Reflection #10

One more day, guys! I've been honored to work with you this summer and hope you will leave the classroom with a little more knowledge than you came with the first day.

Take a moment to reflect back on your experience this summer. If you look back at the course in ten years (let's say), what would you like to remember about Asia and its history? How will you keep this experience and your newfound knowledge fresh as you continue your studies? Be sure to address at least three things you hope you take with you from this course. This reflection will be completed in class today &/or tomorrow, so you do not need to work on it at home.

Thanks again for making this a great summer! I hope you guys had fun. Feel free to keep in touch, and DO add me as a friend on Facebook (if you use it). I will be interested to watch you all grow into knowledgeable and thoughtful adults in the very near future.

Aloha,
Miss Yun

Reflection #9

According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, a satire is any work of literature or art whose objective is ridicule. It is more easily recognized than defined. From ancient times satirists have shared a common aim: to expose foolishness in all its guises—vanity, hypocrisy, pedantry, idolatry, bigotry, sentimentality—and to effect reform through such exposure.

View one of these four satirical videos that are designed to educate foreigners about aspects of traditional Japanese culture. Then, write a short reflection (questions are below). This reflection is due Tuesday @ 10 p.m.

1. Chopsticks

2. Apologizing

3. Sushi

4. Origami


Address these questions in your reflection:

• How is this video a satire?
  
• As a satire, what kind of cultural reform/change might this video be suggesting?
• In what way does this clip portray Japanese culture positively?

Reflection #8

Choose one of the following topics to write about. This reflection is due Sunday @ 10 p.m.

Current event —
Provide a link to an article related to something going on in Asia. Then, write a brief summary of the article and discuss its relevance to topics covered recently in this course.

Modernization: Japan vs. China —
Both Japan (after WWII) and China (after the Cultural Revolution) needed to rise from the ashes after complete political, social, economic, and cultural disaster. In your opinion, why has Japan been more successful in embracing change and modernization than China? Consider just one aspect (political, social, economic, cultural) that contributes to Japan’s faster advancement.

Reflection #7

I was browsing the summer’s latest installment of shows and came across this crazy game show called “I Survived a Japanese Gameshow,” which is essentially a corny West meets East cultural experiment. Watch a few of the clips on the site (scroll by clicking the small arrow on both ends of the line) or tune in on Tuesday 7/14 @ 8 p.m. Then, write a brief paragraph response about what you think this show is saying about American vs. Japanese culture.

Because of its very turbulent history, Japan’s culture is often misunderstood and stereotyped into something it is not. In one other paragraph, tell me something that you find very unique to Japanese culture that you love (i.e.: sushi, karaoke?) or that you don’t quite understand (i.e.: punky-dressed kids, Sanrio accessories?). What makes Japan such an interesting contrast to our American way of life?

This reflection is due on Wednesday @ 10 p.m.

Imperialism in China

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT.

This image comes from a satirical magazine called "Puck" and is an illustration depicting Imperialism in 1900. What do you feel the image is saying about Imperialism in China? What do you think the caption ("The real trouble will come with the 'Wake'") means?

Try to be as specific as possible by focusing on 2-3 of the animals in relation to each other as well as to China's white dragon. Consider the animal represented by each country (see the list below). What kind of animal is this? How does it live? When you think of this animal, what do you feel? Why? What is the animal doing in the picture? What is it wearing, carrying? Where is it in the picture?

Japan - leopard
Russia - bear
USA - bald eagle
Germany - vulture
France - rooster in the middle
England - lion
Austria - two-headed vulture
Italy - wild dog

Reflection #5

Write on one of the following three topics. Write just your first name (not anonymous) in your comment. This reflection is due on Thursday by 10 p.m.:

Current event — Provide a link to an article related to something going on in Asia. Then, write a brief summary of the article and discuss its relevance to topics covered recently in this course.

The Cultural Revolution — While the Cultural Revolution is considered to be one of China’s “most embarrassing moments in its long history,” there are some things about it that make sense. Play devil’s advocate and write about how the Cultural Revolution (doing away with Confucian principles and destroying old traditions and artifacts) actually made sense for the Chinese. If you were poor and underprivileged, why would you fight for such a cause?

Communism vs. Capitalism — The China film last week, “Up the Yangtze,” tells an interesting joke that contrasts Communism with Capitalism:

An American and a Chinese are riding in a car together. They come to a sign that says, “Turn right for Capitalism or turn left for Communism.” The American passenger decides to turn right. The Chinese passenger agrees that they should turn right, but ought to signal left.

This joke suggests that emerging Asian countries such as China and Vietnam are founded on Communist principles but ultimately follow a Capitalist scheme. What are the challenges facing Communist nations with regard to political, social, and economic growth? Also, what advantages do you see them having?

Reflection #4

After viewing Wednesday's film, consider this list of films that China has banned. China (as well as Myanmar) has a long history of censoring any film that would taint its people's view of society or the world. Considering the fact that this film ends on a hopeful note (it's not wholly depressing, is it?), what did you find controversial about this film that would justify it being banned?

This reflection should be just one paragraph long (worth only 5 points) and is due this Wednesday at 10 p.m.


The following information comes from Wikipedia

Because only 20 imported films are granted permission to screen each year in China, only blockbuster or widely known films are listed. It may be noted that some films which do not arrive in theatres nonetheless become available as pirated DVD editions.

• 1960: Ben-Hur, for containing "propaganda of superstitious beliefs, namely Christianity." (Never given permission to screen)
• 1994: To Live, for its satirical portrayal of various policies and campaigns of the Communist government. (Never given permission to screen)
• 1997: Kundun - regarded as Tibetan nationalism (Banned outright along with director Martin Scorsese)
• 1997: Seven Years in Tibet, for its view on a free Tibet. (Banned outright along with actors Brad Pitt and David Thewlis for life)
• 2000: Devils on the Doorstep, for its controversial portrayal of the Japanese Occupation of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War despite being a Chinese-made film (Never given permission to screen)
• 2005: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, for its unflattering depictions of Chinese society (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Memoirs of a Geisha, over concerns it could rouse anti-Japanese sentiment. (Banned outright)
• 2006: Brokeback Mountain, for its depictions of homosexuality. (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Scorsese's The Departed, for suggesting that the government intends to use nuclear weapons on Taiwan, which is a very sensitive political issue. (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Over the Hedge was banned due to a difficulty with the DVD copy and some killing scenes to the animals. (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, for its depiction of incest. (Never given permission to screen)

Reflection #3

Write on one of the following three topics. Write just your first name (not anonymous) in your comment. This reflection is due on Wednesday by 10 p.m.:

Current event — Provide a link to an article related to something going on in Asia. Then, write a brief summary of the article and discuss its relevance to topics covered recently in this course.

Legalism — Legalism is based on the premise that people are prone to commit misdeeds, and government's job is to maintain order through strict rules and authority. Do you agree with this basic premise that people will do bad without the threat of punishment? Is order the most important concern in a society. Is order more important than personal freedom?

Chinatown — We will be going to Chinatown this week! What do you associate with this part of town? Be as specific as possible with certain sights, sounds, activities that you come to expect when you go there. Why do you think Chinatown is such an important neighborhood that nearly every major city has one?

Reflection #2

Read or view the following articles/videos/photos about the dynasties or philosophies you will be covering in your posters. Then, choose one of them (it doesn't have to be about your group's topic) and write a brief paragraph reflection about how these concepts/moments in history are still relevant to life in China or the world today.

This comment/reflection is due Monday @ 10 p.m.

Shang Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty

Confucianism

Daoism

Qin Dynasty

Han Dynasty

Reflection #1

Every few days you will write a short reflection related to this course. You will submit the reflection as a comment on the class blog. The reflection should be 250-500 words (1-2 paragraphs) and written with attention to grammar, spelling, and the fundamentals of good academic writing (which we will discuss in class).

Each reflection is worth 10 points in the homework/quiz/participation category.

Write on one of the following three topics. Write just your first name (not anonymous) in your comment:

1) Current event -- Provide a link to an article related to something going on in Asia. Then, write a brief summary of the article and discuss its relevance to topics covered recently in this course.

2) Asian Products -- Choose an Asian brand or product and write about your perception of the product as "Asian." To what extent do you associate the product as "Asian" and how does that inform your attitude toward the product?

3) China -- What do you know about China? What do you hope to understand more about the country and its history?