Department of Public Physical and Art Education, Zhejiang University
Originally Department of Public Physical Education and Center of Public Art Education, Department of Public Physical and Art Education was founded in February 9, 2012. The Department is responsible for compulsory courses of physical education, optional art courses, trainings of sports teams of different levels, trainings and rehearsals of art troupes, directions for extracurricular sports and art activities, domestic and international athletic competitions, theatrical performances and exchanges, guidance for sports and art clubs, and so on. The goals of the Department are to carry out a variety of athletic and art activities, integrate sports and art resources both on and off campus, create a civilized, harmonious and positive athletic and art environment, and develop a world-class sports and art education at Zhejiang University.
Public Physical Education
Zhejiang University boasts a long history of public physical education. Since the founding of Qiushi Academy in 1897, compulsory gymnastics courses were offered. In 1928, physical education was one of the ten courses required for undergraduate programs at National Zhejiang University. Famous educator Chu Ko-chen attached much importance to physical education during his presidency at Zhejiang University. In his inaugural address, President Chu declared that “sound physique” was one of the goals of university education and one of the four indispensable conditions of cultivating talents with loyalty, perseverance and responsibility. His advocate on physical education has a profound and lasting impact on the development of physical education at Zhejiang University. Famous sports educator Shu Hong, once director of Department of Physical Education at Zhejiang University and the first Chinese referee in Olympic Games, was the referee of the Finals of Men’s Basketball at the 11th Olympic Games and impressed international sports community.
The section of public physical education includes 64 faculty members, including 5 professors, 30 associate professors, 2 international referees and 8 national referees. 22 special courses are offered, among which “Sports dance and aerobics” and “Basketball” are provincial top-quality courses, “Martial arts” and “Orienteering” are school-level top-quality courses, and “Table tennis”, “Badminton”, “Volleyball”, “Aerobics” and “Practical sports medicine” are school-level excellent courses. Currently there are 4 high-level sports teams, men’s basketball teams, women’s volleyball team, track and field team and tennis team. Another 15 sports teams receive regular trainings and enjoy considerable athletic impact in both domestic and international community. “Tri-A Cup” sports competitions cover more than 20 items. Currently there are more than 20 student sports associations at Zhejiang University.
The section of public physical education will take student-centered and health- and fitness-oriented concept as its education philosophy, promote the reform and development of the overall work of the Department.
Public Art Education
Public art education and cultural activities on campus have a long history at Zhejiang University. Back in the 1930s, cultural and art clubs were organized at Zhejiang University, such as Black and White Art Club, The Tower’s Painting Club, We Choir, Iron Plow Troupe and etc., enjoying a big impact on the society and the history of Zhejiang University.
With the goal of building a world-class university and cultivating future leaders with a global vision, Zhejiang University highly values public art education and supports cultural activities. Culture and Art Commission and Center of Public Art Education are the specialized agencies undertaking public art education and campus cultural activities. More than 30 arts associations are offering a variety of programs on campus, including Wenqin Troupe, Zhejiang University Calligraphy and Painting Club, Philharmonic Chorus, Fanyin Drama Club, Wanyun Peking Opera Club, Hip-Hop Club, and so like.
Currently there are 9 professional teachers at the Center of Public Art Education, offering more than 20 public courses such as campus drama, modern drama appreciation, Chinese and Western music appreciation, modern dance, choral conducting, violin art and etc. The Center is also responsible for providing guidance for arts associations.