well, I believe for the most part, many empires and dynasties in the past were ruled with an "iron fist." I think our idea of a modern democracy is a relatively new idea (like Clay had said, our democracy relatively speaking is not much older than many Chinese dynasties).

Some more key points I have learned from the sessions:
-China had so many Dynasties, if you were to rule, you would be paranoid too.
-China is not like America-we have two neighbors here...China had the Mongols to always worry about...their Great Wall is a testament to this...
-Mandate of Heaven: any disaster (man-made or natural) could spell an end to your rule...it's be wise to be a bit controlling...

In regards to today, I do agree there censorship on not only speech but religion is strict, but with ~1.1 Billion citizens, I can see why they would try to have tight control over nearly every aspect of Chinese life (I'm not saying I agree with it).

In order to get a better picture of this era, I purchased a DVD of "The Honest Offical Yu Chenglong" performance by the Beijing Opera (formerly the Peking Opera). It turned out to be a terrific teaching tool. The story is about Yu Chenglong, a newly posed Commissioner of Justice in Fujian, who finds out that his predecessor had treated the people very badly and cast thousands of people into prison. Regardless of his personal safety he stands up for the imprisoned innocent people before powerful Prince Kang stationed in Fujian. He uncompromisingly struggles against the insidious Le Chun and Ka Lin (assistant ministers appointed by his predecessor, who are struggling to rise in power) to save the old and weak from jail. Eventually he, by virtue of his uprightness and persistence, brings obstacles to submission and peace to the people.

The performers are excellent at both mime, singing, dance and acrobatics. I know the students will appreciate the acrobatics' connection to the contemporary Chinese films in which the combatants are most magical in their movements. I Know I was fascinated. The costumes are gorgeous and if the courts of the time wore anything like them (I believe the Opera tries for accuracy) it must have been awesome to the commoners. In addition, this story is timeless and will connect well with several from other parts of the world. This DVD will provide a "feels like you were there" experience for many students to come.

This session reminded me why I dislike Chinese History when I was in grade school. During grade school, I mostly only needed to memorize the people, dynasties, time, etc. It served no purpose to me at that time. However, when I revisited the topic this time, I understand how the philosopher(s) related to each dynasty and their downfall/ success.

I also enjoyed the debate very much, although I was nervous. I am very sure the students will also be engaged to this type of learning activity.

I learned a great deal from Dr. Dube's lecture tonight. As a legalist in tonight's debate, I found it interesting to learn that Taoism, which teaches that desire is the root of suffering, is actually the school of thought that the grand historian feels gave birth to Legalism. "Legalism should be blamed on Taoism," he wrote. Legalists generally believe that people can be governed by, "sticks and the occasional carrot" because they fear pain and lust for pleasure.

More debate time would have been excellent. The size of the class demanded that the time be extended to allow everyone to participate, and to allow speakers to elaborate their points of view. I think Clay did well in managing the debate to keep any onme individual from dominating, but we really needed more time to get into the each of the different philosophies.