Session 1 - 10/20/09 - Dube - Introduction/Geography

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Hi everyone,

As a part of your seminar requirements, we ask that you post a short evaluation of each seminar session.

Please reply to this message and share your thoughts about our first seminar session on October 20 by Clayton Dube. React to the ideas presented during the session and discuss how these ideas can be effectively shared with your students. You are encouraged to respond to others' posts as well.

Feel free to post as many responses as you'd like to a specific seminar session - they will all count towards your 30-posting requirement total.

-Miranda

[Anonymous]

Hello,
I am VERY excited about being part of this Seminar! I attended a one-day workshop at the USC-China Institute a few years ago and that experience only whetted my appetite for more.
SO, when I saw this opportunity posted I jumped at the chance. I was able to spend a few weeks in Seoul several years ago, and that experience has greatly informed how I teach about Asia to all my classes - especially World AP and US Government and Politics AP.
I am eager to get much more to include in my lessons with my students.
stan

[Anonymous]

I found yesterday's FIRST Seminar session engaging and very informative. I especially liked the discussion of the Asian economic engine in comparison with the world, US and California economies. I liked the ties to history (such as Adams, Jay and Teddy Roosevelt) and the discussion of how politics may have influenced the selection of site for Olympics.
Bravo!

[Anonymous]

I thought the introductory seminar was very interesting. I was especially interested in China's economic growth and the importance of US relationship with East Asian countries. These are all things I can have students explore further through news paper articles and in class discussions.

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

I am excited to be back for another seminar via USC-China Institute. I'm sure this seminar will be filled with interesting lectures and reading materials like the other seminars. Although I teach elementary school, specifically grades 2 and 3, I think it is important for students to be exposed to a well rounded Asian curriculum from the onset. In fact, I currently have 1/3rd of my students who are Asian. Many of these kids do not speak their parents' language and have a difficult time connecting with the culture of their parents. In order to bridge this divide, i try to incorporate Asia via food, reading material and writing. I do not want to see Asian culture relegated to just the major holidays, like the Moon Festival or the Chinese New Year. I want to discuss other important every day issues such as environmental pollution and a student's life in Asia and compare it to our lives in the United States/other countries.

In our first class meeting, I was particularly amazed by the impact of the Industrial Revolution -- how this has impacted all the countries around the world: life style needs, the environment, and world views. I am looking forward to sharing and exchanging ideas with other educators.

[Anonymous]

The first session is usually the one with the most information because we need to cover the logistics plus start the first topic.

Many new members drive from far away and have to experience the rush hour traffic to Downtown, find the parking, go across the alley to get to the building, find the meeting room and validate parking, all before settling down.

I am very glad we were able to figure out and arrange our next meeting in such a convenient way. Also I would like to thank Clay and Miranda for offering dinner, I can bring chopsticks for all of us so we can start practicing… :o)

I tried downloading a picture and could not figure out how to do it, I think I have to explore the site more

xiexie

[Anonymous]

Hello. I think I put my original post in the wrong place. I did enjoy the first session very much and am glad we were able to decide on the sec ond session so efficiently. I am still exploring the website and particularly enjoy the Average Day, which I can use in class. The students will enjoy the info and trivia. I am making a list for my film review and welcome any suggestions. Thank you. 😀

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone:
Well, I have finally found some free time to read from the resource book we were given at the first session.
It is great reading ( a breath from the essays in American Government I am usually reading ).
One article I found especially interesting was the account of highly educated 20 and 30 somethings in Seoul travelling to the south and seaside areas to find work on crab fishing boats. It seems the Recession is hitting them as well. I spent a few weeks in Korea several years ago and can easily understand their frustration in having to look for work out of their 'field'.
Another article worth reading is the one about Japan and its earthquake-prone geography. It seems, according to the article, that Japan just may NOT be as prepared for the tremors as we are led to believe (as if LA IS ready for the BIG one).
Hope you all get a chance to check out the readings as well.
see you Nov 11
stan

[Anonymous]

Speaking of Japan and earthquakes, I've experienced one almost on a monthly basis when I was living there. It seemed "natural" for buildings to exist one day and not the next -- there's always some sort of construction program going on in various parts of towns. There's a kind of transient-philosophical attitude amongst the people--that nothing lasts forever and the only permanence is change. The first time I experienced a tremor, I remembered seeing how calm everyone was during the event. Mind you, it was a minor tremor. But I was surprised by the casual nature everyone took, which helped me calm myself and go about my day.

[Anonymous]

I found the introduction meeting to be of great interest. Discussing the geography and demographics of the five countries of East Asia was good for spurring my interest for the rest of the seminar. Because everyone attendiing has actual, and sincere interest in the subject matter, I come away with a great sense of educational stimulation.

[Anonymous]

I am a bit late for this posting because of the flu which has taken its toll. Hopefully I am now up and running. This is the first time for me to take this seminar, and Clayton Dube was energetic and articulate. I loved every moment of this first seminar. It was a bit rushed at the end, having to deal with all of the introduction materials, getting us acquainted with the on line forum, and to then have to cover the subject matter. I am looking forward to our second meeting and of course our "dinner" offered by Miranda.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the introduction to what seems a very interesting course of study. I did not know what to expect when I came in late, sorry about that by the way. As I drove home I had some time to think about what I just saw and heard upstairs in the UTLA bldg.

More than anything I was struck by the candor and amiable delivery of the introduction to the course. Candor in so far as the relevance of studying Asian culture and economics from an American's perspective; indeed, an American who works with young Asian students as varied in their backgrounds as the countries from which they come. I am most excited to increase my knowledge in this regard because, like teenagers from every other part of the world I reckon, my Asian students are tight lipped with the old guy in the front of the room. I figure the more I know, the more I can get some of my students population to connect with their time in high school. Ridiculous Optimism, I know, but hope springs eternal.

With respect to the amiable delivery of Mr. Dube, well, what can I say? It is a vibe thing. I been wrong before about people, but I don't think this is one of those times. Mr. Dube seems to display that oh so coveted quality in this reactionary-sound-bite-driven-emotionally-charged-world of ours; namely, reflection and earnestness. I look forward to this most of all in the coming weeks.

Anyway, cheers till Tuesday,
Thomas

[Anonymous]

The first class was exciting, informative and comfortable. Clay and Miranda both seemed so knowledgable. I loved how Clay showed pictures and headlines relevant to Asia today. Looking forward to our next class (5-9 yikes !) Thanks for the offer of dinner. See you soon-ALison

[Anonymous]

Of particular importance to me was Professor Dube's mention of transnational
interdependence. His statement reminded me of a commentator I heard on NPR who gave the following metaphor about the US in current world affairs (paraphrased):

"It is as if there is this playground, and the US has made all of the rules in it.
So, if you wanted to play in this playground, you had to follow the rules of the US.
Now, the recession has changed that. People still play on that (proverbial) playground,
but by another set of rules that have not been made by the US."

It is true that the balance of world power is shifting. I think of the BRIC nations:
Brazil, Russia, India, and of course, China will consider US opinion, but will no longer
base their politics or trade on it. That means that the US will no longer dictate who sells to whom and how much since economic and political power players such as: India and China
have enough clout to negotiate with other nations directly without asking the US to serve
as an intermediary.

Cheryl Watson

I will speak more about this and my synopsis of the readings on the 11/10/09 forum post.

I was thrilled to be a participant in Part II of the East Asia seminar only a few months after
the Early East Asia sessions. Our first meeting was a bit rushed but managed to provide
an overview of forthcoming sessions.
I have been able to incorporate parts of this information into my American History class
since we do not exist in a bubble apart from the rest of the world.
Slowly, I have been able to sway some students to understand our connectivity to the rest of the world.

Cheryl Watson

[Anonymous]

Our first meeting was amazing! The discussion of the geography of Japan and Korea was especially interesting! I had completely forgotten that the border between South and North Korea isn't anything more than a line of demarcation!

I can't wait for more classes!

[Author]

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