feb. 28: geography/demography

[clay dube]

Please post your thoughts about this topic or about the "why teach East Asia" discussion here.

[Anonymous]

Geography is definately something that I am trying to stress in my classroom. It's amazing how little we know about geography/population density and how its relates to society. 😐

[Anonymous]

I didn't know that in China they have so many dialects to communicate.

[Anonymous]

"Why teach East Asia?" Because it's there. Because it's different. Because it's relevent. Because it's part of my curiculum. Because it's another way to see how we all have more in common than we have differeces. Because it's late. Because because because because because.... because of the wonderful things he does.

[Anonymous]

The contrast between fact and fiction with regard to Japan, Korea, and China was easily the most important thing that I took from this session.

It was also a fascinating exercise in deduction. The implications of population density, the fact that North and South Korea have not yet ended the official state of war, and even the latitude of Japan are significant for me. As I try to teach my students to make inferences, it is important that I continue to engage in the same practice.

[Anonymous]

I was really struck by the map that shows how 95% of China's population lives in 45% of the land-- it's interesting how so many parts of the world have similar patterns where people live near the coast. It could be interesting to look at the other civilizations we study and other parts of the world and look at population density in specific areas.

[Anonymous]

This class is really eye oppening because my student and even myself tend to have such a limited view of the world and it's important to expose them to a culture that is so influential in our daily lives.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed learning about the population information, as well. Some of the facts could provide an excellent hook to grab students' attention at the beginning of a unit. I'm looking forward to learning about the philosophies of East Asia, in particular. I'd like to eventually plan a unit involving this.

[Anonymous]

You know, in the classroom, I would often "introduce" the geography of countries we are studying; that is, quick lecture/discussion...that was about it....seeing the resources presented today gave me a much better insight and direct relationship w/a country's geography and its history.

I had some difficulty incorporating meaningful geography lessons into the curriculum that did not involve "coloring/shading" parts of the country....I definitely think comparing/contrasting similar and familar locations (like California) would "hook" the students....interesting info today

[Anonymous]

It is impotant because I think that as we move forward and become an intertwined world it is imperitive to get to know as much as possible about the culture and history of the people with who we interact. It also enhances our understanding of others and leads to better communication and a more positive world.

[Anonymous]

Geography is incredibly important and many of my students have not been exposed to much at all. I constantly stress the basics like continents and oceans along with the specific maps associated with the topics being discussed in class.

[Anonymous]

I thought the activity to have students stand on a newspaper was excellent demonstration of density. The Kipling quote on the white man's burden as it related to America in the Philippines was new information to me.

I particularly liked the idea of having students think of things from an Asian POV. I didn't know that North and South Korea viewed each other in such a way. I hope to create at least one Google Earth tour soon for my courses or as part of of my lessons for this course.

Did anyone see the Michael Wood doc. called the Story of India, it was excellent--it is running on digital PBS and BBC now, definitely relevant to our course.

I hope that I can find information about Asian science fiction writers current or past. Please provide more information.

[Anonymous]

One of the major components stressed in 6th grade is why did civilizations develop in the areas they did. Studying the geography of a region is critical in understanding where people have migrated to and how they developed as a culture. Asian studies is one of the few areas that have not been emphasized in the past but is critical in understanding our future. As citizens of the future, they need to understand and appreciate the diversity and majesty of the Asian cultures.

[Anonymous]

Fascinating information...I found the satalite picture of North Korea a bit alarming. I look forward to learning more about the geography and culture of East Asia.

[Anonymous]

non academically speaking-
i try to be conscious and respectful of personal space- and as a teacher and role model to my kids, i would love to discuss what it means to respect each others personal space and relate that to population density in east asia.

now academically speaking-
since geography is a historical theme, i would discuss the effects of geography on east asian lifestyle, diet, natural resources, commerce etc. i would like to mention population change through time- since we are studying china and japan 500 ce-1600 ce

also i would love to have a discussion on capitalism v. communism and the crossing of ideologies in china, japan, korea and the us

[Edit by="rgama on Feb 28, 2:14:56 PM"][/Edit]

[Author]

Posts