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May 31, 2007
Thursday, May 31st: 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 9:14 AM | Comments (0)
May 30, 2007
Wednesday, May 30th: 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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Start preparing your notes, readings, etc. for your multiple-choice test on China. The test will be on Friday. 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 9:36 AM | Comments (0)
May 29, 2007
Tuesday, May 29th: Contemporary Challenges in China
Tiananmen Square
We will finish up our discussion of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Be prepared to discuss what the United States should have done about this event and to comment on what it actually did do.
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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Start preparing your notes, readings, etc. for your multiple-choice test on China. The test will be on Friday. 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 9:14 AM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2007
Friday, May 25th: Tiananmen Square Massacre
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 the final exam.
Posted by kmurr at 9:11 AM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2007
Thursday, May 24th: The Cultural Revolution
The Cultural Revolution
We will spend the bulk of the hour discussing the Cultural Revolution. We should get a chance to look at many different pictures associated with this period in Chinese history.
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 your final exam.
Posted by kmurr at 9:10 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2007
Wednesday, May 23rd: Mao and 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 do not have any homework that is due tomorrow. Use this as an opportunity to begin working on your final exam preparation.
Posted by kmurr at 8:58 AM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2007
Tuesday, May 22nd: 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. Also, we will probably take a look at this link at some point during the hour.
-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 7:53 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2007
Monday, May 21st: The Evolution of the Communist Party 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 9:52 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2007
Friday, May 18th: The End of Imperial China
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 9:31 AM | Comments (0)
May 17, 2007
Thursday, May 17th: Presentations, Confucius and the End of Imperial China
Presentation Conclusion
We will finish the last of our presentations today. I must say that you all did a very nice job. I was very pleased with your effort and with the quality of your work.
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
No homework for this evening.
Posted by kmurr at 8:58 AM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2007
Monday, May 14th: A Potpourri of Tasks
First you will take your China geography quiz. Good luck!
Time to Work
I will give you some time to meet with your presentation groups. I will check in with each group to make sure you are still on the right track. Remember that presentations begin tomorrow.
Confucius
I will give you a brief introduction to Confucianism. It is an important belief system in China. We will use a series of sayings from Confucius to understand more about it.
Homework
Work on your presentations!!
Posted by kmurr at 9:35 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2007
Thursday, May 10th: Preparation for Ancient China Project
Todya is a day to work on your projects. In order to help you with your research, I have linked a few websites here. These are only intended to be starting points for your research.
CNN's Visions of China
Minnesota State University's Page on China - This page includes a lot of information. If you do some digging, you should be able to find some really helpful information.
The Golden Age of Chinese Archaegology from the National Gallery of Art - This page includes information about some of the early Chinese dynasties. Those of you studying beliefs, art or architecture might find this page helpful.
Asia for Educators - This site is incredible. It is designed for teachers, but it has all sorts of information that all of the groups could use. Pay special attention to the list of categories on the left center of the page. If you run your mouse over these categories, you will see a place where you can click for links to resources about that topic in China. I think you might find this information helpful.
China: An Inner Realm - This site was actually designed by high school students. It has a lot of good information and links to other excellent sites. It is a great place to get a basic introduction to your topics.
China Daily Life - This site has links that would be of interest to those groups studying culture, art, daily life, etc.
Internet Guide to Chinese Studies - This has a ton of links that may or may not be helpful.
Homework
Your homework is to work on your ancient China project. Also, you will have your China geography quiz on Monday. Don't forget to study.
Posted by kmurr at 9:14 AM | Comments (0)
May 9, 2007
Wednesday, May 9th: Introduction to China
Introduction to China
We will start our last unit of the year today, China. We will begin by discussing an interesting article from Newsweek that contrasts China and Russia. This seemed like an appropriate place to begin our study.
China By the Numbers
For a change of pace, we will look at a series of maps and a data set. These sources will be the springboard for a discussion about China.
First, we will look at five different maps. Each of these maps addresses a different topic related to China. The topics include, trade, gender, ethnicity, the military and population. You will get into groups of four and each group will get one map. Work with your group members to interpret your map. Specifically, look at your map and draw five conclusions. Be prepared to explain and justify these conclusions to the class.
Next, we will look at a set of numbers about China. We will discuss these numbers as a class.
Homework
At the end of the hour, you received a description of the ancient China project. You picked your group and your group selected a topic. Now it is time to get to work. These presentations will begin next week and your homework over the next few days will be to work to prepare for your presentation. Please don't procrastinate and communicate with your group members so that you know what to do.
Posted by kmurr at 9:50 AM | Comments (0)
May 4, 2007
Friday, May 4th: Russia Student Congress
We will begin our student congress activity today. Be prepared to give a speech during the "open discussion" period. We will finish this activity on Monday.
Homework
Don't forget to prepare for your exam on Tuesday. Remember that you can use notes on both the identification and essay portion of the exam. Also, don't forget that, contrary to what your test sheet says, you can choose your essay question ahead of time. Please take advantage of the fact that you can use advanced preparation on the exam.
Posted by kmurr at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)
May 2, 2007
Wednesday, May 2nd: Work Day for Debates
Today is a work day. Use this time to work on your debate speeches for Friday or Monday. I will be happy to help you with your research. Your homework for the evening is to prepare for the debates and to continue preparing for your test. Because I am nice, you can choose which essay question you would like to answer. Also, the test will be on Tuesday instead of on Monday.
Here are some resources that might help some of the groups with their debate preparation.
Council on Foreign Relations Site on Chechnya
Council on Foreign Relations Report on Loose Nukes
ABC News Special Report on Loose Nukes
BBC site on Putin - This has some potentially helpful links.
Council on Foreign Relations Page on Russia - This site will help both the democracy group and the Putin group.
Posted by kmurr at 9:12 AM | Comments (0)