MCC Anthropology
Immediately after the end of the semester last spring (1997), I was one of 12 faculty from the Maricopa Community Colleges participating in an educational exchange with Wuyi University is Jiangmen City, Guang Dong Province in the People's Republic of China. I had little time to prepare for the trip in terms of reading but had the opportunity to personally explore Chinese culture while living for five weeks on the campus of Wuyi University. It was a refreshing time. This page is intended to provide access to some of my reflections on this experience.
Mr. Hu on Chinese People and Society
Insights into Confucius and the Axis Age
Long Xi, Duran, Xin Hui, Guang Dong
The Story of the Qin Terracotta Warriors
The following link is to a page that opens into the world
of the visit to Wuyi. It 
traces some of my thoughts as they were written down immediate after I returned in late June of 1997.
I have put together some insights on the prehistory and
history of China. The best place to start is with this reading. It includes
some insights into the early history and formation of a political ideology that still pervades
China today.
One of the special people who I got to know during my stay
was Mr. Hu. He is a special person with deep insights into life itself.
Mr. Hu is in his 70s, still teaches, rides his bicycle to and from the places he goes,
has vast experiences in his life, looks like he is in his 50s, and acts
like a man much younger. Mr. Hu taught me many lessons in my short stay.
I wish to share his perspective on the return of Hong Kong to China.
Mr Hu also wrote a short description of Chinese culture which I wish to share. This is an excellent quick overview of Chinese society.
One of the most significant individuals in Chinese history
is a man we know as Confucius. The following reading will help you understand
Confucius within the context of his time. Confucius was born nearly 2,500
years ago in a time of chaos in China. His birth coincides with the birth of other
significant individuals in human history. People such as Siddhartha, Socrates,
and others were all born about the same time. Historians reflection upon
this people as the Axis Age - a period of reflection on the nature of civilization.
While this web area does not limit itself to China nor Confucius, it provides
insights that will help someone understand the historical context of Confucius.
One of the most significant experiences I had was a visit
to Long Xi on one rainy Sunday. I especially appreciated the hospitality
of the Chen family. They have provided
me with one of the best memories I have. I particularly thank Yin (Chen
Mu Xian) for her kind invitation and time to show us so much in such a little
time.
One of the most significant archaeological
discoveries of all times was found in Xian, China in 1978. It was the terracotta army
of the First Emperor of China - Qin ShiHuang. This remarkable archaeological
find is highlighted in the following web area. This area includes a 50 plus
slide tour of the greatest army prehistory ever knew and allows you to explore
one of greatest archaeological treasures of all time.