thoughts about session 14 on 8/2 w/Dr. Dube

[Anonymous]

As I reflect on Modern China and its new and much more open policy in dealing with the west I am impressed. In my lifetime China and the United States have gone from suspicious enemies , at war with each other, to being economically dependent trading partners. The perfect example of this new relationship can be found in a stroll across the campuses of USC and Purdue where significant numbers of Chinese students are engaged in obtaining a western degree and in the USC China Institute Residential Seminar where western teachers gather to be educated in the culture and history of East Asia.

[Anonymous]

Forest Gump! Exactly what I was thinking about.... it is so interesting concerning the connection between sports and culture....and which types dominate in certain regions of the world. I really think that the Chinese would relate well with the sport of Golf... waiting to see if it will ever "grown" on them!

[Anonymous]

Basically the government officials that replaced Mao viewed his policies towards the end as too extreme. Mao's wife went to jail because she symbolized these ideas and she could easily unify sympathizers to overthrow the ideas of the new government. The officials used propaganda to illustrate that she was "personally" responsible for the death of 100,000
's of people and spread this message throughout China in order to gain support of the masses. If I am correct, this technique was used in other communist countries....actually throughout history... Best example...the French Revolution....

[Anonymous]

I would think that if you(the individual) was unable to succeed at representing your country, then suicide was the respectable thing to do. China is not based on Judeo-Christian values as many western countries. So I am sure that the entire concept is viewed differently.... I was watching a biography on the olympics and there was a Chinese distance runner(around 1960) that was unable to obtain the gold metal for various reasons and ended up committing suicide; the noble way out. A good movie to watch would be Mao's Last Dancer which highlights how many children were chosen during their youth to specialize in various sports, arts, science...etc... and if they did not succeed in their duty they shame the entire commune.

[Anonymous]

Clay, As I sat in the classroom for six hours a day, in which I learned a lot, I learned the most valuable lesson for teaching; transitions!!!! I do not want to sound rude but I would like to make some suggestions that would further the success of this seminar.
More interaction between students
printout of notes ahead of time(or disk) so we could highlight, etc....
Incorporate films throughout sessions
Maybe introduce some historical-fiction books that would apply to the English teachers.... something that we could use cross-curricularly (poor spelling) in history too
Follow up on analysis of documents in class.
Lunch in china town?
I know that there needs to be accountability for the program from instructor and students, but could we pin-point it? Are you really able to read all 600 responses?
could we go for a walk and sit outside and discuss a topic?

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Hi all,

Please share your thoughts about the last session here.

[Anonymous]

I loved meeting all the teachers and hearing different experiences. The impromptu field trips and dinners were an excellent time to debrief lessons.

[Author]

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