Reflections on Session #2 (10/9)

[Anonymous]

I felt session 2 was very interesting. I could see how the moon pie discussions could lead to all sorts of topics in the classroom . It is a rapiid trip from the ancient Chinese Harvest festival all the way up to Chinese exposure to totally unrestricked capitalism and consummerism.
In my travels through the web to look up Moism I found a very interesting web-sites. The first one was Classics Technology Center sponsored by AbleOne Educational Network. Sorry to say the site has, mainly Ancient Western Civilization entries. But there is a entry that features the philosophers that are going to be in our debate. What I like about this site is that the contributors are teachers with the projects that their students have made (with pictures of the projects) and the site has great ideas. Maybe more will be on about Ancient China. I personally will keep on checking it.
The other site is China the Beautiful. I really think kids would like this. It is very colorful using bright red for their information buttons. It is also very easy to use for research. All a student has to do is click on a red button that interests them (the button are in Chinese and English) and they get a museum picture or activity. For example I clicked on dragons and saw beautiful vases and coats with dragons on them. I really thinks kids would enjoy this site.

[Anonymous]

Here I was, poured all my energy out to my students and walked into Room 812 of UTLA building. At first, moon pie was quite interesting but I think, I was bit bored after more than 30 minutes of power point slides of same moon pies. Even though I understand the importance of moon calendar and tradition behind marketing, I would appreciated and participated in the classroom more passionately if we spent more time on Chinese philosophers and how they shaped 21st century people's mindset in China. By the way, I think power point is the last thing we should use in the classroom. I prefer movie and Q&A.
edited by jkim on 10/12/2012

[Anonymous]

As I was in class I began to think how interesting it would be for my students to compare the Mandate of Heaven to the Divine Right of Kings. They are both justifications for rulers to take and maintain power, but it is the cultural component that the kids will find compelling.

All the Moon Pie talk made me think about how once cultural traditions go mainstream, they become diluted and people loose sight of their origin or significance.

[Anonymous]

I missed session two, but I am looking forward to session three and learning more on the "hundred schools of thought".

[Anonymous]

I was extremely interested on the impact the Chinese culture and/ or traditions have had on the rest of the world. It is ironic how a pastry became the tie/ trend to the rest of the world. I left continuing to wonder if the sentiment or the lack of relation with Asia grew or began because of the world wars or was it an attitude of superiority that the U.S. exhibited towards Asia because they had nothing to offer. Can it be an unconscious behavior of love and respect to the country that we developed(???) from. I love the flow of the lesson, using current events to begin and then moving to the root of the topic.

[Anonymous]

What the moon pies reminded me of was the “Pan de Muerto” (“Dead Bread”) which is made and sold around the “days of the dead” (the 1st and 2nd of November) in Latin American cultures, just that so far, the latter has not gone anywhere near as commercial as the former. In the case of the moon pies, it is unfortunate to accept that there is such an economic bastardization of a food that goes back how many (…years/generations/centuries…?).
Then again, acknowledging the way avarice has plagued a significant proportion of the collective human psyche, it is not a surprise that moon pies has fallen victim to economic exploits and over-use which reflect the characteristic greed inherent in so many people (especially those “people” known as corporations) while simultaneously ignoring the original significance of what has now become just another commodity. Very much brings to mind one of the most (by some accounts it is THE most) reproduced picture in the history of photography; “Guerrillero Heroico”; the famous Che Guevara image. i.e. it would be nice-and perhaps overly optimistic-to think that everyone who subscribed to that image knew the true significance of what was behind it, the ideas he stood for, and eventually, how those ideas made him a “mission accomplished” target by the CIA.
Back to the class, I would also have enjoyed a bit more background as far as the schools of thought that we will be exploring / debating. However, as all of the information is still very novel to me, I can honestly say that I have been enjoying all of it and taking it all in.

[Anonymous]

Session two was very interesting and the moon pie as a symbol of the Chinese culture gave me the idea of using it as an example on my symbolism in literature lesson. The moon pie such a simple dessert and it has been used to portrait so many issues and elements of chinese culture and society. It also shows the evolution of a country from ancient to modern times. Great lecture.
edited by chernandez on 10/13/2012
edited by chernandez on 10/13/2012
edited by chernandez on 10/13/2012

[Anonymous]

Moon pie, Easter eggs, pumpkins and other assorted decorated edibles, these constitute an excellent starter to engage students before redirecting to the actual "meat" of the course. Food rituals and customs are a topic that people from all backgrounds can relate to. Students are fascinated by the weird things that people of other cultures will eat, snails and frogs' legs for example. They also like to tell about their own favorite foods and treats representing their own culture's preferences. Once hooked on that discussion, chances are that a successful segway to the primary objective of the lesson will ensue. This could be a comparative analysis of cultural products and practices. The Chinese fixation on the lunar calendar and moon-based legends or myths can be compared to the sun-centered reverence of other civilizations. Why do some cultures relate with Mother Earth whereas others identify with the concept of a fatherland? These types of topics offer a rich territory for meaningful investigation into the diverse socio-cultural and economic factors that shape our historical and present day perspectives on the world about us.

[Anonymous]

What I found most interesting about session 2 was the discussion of the absence of an early creation myth for China. What is not there can tell so much about a civilization’s beliefs. However, I also noted the many similarities found in most early civilizations – mother goddesses, quest for immortality, etc. I enjoyed the presentation of the mainstreaming of the moon-cakes. That is something I will definitely use with my students as a cute example of cultural interaction. I had never before heard of Mei Lanfang, but his story reminded me of the Chinese film, Farewell, My Concubine. I will be reviewing this in one of my film posts. Lastly, here is a link of the Chipmunks that I use when teaching about Kabuki. Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

I love history, so I liked the history part of the session best. I'm teaching AP World History, and we just finished the Classical era (ending at about 600 CE). The AP World History curriculum is very assertively GLOBAL. No more than 20% of the questions can be about Europe. We spent a lot of time on Classical (Han) China as well as Mauryan and Gupta India, Persia, Greece and Rome. I am struck by the absence in China of "big god" religions--no Amon-Ra, Vishnu, Zeus, Christ, etc. I don't know what the significance of this is for modern times, but it is worth pondering. Does this put more emphasis on social behavior? Does it make the emperor more important since there's no god above him (only a much vaguer "heaven")? Or is it just another way of organizing society?

The other feature about ancient China is its relative isolation, compared to the contiguous boundaries of the other Eurasian societies--India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome. While China faces the same periodic infusions of fresh blood from Central Asia as all of the Eurasian cultures, it did not compete regularly with any other highly organized society on its border. China still went through the periodic decline and rebirth of central authority, but it seems to be more regular than the Mediterranean or south Asia. I'm eager to learn more.
edited by jhorton on 10/14/2012

[Anonymous]

I am very happy that I am taking this class, despite the fact that it is after work, and I am driving from the Valley. The lesson on moon-cakes was fun and interesting. It is one of those things that, before taking this class, I would not have noticed. It will be an interesting lesson to share with my classes.

[Anonymous]

We were rushed at the end so I did not get a chance to ask about this but I remember from my Archaeology (Prof. Izumi Ishida) class 20 years ago that the Shang bronze vessels commonly held beer. The theory is that the shaman or shamans would binge on the beer in the ceremonial vessel in order to commune with the spirits.

Also the Shang Dynasty is considered a prime support for the hydraulic theory of civilization. This theory pro-ports that early kingdoms were founded upon the control of irrigation systems. In this case the levy systems to control the Yellow River and tame it for irrigation were controlled by a powerful central government.

One other item I recall about the Shang was that they were a horse people from the north who mastered the chariot and were therefore able to militarily dominate the agricultural people. If so than they are one of the many examples of a militarily dominant nomadic people who become absorbed by the more populous sedentary agricultural society.

[Anonymous]

The points made in lecture about the silting of the Yellow River are important. Indeed as soon as you begin to build levies and the Yellow River begins to silt up you are setting a timer for massive floods. My quick read of the rise and fall of dynasties is that the strong dynasty tames the Yellow River but then after time the floods become more common resulting in food shortages and a belief that Heaven has abandoned the regime. However there is an argument that the systems of levies become increasingly difficult to manage against the massive silting of the river bed. Essentially the entire system of levies that support Northern Chinese agriculture may only be sustainable for a couple hundred years.

When I go over Chinese geography, I draw out a map on the board. I will show the Yellow River flowing but before it reaches the sea, I draw the Shantung peninsula (a regions of mountains). I ask the kids which direction the river will go to the right or to the left because it is slow moving at that point and will not cut through the mountains. The correct answer is both at different times in history. Sometimes the river flows north of Shantung and other times south of Shantung. Imagine a river over a mile wide suddenly changing course for a hundred miles across the countryside. You will notice that early capitals are on the Yellow or Wei rivers but not downstream of the bend where the Yellow Rivers makes it final push to the sea.

[Anonymous]

These are my notes from the class session. They may or may not be useful but a quick scan of them can give those who missed a clue as to what we did.

Mid Autumn Festival

15 day of Harvest Moon. Rises later than normal and provides good light.

2013.9.19
2014.9.8

Large to small. Address is large to small.

Using the lunar calendar. (Agricultural calendar) Most calendars have both. Agricultural calendar tells you what clothes to wear.

Go online to see if it is a good day or a bad day.

Mid autumn festival party.

Several stories of the mid autumn festival

Houyi and Chang'e lived in time of drought. Ten suns. Houyi shoots down nine suns. Chang'e. They lose their immortality. Chang'e gets an immortality pill and takes it and flies up to the moon.

Jenkins - trans media - same story multiple platforms. Audiences play role in new convayence. Story of HnC told in Beijin opera. Mei Lanfang most famous opera star as Chang'e (guy) specialized in playing women. The four giants of Beijing opera all played women's roles.

Kabuki- women played roles then samurai started fighting over the women actressess, then men but fighting did not stop then banned swords.

Mei Lanfang meeting Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, who took two trips to China. Chaplin visited as well. Mei got honorary doctorate from USC. Pomona college had pictures but USC did not.

Surname is first then given name.

Forever Enthralled - biopic about Mei Lanfang. Mei Lanfang refuses to perform at any Japanese venue due to invasion in 1930s.

China's lunar probe was Chang'e. Chang'e 1, 2 were launched near lunar festival.

China's first satelites used Long March rockets. Long March big retreat 1934 to 1935 100K to 6-10K at the end survive.

Moon cakes. Facebook and Hagen Daz, Linked in moon cakes. Hello Kitty. Angry bird moon cakes.

Maltz on board at Starbucks then bought license to sell Starbucks in Japan and then Taiwan and China. 500 Starbucks in 40 cities. Plan to open 1000 more in 3 years. Starbucks bought out Maltz who is taking Coldstone Creamery to China.

Disney Moon cakes.

2300 theme parks in China today. Some small some were movie sets. Love Land based upon a theme park in South Korea but did not open.

Disney has 4.4 billion with budget larger than all other 2300 combined. SKG Dreaworks is planning their own.

Costco sells moon cakes. Some are poltical. Obama moon cake in 2009.

Obama image selling housing in Xian and the BlockBerry

2007 French Moon cakes. Then in 2008 French scandal Tibetan snatching torch. French popular in 2010.

Hate the Japanese Moon Cakes. Little Japan. This year.

Gold moon cake.

Ali Baba e-commerce web site. If you want to buy something and sell it in your store you go to Ali Baba.

Meg Whitman went to China and lost. Talbal is the ebay for china

Friday 4PM Oct 19 screen documentary on founder of Ali Baba.

Friday 4PM 1950 and 60s American media on China. Anneberg school Room?

usb moon cakes. moon cake ear muffs.

*********

When did Chinese determine that world was not flat? When the Jesuits came to China the Chinese were baffled over the Copernican and Galileo debates. Chinese just did not understand the whole debate and were dismissive. Chinese did not the bias towards an earth centered universe. Geometry and astronomy of the Jesuits was better than the Muslims who had the astrologer positions before. Knowledge of astronomy was important for maintaining the mandate of heaven.

General question of Chinese cosmology.

******

Chinese geography -- many neighbors 16 different countries and has had border disputes with all except India.
Orientation of China was

Yellow River
Yangtze
Pearl

Songhua River

Major course changes of Yellow River. Attempt to stop Japanese by bombing the levies. Big cities along the rivers. Mouth of the Yellow River. Lots of pollution. China is water poor. Amount of fresh water per person, China has one quarter of the world average and 1/4 is too polluted to use in industrial processes. 30-40% also not good for people. More than half cannot be drunk. North South water diversion project to bring water from wet south to dry north.

Chongching built on hills. WW2 capital of China located near two rivers. Ministered city. Minister's Bao Xi Lai Red songs , wife killed British businessman. What happened? Police chief was fired. Cleaned up Chongching. Police chief fired and went to American consulate in Chongdu disguised as a woman. BoXiLai sent police to surround American consulate.

BaoXiLai

Three Rivers Dam backed water up to Chongqing. raised water 172 m. Whole cities now under water. New city built nearby.

Yangtze drain into Pacific Ocean near Shanghai.

Population data is uncertain. Number of men over age 16 was measured which gives population estimates. 40-100 million was the pop until the Manchus come into power. They add Manchuria, Tibet, Taiwan and peace. Population grows 1% per year. Rule of 72. If you take rate of increase. 1 percent doubles in 72 years.

In 1953, 583 million people
1964

1982 full census 29 years and count 1 billion people.

Included worlds worst famine when 20 to 40 million people died 1959.

4 sided debate from the schools. Debate set in 300 BCE.

We must speak as though we are there. Speak in 1st person.

90 sec take on 4 schools:

Confucianism- good ideas from the past. Family is at the center. Good government looks like a good family led by a moral exemplar. Adhere to the rituals of the relationship.

Mohism or Moism - (most text ignore it) Master Mo said Confucius is wrong. The family is what is wrong with China. They are taking care of their families and hurting China. Universal love.

Daoism - believe they came first. There is a natural order to things and the human constructions take you away from the natural order of things.

Legalism - people can be manipulated so the rulers should manipulate them through a series of rewards and punishments. The state is central and everything is in service under the state.

My school: Legalism

Ideology must have 3 core components:
What is? Describes society as it is now. Defining the problem.
What should be? What is the target.
How to get there? Action plan. Directions.

Communism to each according to his need
Socialism to each according to his work
Capitalism surplus value

Wear scholars robes?

No funny voices. We speak in the first person. We believe. I believe.

Local religion in China - ancestor worship. 4000 years ago people buried for a year and reburied. China did not create a creation myth until pretty late.

Many linguists argue that Chinese dialects should be languages.

*Mandarin the lingua franca? Massive internal migrations result in loss of dialect? Or are there language ghettos in cities?

***********************

Pre-Imperial China

Neolithic Xia 22nd to 18th cen bce might not be a real dynasty. Most scholars in China believe it was the first dynasty. In west it is not proven.

Shang Dyansty 18th to 1122 bce was considered mythic but now considered historical.

Zhou
Western Zhou 1122 - 771 bce
Eastern Zhou Spring and Autumn 722-481 Confucius lived during this period.
Warring States 480- 221

Nu Gua creation myth created in Han Dynasty (no need to explain divine origins but see themselves as definition of human beings).

For a long time out of Africa theory was not accepted but now it is accepted. Homo Erectus pekinensis Peking Man 460K to 230 K. Peking man has been missing since WW2. He was put in a box for safe keeping to the Smithsonian. Missing since WW2.

Early tools from 2.25 million years ago. Debating diffusion.

Culture Heroes - individuals who are given credit for key cultural contributions.

Fu Xi - credited with domestication of animals. Oxen.

Huangdi - Yellow Emperor. Codification of Chinese medicine. What you eat when you have something wrong.

Xungnong - crops.

Diversity of pottery from Xia time.

Shang Dynasty - oracle bones. scapula of oxen or tortoise shells. Belief in ancestor worship and ancestors. Ask the ancestor and question. Drill hole, hot stick. Question and answer is recorded on the bone. We are in charge because we are well connected to the ancestors.

Bronze technology moves forward in Shang Dynasty. Ritual vessels. (filled with beer)

Later in Shang Dynasty face picture. In Shang and Zhou dynasty when people died they took people with them. 3 ways of death.

Shang last until about 12th cen. Zhou take over. Zhou beat Shang on the battlefield. Seizure of power from one group from another.

Two brothers served as kings Wen and Wu (Literature and Military) served by the Duke of Zhou. Duke of Zhou is Confucius all time hero. Duke of Zhou is the buerocrat in charge the prime minister not the king.

Zhou justify their position with the mandate of heaven. Zhou write a history that says the first Shang ruler is good but over the centuries the ruling family becomes corrupt. The last was lecherous, greedy and lazy and heaven is not happy. The begin to talk about Tien. Shangdi is powerful but not interested. But in Zhou Dynasty, heaven Tian has expectations.

Shang rulers lost authorization of heaven now Zhou has mandate of heaven. Mandate of Heaven remains the argument even today.

Out of time.

[Anonymous]

Hi Gintaras,

Thanks for your notes! I'm sure your colleagues will appreciate it!

Yingjia

[Author]

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