China and the Forbidden City: A Professional Development Workshop for K-12 Educators

The Forbidden City housed the imperial families of China from the 1400s until the early 20th century. It was considered the embodiment of Chinese culture and power, and attracted scholars, officials, and dignitaries. Today it is the largest museum in China, attracting visitors from China and abroad.

This workshop—facilitated by the China Institute and co-sponsored by SPICE—is a unique opportunity for K–12 educators wishing to deepen their understanding of China and bring that knowledge into the classroom. Participants will learn about, and discuss, aspects related to the Forbidden City including but not limited to: architecture, philosophy, politics, Chinese history, and the transition from palace to museum. We will also discuss how to integrate China and Forbidden City-related topics into the classroom, apply critical thinking to the content discussed, and provide take-home resources to all participants.

This workshop is part of We All Live in the Forbidden City (www.walfc.org), China Institute’s unique educational program about the history, culture, architecture, and life of imperial and contemporary China as seen through the lens of this iconic structure. This program also includes books, children’s workshops, and a website with additional resources for parents and teachers.