Reflections on Session #1 (10/2)

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed the first session as an introduction to the study of China. The professor conveyed effectively the depth and breadth of Chinese culture and history. At the same time I got a sense of the Chinese people as they live in this ancient and massive culture. I feel prepared to jump back into history and start to understand the roots of modern Chinese culture. I can already sense the similarities between this Communist regime and even the oldest of the traditional dynasties. I look forward to filling in all the missing pieces in my own understanding of China.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the first session. I admit that I am not one who follows the news too often, especially foreign news, so I really learned alot about Asia and the relationships between Asian countries and between these countries and the United States. I have to admit that I was surprised to see such a focus on modern events when I thought that the course was focusing on Ancient History but it was very interesting nonetheless. I did appreciate the use of multimedia as a technology teacher and am really looking forward to the course!

[Anonymous]

Who needs a parade when you can do this:

[Anonymous]

And for those who prefer video (regarding "executions" and "humilation", to a slightly different degree, that is)

http://youtu.be/t19kvUiHvAE

[Anonymous]

I understand this was an introductory lecture and it made the point that China is important but I would enjoyed a little more discussion. So far access into Chinese culture is not well addressed. The readings only tangentially related to the lecture. As I skimmed the readings there was quite a bit about demographic shifts in East Asia and the need to change immigration policies. This is some interesting stuff as it demonstrates similar debates and challenges that are commonly discussed within the U.S. Overall, I am enjoying the class.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed session 1. After my trip to China, I have been wanting to learn more about Asia and its diversity. The first session and the reading were a eye opening experience. For example, the article "The Odd Couple" describes how different North and South Korea are even though they are neighbors. This article help me understand some of underlining issues these countries are experiencing.

[Anonymous]

But for those people who still think Che Guevara posters are cool and wearing Mao t-shirts are fashionable there are of course the sobering statistics to consider. We cannot forget how many millions of people have died at the hands of Communist totalitarian governments. In the case of Stalin and Mao, one has to decide how to consider the millions who died indirectly because of their political decisions.

Mao Ze-Dong (China, 1958-61 and 1966-69, Tibet 1949-50) 40,000,000

Josef Stalin (USSR, 1932-39) (the gulags plus the purges plus Ukraine's famine)
6,000,000

Pol Pot (Cambodia, 1975-79) 1,700,000

Kim Il Sung (North Korea, 1948-94) (purges and concentration camps) 1.6 million

[Anonymous]

For the record, I made no connection to “totalitarian regimes”. In fact, the term “Communist totalitarian governments” is an oxymoron in and of itself, much how the world’s self-proclaimed “leader of democracy” carries in it more hypocrisy than can be summed up with a simplistic set of stats, especially considering the sobering reality of how many coup d’états it has been responsible for in this hemisphere alone, how much cultural genocide has taken place inside and outside its borders, how its neoliberal policies, which create low-intensity war conditions here and abroad, cleverly disguise even more sobering statistics. In any case, for those that enjoy the language of numbers, I’ll lend you just two to ponder:
- The “richest nation in the world” ranks number two in child poverty
- the DoD budget budget is 737 billion, more than the next 10 biggest military spenders combined
(see: Carl Gibson; “Free Education and More Jobs in 400 Words”)
Much work to be done, and it starts with reflecting on our own present with all of its splendors and horrors. It’s just too convenient, and a bit of a cop-out to simply point fingers in every other direction but one’s own, if, that is, one is interested in bettering a deteriorating (external) situation and not allowing it to make one cynical (on an internal level).

[Anonymous]

When I received the email about the seminar I was so excited. Finally I was going to get informative and accurate information on China besides what is in the seventh grade textbook. The textbook is very limited and it only gives you California standard related information. At the first meeting I was relieved to finally get some concrete information on China. When I left the meeting, I couldn't wait for the next meeting and the next. Thank You for the invitation.

[Anonymous]

When I learned from a colleague about her wonderful experience with USC US-China, I was excited to learn about Asian culture. After our first session, I can see how this class will assist me in planning for authors I teach, such as Amy Tan and Maxine Hong Kingston.

I appreciate our professor's efforts in putting together such an in depth lecture, but would also like time to discuss within the three hour time frame.

[Anonymous]

I did not know what to expect going into the first seminar. Three hours were not enough for the first class. The professor did a good job putting together his power point presentation. I got a good preview of what the entire seminar would be about. I have never taken a class about Asia, and I am excited to broaden my knowledge. The most interesting part of this session was his discussion on the power of legends. The Mid-Autum Festival that is held on a full moon because it is the Harvest moon was fascinating to me.

[Anonymous]

It was interesting to see the video in comparison the other "cult parades." I found it interesting on the meaning behind the Asian soldiers in the front cover that the professor showed during lecture. It made me wonder what is Asia preparing for?? They want the world to know that Asia is willing to fight for their country. When I first glanced at the picture I have no clue of what they were portraying. Again, first session was very interesting.

[Anonymous]

After the class was over I was hooked, because, at last I was going to learn about East Asia in a casual environment , without administrators dictating. I felt I was going to receive information I would have to research to learn. Dr. Dube shared his passion with East Asia.The participants in the class reflected a multitude of different cultures. I felt comfortable and ready to learn, so I could share my learned knowledge with my students.

[Anonymous]

I am posting at a late date as I though I had already done so. Nonetheless it is interesting to reflect this far back in the seminar when I was very excited to join up. At the end of the seminar I am equally excited. The first session really brought the significance of China to the fore. It brought to life the conflicts within China and the exoticism of it from an American culture without being exploitative in either aspect.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Dear Colleagues,

Please write a paragraph reflecting on our first session below.

Thanks,
Yingjia Huang

[Author]

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