General Discussion Forum for the Class

[Anonymous]

There will be a showing of the film Farewell to Manzanar Sunday, February 18 at the Japanese American National Museum at 2:00 pm. http://www.janm.org/events/
I'm also testing to see if I was listening carefully when Clay taught us how to add a link.

[Anonymous]

I've been interested in leadership lately, specifically as it pertains to teachers as leaders. I've been re-thinking my interactions with students in this light and confuscionism had added to my thoughts. Confucionism has a heavy emphasis on hierarchical relationships so I've been thinking, "What is the appropriate 'teacher-leader' to student(s) relationship?" I mean, what kinds of interactions should exist between the two? What does respect look like in this context? Both from and towards either party. How well educated are the students on these interactions and classroom norms/behaviors. How does a teacher establish him/herself as a leader?

Anyway, I don't have answers to all these questions but I like the idea of stressing respect in the classroom.

There are many defintions of post-modernism but a general theme is 'everyone is an authority in his/her own right.' What's right for me might not be right for you and just because someone or a book says something is a certain way, doesn't really mean that it is.

Now, a characteristic trait of a leader is an authority figure. Confucionism as contributed to my belief that there is a right and proper way of respecting genuine leaders. But who should we consider leaders?

[Anonymous]

I started doing the readings for Chinese poetry and am really struggling. I'm having a difficult time following the characters and keeping the story lines straight. It appears that the names change in the middle of the poems. Do I just need more Chinese history? Help!

[Anonymous]

I signed up for Legalism mainly because the other philosophies were taken. However, I feel my own viewpoints are more in line with Confusianism. Still, I am looking forward to debating from a legalist perspective. I am not sure who else is in my group, so if you are a legalist, please reply so that we can plan! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think that from a Confucian standpoint, true leaders emerge by example. At my school, it is very apparent who the true leaders in the staff are. These are hard working, dilligent, and respectful people who are seen as leaders by virtue of their actions. They strive to learn all that they can about their students and the teaching profession. Even their inactions show that they are true leaders. For example, they don't engage in gossip or talk endlessly during faculty meetings or staff development.

All of the teachers that I have had in the past that I've felt were genuine "leaders" have done so in more unspoken ways. This heirarchy is known and felt, but didn't need to be spelled out. I think that teachers and students need this type of mutual respect and understanding in order to gain from their respective roles.

[Anonymous]

Confucius deserted his family to persue his intellectual goals. It is very ironic that someone who stressed filial piety would do such a thing. Your students were very lucky to have you for the time they did. Ultimately, someone --whether its your family or someone you don't know is going to learn from the decision you made that your family is your most prized possession as you chose them over your own intellectual dilemna.

[Anonymous]

Hi Leigh,

Were you the person I was sitting next to at the last seminar? Either way, I will try to be at Millikan a half-hour early this Tuesday so that we can get ourselves organized for the "debate". At this point, it might just be the easiest thing to do.

Christine

[Anonymous]

This is Jill Hagan - I'm a legalist. There is also another forum for us.
email: [email protected][Edit by="jhagan on Feb 28, 3:17:45 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

What would the leaders of the schools of thought think of the TV show 'Lost"?

[Anonymous]

We Legalists would like the "war" adventures. They need more agriculture, though.

[Anonymous]

Last night's discussion was really useful and interesting. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was lost and confused and, frankly, uninterested. I couldn't follow what was going on. David's talk helped a great deal in providing a context and connecting to the story. Now I'm able to reread it and enjoy it. I like the stylized aspect of the journey and the battles. Ancient Chinese literature was sophisticated and intentional. I wonder how it'll compare to the Japanese literature.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed David's lecture also. Reading the text, and not giving up as I wanted to do, paid off. I was able to appreciate the lecture and get added meaning from the text. I feel like I have a better understanding of how my seventh graders feel when they are tackling a new, difficult text.
It's been a while since I have taken a class in which I feel like I am starting from scratch! After each class my knowledge of China doubles!

[Anonymous]

Definately great seminar last tuesday. In speaking of propriety, David mentioned the handshake example. This got me thinking, what other American proprieties do we have? Then I thought, is propriety tied into what some may call "being cultured?"

[Anonymous]

I particularly enjoyed the manner in which the discussion was held--less a lecture and more a Socratic Dialogue. The professor has a most pleasant and engaging manner. Would have liked to have had time to pursue some of the responses he gave such as what idea the Chinese had about the division of the soul at death. It was a "tip of the iceberg" discussion which probably could occupy a number of weeks or even a four-week NEH seminar. I'd like to have the opportunity to come back to the account another time.

[Anonymous]

march 3rd's workshop was a delight. I really enjoyed the slideshow presentation about Chinese calligraphy, and artwork. Professor Ye's lecture (and chanting) was top-notch.

I also enjoyed the time in the computer lab working on the webpage, although I would have enjoyed a brief talk about what our website is for and what content it will have.

Hope you feel better Kami!!!

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