them with Western virtue ethics. He also incorporated findings from contemporary psychology and neuroscience to support his analysis. The talk concluded with reflections on how these ideas relate to modern Chinese culture and politics. The lecture was introduced by Professor Xiaofei Kang and Dean Paul Wahlbeck.

Lunar New Year Lion Dance Celebration

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

the GW community gathered at Kogan Plaza to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a lively lion dance performance. The event featured traditional Chinese lion dancing and festive bites, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere. Students, staff, and faculty joined in the celebration, enjoying cultural performances and community spirit as they rang in the new year together.