Images of East Asia Workshop

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Although it's taken me awhile to make a post about this workshop, I thoroughly enjoyed the event. I was particularly excited about information pertaining to the different generations of Chinese filmmakers and to listen to an expert, such as Professor Jie Zhang, discuss her line of research. I was struck by how much I was not familiar with the works of many directors -- films like the White Haired Girl. I definitely need to familiarize myself with these works so that I can use them in my class. I was discussing in another thread how I can study the significance of symbolism even with my 2/3rd grade class; for example, the use of colors or shapes to convey ideologies in different cultures-- For example, the color white, in the White Haired Girl, as symbolism of oppression/repression, etc. It would be interesting for students to do a group project where each group focuses on a particular culture and watch footages focused on a theme, like color, and compare/contrast the way different directors have explore this area.

I would love to hear from others on how they successfully integrated film images to study symbolism/ideology.

[Anonymous]

I'm a great believer in using film clips to convey powerful messages in history lessons. I'm always looking for good resources and our last seminar truly gave me a lot of valuable materials to take back to my world history classroom. All three speakers were terrific and informative, and they prompted me to examine more closely the legitimacy of elements involved in the making of documentary films and Prof. Zhang's key question of "Who is making What for Whom and How." As mentioned by Prof Dube that key question can be an excellent critical-thinking discussion question for students in any grade and any subject matter. I've already seen several of the films that are on Prof Zhang's list and I'm definitely going to spend some serious time checking out the rest during the winter break--perhaps up in the montains somewhere in Arizona, in the midst of the winter snows...

[Anonymous]

I felt that the workshop was great. I also use a lot of technology in my classroom (internet, computer, video…) I have found a lot of great videos for my classes at Discovery Education.
Discovery Education

[Anonymous]

I also enjoyed the Images of East Asia workshop. I find that films and other media form bridges between what students read and what they can experience through films. It has been said that a “picture is worth a thousand words” films and images provoke reactions from students which can led to further discussions in class. Films with all their imagery and metaphors also serve as windows to the culture that students are learning about.

[Anonymous]

I'm a little slow..and have only started posting today. But I absolutely loved the workshop. It opened my eyes to a whole new world that is out there. I mainly wanted to participate in the Seminar to understand my Asian students better. I merely do not want to educate them, but relate to them and their culture. Being a Latina, and teaching mostly Latinos has limited my perspective substancially. I really enjoyed that day. It was so overwhelming. Especially professor Zhang. She showed us so much. i know Prof. Donald Clark is well known among Korean scholars, his presentation was exceptional too. The next monday I spoke to some of my students casually about the movies I saw. And of course, after being told that some of those movies were "old school," many, many other movies were recommended to me. My students were more than eager to educate me. And I am thankful for the opportunity. I'm a bit slow. Thanks again for "opening my eyes."

[clay dube]

This is fascinating. Please do tell us what films your students are introducing to you!

[Anonymous]

Over the Winter Break I have been reading ahead for chapter 'two' of the Japanese discussion.
I am very interested in discussing the role the Emperor played or did not play in the wars Japan fought in the 20's, 30's and 40's. I have always believed that he was a minor player, but a figurehead and rubber stamp for the agression of the generals in charge. Imagine my surprise after reading several of the articles in our compilation. This should be a VERY good next session.

[Anonymous]

Professor Zhang was an inspiration in regards to her expertise in Chinese filmaking. I am fascinated by the symbolism, and the literary history that is employed in these great films. So much of the fantasy is kept to such a high level of artistic competence, that it far surpasses such movies made for the american Market like " godzilla" ( I know that it isn't chinese, but I am using it as example of phony filmaking from the orient. ) The tenderness and consideration for exploiting the characters and their angst is beyond what we see in our own styles of filmaking. I will definitely see more chinese films in the future, and look for them when I go to Blockbuster Video or other video rental shops. I really enjoyed this. Thank You professor Zhang !

[Anonymous]

Clay, sorry it took so long. But I hadnt been able to get my notes where I wrote some of my students responses...as to movies. Koizora and 1 litre of Tears were suggested. But, also, and apparently most importantly are dramas. My students highly recommed them. Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese dramas, apparently are the rage among the teenagers and young 20's. I was told that these are some of the favorite. "Boys over flowers," "You're Beautiful," "Hang Yori Dango," "que Sera Sera," Hana Kimi," Ryusei no Kizuna," Shining Inheritance," "Full House," "My Girl," and Fated to Love You." I've watched some of these on Channel 18, the subtitles really help, but I just cant get that into them as I do Mexican telenovelas, which are my favorite. My husband knows that starting @7pm I cannot be bothered because I am watching my Mexican dramas. When we have class, I rush home to watch the ending of the 7pm novela.

[Anonymous]

What an enjoyable workshop that was! I am thrilled to find so many new films to add to my Netflix list and hopefully find some clips to show my students. One that I know I will definitely use this year in class will be the one about the soldier going onto the wrong side and getting caught by another soldier (I forget the name of it right now, but it was great!) I think my students will really be able to understand the Korean War and what the DMZ is like now. Maybe I can relate more to my Korean students too.

[Anonymous]

This workshop was really delightfull, I was so impressed with "Misunderstanding China Revisited" by Professor Irv Drasnin who had done a ground -breaking examination of American miths and misperceptions of China, eye opening and very captivating information.
Dr. Jie Zhang's research work is outstanding, extense, and extremely deep; yet, I did not enjoy because it was mostly read from her notes and little eye contact with the audience.
Dr. Clark was excellent, in addition to fun and resourceful.

[Anonymous]

I totally agree - about the valued resources we have been given for our classroom.
I LOVED the Korean film, "My Sassy Girl". I showed the subway clip to many of my students. They roared!

[Anonymous]

I am especially excited about this Saturday's meeting - when we get a chance to discuss Korea. Many of my students are of Korean background - and I spent a few weeks in Korea studying and exploring the country. I wonder how much and in what ways Korea has changed since I was there 4 years ago!?

[Anonymous]

One of the films that was mentioned was JSA - Joint Security Area. I would recommend this movie to anyone. It is a real human story. It is about North and South Korean soldiers patroling along the DMZ. It shows the soldiers as real human beings, not nationalists in uniform. There is alot of light humor as the soldiers from each side come in contact with each other, and develop bonds. The ending is tragic, but it still shows that the bonds which were created between "enemies" still remain, because they really are "brothers."

[Anonymous]

Since many of my students are visual learners, it is always important for me to get stories or film clips to bring the lesson I am teaching them to a visual understanding, especially in situations they can relate to.
Therefore Professor Zhang introduction of various films, which I am looking forward to viewing them, helped to reinforce what I am trying to do for my students in the classroom.Instead of reinventing the wheel, to already use resources which are already available.

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