thoughts about the 7th session

[Anonymous]

In the eyes of most westerners, there is misconception that Asian women are always submissive to their husbands as they did in ancient times. As a matter of fact, nowadays asian women who have received higher education are more independent and also control the family financially as American women do.

[Anonymous]

Professor Jung-Kim effectively structured her lecture in an engaging and informative way. I walked away in awe of the Korean work ethic and their amazing economic development over the past 40 years. Some of the facts that illuminated my ignorance of the region include: a) the importance of women historically and currently, tough and outspoken! 😀 b) The importance of education-I wish we placed that level of importance on education here in the US, c) the social structure of the Silla culture- thriving era that did not cast women in some menial role, d) Korean pride in their national origins. Questions I walked away with- How will Koreans integrate growing number of foreigners? HOw will the divisions between N & S Korea impact the possibility of reunification in the future? Will N. Koreans be considered 2nd class citizens should reunification occur?

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed this session because it revealed the comprehensive background on Korea. This would be an appropriate way to introduce Korea to my students. I will also use the book I got from this session that is tailored for children.

[Anonymous]

I agree. I thought the information on the roles of women was very interesting. I'm glad that my misconception about women in Korea was dissolved. This will definitely help me in my classroom particularly when we study the transformation of gender roles throughout history.

[Anonymous]

I thought this lecture was one of the better lectures we had. Jennifer is so knowledgeable in her subject area I was enthralled the entire time. I really enjoyed her quick references from the ancient past and how it is still relevant today.

I also loved her modern pictures of seoul. I asked some of my students from Korea about the media towers and they say the US is so behind in technology that they feel they are going backwards in technology when they come here.

I also loved the clarification of korean gender roles. And what about the roles of the teacher in korean society? fascinating! Now i understand why I am given perfume after every parent-teacher conference with a korean family!

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the clarification of female roles. In regards with Women's role given in the reader Portraits of famous Koreans was Queen Sondok. It quickly states that Korean women were/are seen as capable leaders and no prejudice against women rulers. It's interesting that it makes a reference to the USA a leading democracy had just established women's rights.

[Anonymous]

Along with comprehensive lecture and the introduction reading provided, I feel more knowledgable of Korea's history. When I first read before the lecture I also thought democracy as a result of globalization and refreshing to hear globalization as always being a player throughout history. It's amazing how resilient Koreans have been throughout their history of occupancy from the Yi dynasty to Imperial Japanese.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed the chapter "Chronicle of Korean People's Sufferings". I can definely use this with my students as a supplementary view into the rationalization of the revolutionary stage into a democratic state.

[Anonymous]

In regard to the lecture, I feel most of my colleagues and I were most definitely impressed and fascinated with Professor Jung-Kim's lecture. I agree with many comments made about their impressions with technology and education. Korea definitely places a high value on its peoples as is evident by the fact that they have affordable healthcare and have a high life expectancy and literacy rates.

Just a few responses to my colleagues posts:
1. in response to Quezada: interesting story related to your mentioning of Korean pride in national origin. A colleague of mine which teaches Mandarin had an interesting interaction with a new janitor at our school. He mentioned to her that he felt Asia should be unified under one common language: Korean. He went on and on supporting his reasons for this. I feel that speaks to his high nationalist sentiments.

2. in response to Eisler: I teach at a pre-dominantly Chicana/o Latina/o school, but recently have the privilege of having a Korean American student (such a sweetheart). I too received a gift card from his parents this Christmas!!! I've received gifts here and there from other students/parents; although I think parents are more selective in high school, I think its easier financially in elementary since their is only one teacher to give gifts to. However, I just felt that gift was a reminder of the value Korean parents place on teachers and education.

[Anonymous]

Since Korea lies on the border of China and Russia, it has a place of geopolitical importance. My students in Model United Nations have been assigned role-playing scenarios portraying delegates from South Korea during past simulations and have used this information effectively when writing position papers and debating political issues. Learning about the evolution of Korean history will enhance their roles as effective delegates.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed several aspects of the class. The list of ten things I should now about Korea was good, and suprising. I also shared the value that families place on teacher in Korea. My students thought it was interesting but it changed nothing in the class. I usually avoid Korea because I knew nothing about it, now I at least have a good base to start working on, and not be so nervouse about tackling this part of the curriculum.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Hi everyone,

Please reply to this message and share your thoughts about our 7th session by Dr. Jung-Kim.

- Xin [Edit by="xjiang on Nov 10, 4:10:54 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

My first experience learning the difference between North and South korea came quite unexpectedly. I was teaching English at an international school on Wilshire. My class had students from Korea, Japan, Brazil, Italy, China and a few more which I have forgotten. During our icebreaker, my students had to tell where they were from and share with us something interesting about their country. One student, who had just recently enrolled in the class and was very quiet, announced that he was from North Korea. There was an immediate silence from my Korean students. It was amazing to work them through their initial shock. Many of them were afraid to speak to him but had so many questions.

This lecture, especially the "10 things" reminded me of my teaching experience. There are many misconceptions about Korea that have been generated throughout the years. What an amazing history!

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