Message from skroop

[Anonymous]

Something that I really enjoyed about this week of seminars is that it was unlike many of the other seminars I have taken through the US-Asia institute. I really appreciated the focus on modern issues, economics, food, culture, and religion. In addition to a brief history reminder this week, it was relevant to see some things that are happening in our world today and how history has impacted cultures and economies around the world. I really enjoyed the connections of East Asia to the US and even Los Angeles, and how I can teach my students some of the things discussed this week.

One particular seminar session that I really enjoyed was Yunxiang Yan’s presentation on Individualism in China. I felt that this was something I will be able to use as comparison point in my AP European History course in teaching Individualism for Europeans. I think there are definitely some very different views on individuals, goals, careers, family, and responsibility to community, among many other points of comparison. I think my students will gain a better understanding of the history, society, and cultures of both Asia and Europe.

Some new topics that I learned about that I thought were very interesting were in reference to the indigenous religious practices in Vietnam. Caodaism is a religion that I knew nothing about. I was very intrigued by the churches in Vietnam and the significance of colors used as well as symbolism. I think my students would really enjoy images showing a variety of symbolic differences shown in imagery and color in churches around the world.