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March 28, 2007
Wednesday, March 28th: The Rising Giant
Today we will talk about China's incredible economic growth. You will be completing a chart tracking the causes of China's economic growth and the advantages and disadvantages of this growth. We will use a variety of sources to find this information. You will work on researching in small groups and then you will share your ideas with the class. As you research, consider the following questions:
Why should Americans be concerned about this growth?
Should America see China as an economic threat?
Can China's economy continue to grow at this rapid rate?
Sources of Information
Statistics Related to China's Economic Growth
Key Facts Associated with China's Economic Growth - Be sure to look at all four tabs in this chart.
China By the Numbers - You might find some of these statistics interesting.
"What Might Hold Back China?" - This article describes some of the concerns associated with China's economic growth.
China 2026: What Will Life Be Like? - This article describes how China's economic growth is changing Chinese citizens' daily lives.
Growth Tests Asian Giants' Strength - This article describes some of the disadvantages of China's economic growth.
China's Trade Surplus Jumps Ahead - This article discusses China's huge export advantage over the United States.
Homework
You have your China quiz tomorrow. Remember, that all of your notes must be printed BEFORE you come to class. That means you need to print today, tonight or tomorrow morning.
You should continue preparing for your final exam. Remember that you can meet with me at any point to discuss your preparations.
Posted by kmurr at 9:12 AM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2007
Tuesday, March 27th: Tiananmen Square
The Background
We will watch an excerpt from the video China: Born Under the Red Flag to become a bit more familiar with the details of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Download these questions to answer during the movie.
The Debate
Much of the world was outraged by what it saw in Tiananmen Square and a number of steps were taken to punish China. Today, however, China is an important trading partner for the United States and we frequently involve China on discussions of important diplomatic issues. Consider the following questions in light of this situation.
Should the United States maintain somewhat normalized relations with a country that commits major and flagrant human rights violations?
Can trade change a country's policies?
Is it our "business?" Should we be concerned about democracy in China?
Will China change on its own without outside influence?
Does the United States look hypocritical in calling for democracy in the Middle East, but also working with countries in other parts of the world that clearly aren't democracies?
Homework
Continue preparing for Thursday's China quiz and for next week's final exam. Remember, that I have lunch study sessions scheduled everyday this week.
Posted by kmurr at 8:50 AM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2007
Monday, March 26th: Taiwan
The Background
You will take a few notes about the Republic of China (Taiwan) in order to understand the current concerns about a potential conflict between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Use this study guide as an aid.
Scenarios Discussion: When should the U.S. get involved and how?
1. China passes a law stating that it will use non-peaceful means to keep Taiwan from declaring its independence.
2. China carries out military drills off the coast of Taiwan.
3. China shoots missiles at Taiwan.
4. China invades Taiwan, but vows not to use nuclear weapons.
5. China invades Taiwan and it is known that China is willing to use tactical nuclear weapons if the United States involves itself in the conflict.
For each scenario, consider whether or not the United States should become involved and if so, to what degree and through what means. If the United States should not become involved, be sure to explain why.
Homework
Continue working on your final exam. Remember that you can meet with me about your essay outlines and that I will have lunch study sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Start preparing your notes, readings, etc. for your multiple-choice test on China. The test will be on Thursday. You can use any notes, readings, worksheets, etc. that you have on China. You will have up to 75 minutes to complete the exam.
Posted by kmurr at 7:10 PM | Comments (0)
March 9, 2007
Friday, March 9th: The Cultural Revolution
Cultural Revolution
Scroll down to yesterday's lesson so that you can complete the questions about the Cultural Revolution. We will be discussing these questions in class.
Final Exam
The questions for your final exam are linked here. The note sheet that you can use on the final exam is linked here. We will discuss all of this in class today. Your only homework over break is to work on preparing your outlines for the final.
Posted by kmurr at 9:17 AM | Comments (0)
March 8, 2007
Thursday, March 8th: Mao's China
Mao Through Many Lenses
Mao Zedong is probably the most famous communist leader of China. Mao had a profound influence on China's economic and political development and you need to understand him to understand China today. We will explore Mao's legacy by looking at a number of different resources on the Internet. Use these resources to answer the attached questions. You can answer the questions in pairs if you would like to do so.
Mao's Economic Legacy
1. Read the portion of the BBC article that deals with Mao's economic policies (scroll down to find this section). Also, look at the graph at the start of the article. What does this graph say about economic progress during Mao's rule?
2. Read about one of Mao's most infamous economic policies, the Great Leap Forward.
3. Read about the philosophy related to work and compensation in China. Does this remind you of our Karl Marx debate?
4. Use all of this information to answer the economics questions on the sheet that you downloaded.
The Cultural Revolution
1. Read this BBC description of the Cultural Revolution, it will give you a sense of the purpose and magnitude of the Cultural Revolution.
2. Read about the Red Guard. These militants helped to carry out the Cultural Revolution. What is the Red Guard's relationship to equality?
3. Scroll down once you click on this link. Click on the link called "Ask Chairman Mao for the Answers." What is Mao trying to accomplish by having millions of people read this book?
4. Click on this link and scroll down to where it says, "English Lessons: A Picture of Chairman Mao and A Black Boy in America." What is Mao trying accomplish with this type of lesson? Again, how does this relate to equality?
5. Click on this link and then click on the link called "A Song-And-Dance Epic." Watch a few clips from this musical. What is Mao trying to accomplish with this type of propaganda?
6. Lastly, click on this link and click on the Propaganda Posters link on the left hand side. Then click on the Cultural Revolution Posters link. Scroll through the posters and use the information on the posters to answer the questions.
Homework
You will not have homework this evening.
Posted by kmurr at 9:24 AM | Comments (0)
March 7, 2007
Wednesday, March 7th: The Rape of Nanking
The Rape of Nanking
We will discuss a series of readings that you completed last night. Be prepared to consider the following questions.
-Should countries acknowledge and discuss the atrocities that they have committed?
-Should the killing of soldiers be considered a massacre?
-Are history textbooks important? Should we be concerned with how historical events are portrayed in history textbooks?
-Should Japan doing something to rectify this situation?
-Should historical events continue to impact relations between countries today?
-Has the United States committed atrocities that it does not recognize or discuss?
-Does ignoring history matter?
Mao Through Many Lenses
Mao Zedong is probably the most famous communist leader of China. Mao had a profound influence on China's economic and political development and you need to understand him to understand China today. We will explore Mao's legacy by looking at a number of different resources on the Internet. Use these resources to answer the attached questions. You can answer the questions in pairs if you would like to do so.
Mao's Economic Legacy
1. Read the portion of the BBC article that deals with Mao's economic policies (scroll down to find this section). Also, look at the graph at the start of the article. What does this graph say about economic progress during Mao's rule?
2. Read about one of Mao's most infamous economic policies, the Great Leap Forward.
3. Read about the philosophy related to work and compensation in China. Does this remind you of our Karl Marx debate?
4. Use all of this information to answer the economics questions on the sheet that you downloaded.
The Cultural Revolution
1. Read this BBC description of the Cultural Revolution, it will give you a sense of the purpose and magnitude of the Cultural Revolution.
2. Read about the Red Guard. These militants helped to carry out the Cultural Revolution. What is the Red Guard's relationship to equality?
3. Scroll down once you click on this link. Click on the link called "Ask Chairman Mao for the Answers." What is Mao trying to accomplish by having millions of people read this book?
4. Click on this link and scroll down to where it says, "English Lessons: A Picture of Chairman Mao and A Black Boy in America." What is Mao trying accomplish with this type of lesson? Again, how does this relate to equality?
5. Click on this link and then click on the link called "A Song-And-Dance Epic." Watch a few clips from this musical. What is Mao trying to accomplish with this type of propaganda?
6. Lastly, click on this link and click on the Propaganda Posters link on the left hand side. Then click on the Cultural Revolution Posters link. Scroll through the posters and use the information on the posters to answer the questions.
Homework
You will not have homework this evening.
Posted by kmurr at 9:06 AM | Comments (0)
March 6, 2007
Tuesday, March 6th: The Evolution of Communism in China
Wrapping up Loose Ends
We will finish talking about imperialism in China and the end of the Chinese dynasty today. Additionally, I will introduction to an "interim" period of time during which China struggled to determine who would lead the country.
Long March
We will recreate the Long March in class today. Be prepared to go outside.
Homework
Read this article about the Rape of Nanking. The article contains some gruesome descriptions, but it introduces some incredibly important historical events and questions. Additionally, read the article that I handed out in class.
Posted by kmurr at 9:33 AM | Comments (0)
March 5, 2007
Monday, March 5th: The End of Chinese Dynasties
Significant Events in 19th Century Chinese History
The 1800's was a period of dramatic change in China. One of the major causes of this change was Western influence on China. In order to understand this influence, we need to study the imperialist policies that Western countries had toward China. Follow the directions below each of the following events/policies to better understand the Western imperialism. Keep track of your findings on this sheet.
Opium War
Use the information on the handout to determine HOW AND WHY Britain used a narcotic to open trade with China.
Treaty of Nanking
This treaty was signed after the first Opium War. Which country benefits most from this treaty?
Spheres of Influence and Open Door Policy
Look at the map on this page. Which countries had influence over parts of China? How is what happened in China similar to what happened in Africa? Read the paragraph labeled Spheres of Influence. How is what happened in China different from what happened in Africa? Think about the amount of control that European countries had over China versus the amount of control that European countries had over African countries.
Use the cartoon linked here to determine how some Europeans viewed the Chinese.
In 1899, the Americans proposed a different policy toward China. It was called the Open Door policy and European countries agreed to the policy. How did this policy change the spheres of influence policy that had already existed? Why would Americans propose this policy?
Boxer Rebellion
The Chinese population didn't simply "go along" with Western imperialism. Resistance movements developed throughout the 1800s. One prominent example of this resistance is the Boxer Rebellion of 1899. Read about this rebellion here. What were the results of the Boxer Rebellion?
Homework
There is no homework for this evening.
Posted by kmurr at 9:13 AM | Comments (0)
March 1, 2007
Thursday, March 1st: Confucianism and the End of the Dynasties
Confucianism
We will begin with a discussion of Confucius. Be ready to share your thoughts on family, school and government.
Significant Events in 19th Century Chinese History
The 1800's was a period of dramatic change in China. One of the major causes of this change was Western influence on China. In order to understand this influence, we need to study the imperialist policies that Western countries had toward China. Follow the directions below each of the following events/policies to better understand the Western imperialism. Keep track of your findings on this sheet.
Opium War
Use the information on the handout to determine HOW AND WHY Britain used a narcotic to open trade with China.
Treaty of Nanking
This treaty was signed after the first Opium War. Which country benefits most from this treaty?
Spheres of Influence and Open Door Policy
Look at the map on this page. Which countries had influence over parts of China? How is what happened in China similar to what happened in Africa? Read the paragraph labeled Spheres of Influence. How is what happened in China different from what happened in Africa? Think about the amount of control that European countries had over China versus the amount of control that European countries had over African countries.
Use the cartoon linked here to determine how some Europeans viewed the Chinese.
In 1899, the Americans proposed a different policy toward China. It was called the Open Door policy and European countries agreed to the policy. How did this policy change the spheres of influence policy that had already existed? Why would Americans propose this policy?
Boxer Rebellion
The Chinese population didn't simply "go along" with Western imperialism. Resistance movements developed throughout the 1800s. One prominent example of this resistance is the Boxer Rebellion of 1899. Read about this rebellion here. What were the results of the Boxer Rebellion?
Homework
You should not have any homework for this evening. If we do not have school tomorrow, read the blog for any announcements related to Regional Studies. Don't worry. I won't give additional homework. I may make an announcement about bringing winter outerwear for Monday.
Posted by kmurr at 8:54 AM | Comments (0)