Learn Chinese

Fall 2007 Chinese Language Classes
The Confucius Institute

September- December 2007
KU Edwards Campus

Information and Enrollment: For class information and to enroll early and take advantage of the discount, when available, download the online form at http://www.confucius.ku.edu/language_classes.shtml.and mail the completed form, with a check made out to the University of Kansas Confucius Institute (see address below), by September 1. To reserve a place and pay the full fee on the first day of class, fill out the online form at http://www.confucius.ku.edu/language_classes.shtml.

Lecture Series: China - The Latest View

Part of the Carolyn Benton Cockefair Lecture Series, Continuing Education, UMKC
Four lectures by Robert Gamer, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Political Science
Tuesdays, Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2
10:30 a.m. - noon
UMKC Administrative Center, Brookside Room
Cost: $45

Professor Gamer has been traveling in parts of China seldom seen by Americans - old capitols, ancient cities and oases along the Silk Road, monasteries and festivals in Tibet, and a 42 hour ride on the new sky train from Lhasa to Beijing. Gamer will share his impressions of China's diverse population, its dynamic growth and it's social and environmental challenges as it moves to overtake the U.S. in the emission of greenhouse gases, economic output and much more.

There are only a few seats left in this class. Call 816-235-2736 to register.

China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power

In this utterly surprising and deeply personal book, acclaimed NPR correspondent Rob Gifford, a fluent Mandarin speaker, takes the dramatic journey along Route 312 from its start in the boomtown of Shanghai to its end on the border with Kazakhstan.

Buy it from NPR's Shop

A Great Place to Learn about Chinese Music

I really love the World Music section of National Geographic online. You can read about traditional music styles and listen to samples here.

Welcome Travelers!

你好 (Hello!)

If you are viewing this page, then you must be one of the very smart and lucky public radio listeners that will be joining us on a two week tour of China next September!

Near & Far is a public radio travel club that was started by KCUR 89.3 FM (out of Kansas City, MO) in 2002. Earlier tours have included a Smithsonian Journey to Costa Rica, The Kingdom of Thailand, Washington D.C. (including a tour of NPR headquarters), Christmas on the Danube, and Mystical Peru. Near & Far is now partnering with other public radio stations in the creation of tours specifically for the public radio audience. Public radio listeners are wonderful people with which to travel. They are intelligent, adventurous, caring, friendly and a lot of fun!

Check back to this blog regularly for added information about this tour. We also encourage you to submit your own comments with your suggestions for related reading, etc. If you are looking for a roommate or would just like to chat with other Near & Far travellers, then this is the place for you.

Yours in travel and adventure,

Sara Jane Crane
Near & Far Group Manager
sarajane@kcur.org