
2016-2017 Schedule
Welcome to the First Saturday PDX current season, our sixteenth year of sharing China-related subjects! We have an exciting new collection of programs beginning September 10, 2016 running through June 10, 2017.

Seeking Harmony (Yin Yang) in Literati Gardens
Sylvia Lurie
September 10, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am
An educational photographic tour of Chinese scholar gardens in an exploration of how they were designed and linked to the philosophies, poetry, and landscape paintings of China.
Sylvia Lurie
September 10, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am
An educational photographic tour of Chinese scholar gardens in an exploration of how they were designed and linked to the philosophies, poetry, and landscape paintings of China.

Adventures with Mongolian Nomads
Nancy Watts
October 1, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am
Mongolia has a long, rich history of nomadic empires, most notably that of Genghis Khan in the 12th century. Bordered in part by China, it is land-locked with grassy steppes, mountainous regions and the Gobi Desert. This program shares the experience of living with the nomads and everyday life.
Nancy Watts
October 1, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am
Mongolia has a long, rich history of nomadic empires, most notably that of Genghis Khan in the 12th century. Bordered in part by China, it is land-locked with grassy steppes, mountainous regions and the Gobi Desert. This program shares the experience of living with the nomads and everyday life.
An Introduction to the Manchus
Dr. Stephen Wadley November 5, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am A primer about the Manchus—who they were, where they came from, and their significance in Chinese history. An introduction to the language will follow with a look at some of its features and possible connections with other languages. |

Literati Life and Neo-Confucianism in Song China
Dr. Linda Walton
December 3, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am
An exploration of the intersection between thought and society during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), highlighting the ways in which family life and relationships between men and women were influenced by Neo-Confucianism.
Dr. Linda Walton
December 3, 2016 9:30 - 11:00 am
An exploration of the intersection between thought and society during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), highlighting the ways in which family life and relationships between men and women were influenced by Neo-Confucianism.

Chinese New Year Brunch: Celebrating the Year of the Fire Rooster, 4015
First Saturday PDX Planning Committee
February 4, 2017 12:00 - 2:00 pm
The Year of the Fire Rooster teaches the lessons of order, scrutiny and strategic planning. This will be a year when it is truly better to do less, but do it perfectly. Join us at a special brunch at the Szechuan Chef Restaurant (5331 Macadam Ave) to welcome and celebrate the Chinese New Year 4015, which falls on January 28.
Further information and images:
https://www.firstsaturdaypdx.org/chinese-new-year-brunch-2017.html
First Saturday PDX Planning Committee
February 4, 2017 12:00 - 2:00 pm
The Year of the Fire Rooster teaches the lessons of order, scrutiny and strategic planning. This will be a year when it is truly better to do less, but do it perfectly. Join us at a special brunch at the Szechuan Chef Restaurant (5331 Macadam Ave) to welcome and celebrate the Chinese New Year 4015, which falls on January 28.
Further information and images:
https://www.firstsaturdaypdx.org/chinese-new-year-brunch-2017.html

The Uyghurs: History of A People at the Center of Asia, Part 1
History of Xinjiang and Its Ethnic Cultures
Dr. Baihetiyaer Tuerxun
March 4, 2017 9:30 - 11:30 am (extended program)
The first of a three-part program series to learn about the Uyghur people and their culture: Part I will focus on the ancient history of Xinjiang as a historical part of the Old Silk Road, its peoples, and the intermingling of trade and diverse cultures.
Further information and images:
https://www.firstsaturdaypdx.org/the-uyghurs-history-of-a-people-at-the-center-of-asia-part-1.html

The Magic of Rhododendrons: A Visit to Crystal Springs
American Rhododendron Society Members
April 1, 2017 9:30 - 11:00 am
Enjoy the spring blossoming of colorful rhododendrons on a tour of Crystal Springs. Complimentary admission and led by members of The Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.
Please see Upcoming Event page for locations and directions.
American Rhododendron Society Members
April 1, 2017 9:30 - 11:00 am
Enjoy the spring blossoming of colorful rhododendrons on a tour of Crystal Springs. Complimentary admission and led by members of The Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.
Please see Upcoming Event page for locations and directions.
Contemporary Chinese Society: A View from the Films of Zhang Yimou
Dr. Wendy Larson May 6, 2017 9:30 - 11:00 am Zhang Yimou (1951-), who directed the spectacular opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is one of China’s most acclaimed cinematographers. His films, such as Raise the Red Lantern, Happy Times, and Hero, revolutionized Chinese cinema and are often closely connected to issues within Chinese society. This lecture will trace the links between several of his films and such issues. Further information and images: https://www.firstsaturdaypdx.org/contemporary-chinese-society-a-view-from-the-films-of-zhang-yimou.html |

Creating a Tea Aesthetic in Tang Verse
Dr. James A. Benn
Professor, Buddhism and East Asian Religions
Department of Religious Studies, McMaster University
June 3, 2017 9:30 - 11:00 am
The Tang Dynasty (618-907) is considered the Golden Age of Chinese poetry with such poets as Li Bai and Du Fu. The values associated with tea today were already found in the poetry of the period. Literati, poets, and Buddhist monks developed new standards of appreciation and connoisseurship as they celebrated tea’s virtues in verse, in all levels of society.
Further information and images:
https://www.firstsaturdaypdx.org/creating-a-tea-aesthetic-in-tang-verse.html
Our educational program series has been developed in collaboration with PSU’s Institute for Asian Studies, and is free of charge and open to the public.
View our regular monthly location by clicking on the address below for directions:
Portland State University, Academic & Student Recreation Ctr (ASRC), Room 230
1800 SW 6th Ave, Portland OR 97201
Excellent MAX and bus transportation is right by the venue; plan your Trimet trip HERE. There is also a nearby parking structure at SW 6th and Harrison with an entrance on 6th Avenue is also available.
View PSU Parking info:
https://www.pdx.edu/transportation/hourly-visitor-parking
View our regular monthly location by clicking on the address below for directions:
Portland State University, Academic & Student Recreation Ctr (ASRC), Room 230
1800 SW 6th Ave, Portland OR 97201
Excellent MAX and bus transportation is right by the venue; plan your Trimet trip HERE. There is also a nearby parking structure at SW 6th and Harrison with an entrance on 6th Avenue is also available.
View PSU Parking info:
https://www.pdx.edu/transportation/hourly-visitor-parking