Midterm Asian Studies Learning Goals

I went through the class learning goals that were posted on the three blogs. I have tried to integrate all of your learning goals into just one that will be common to all sections. But I’m too lazy. So instead, I decided to create a PDF file (which is downloadable through the “box” below the “archives” section). All groups will abide by these learning goals since you were the ones who thought them up after reading through our reference material. Each class is not limited to the learning goals put up by classmates. Each group is responsible for accomplishing all the learning goals posted by the other groups from the other sections. For example: N4A-India Group should also be able to accomplish the learning goals posted by N4B’s and N4C’s India group. The same goes for the other groups.

I will leave it up to you to hammer out a plan (and implement it) for accomplishing these goals. Remember that we agreed to have these learning goals for the midterm; we have to abide by them! You may consult with me on the logistics i.e. if you need to play a video, bring some things, etc. Or check with me if I already have some content (e.g. videos, audio files, etc) relevant to a learning goal. But, as much as possible, you will be responsible for doing the work of accomplishing these learning goals.

Here’s a summary of the learning goals plus my thoughts on them. Take note, that we will follow what is written in the “Class Learning Goals” matrix. The following summary is only to give you a snapshot and is not meant to replace what is in the matrix.

Learning Goals for India

Geography - Take note that when we use the term “India” we are roughly referring to the entire Indian sub-continent of Asia (roughly South Asia). So for India Group, please include the rest of South Asia in whatever output and activities you line up for the class to accomplish these learning goals. The focus, however, is really Indian civilization because of its tremendous influence in South Asia.

History and Culture - This is a common learning goal accoross the three sections. N4A and N4C, however, included a wider scope compared to N4B. Thus, for history and culture, all the sections will have to cover the history of India (i.e. South Asia) until modern times. Noteworthy is the last learning goal of N4C’s India Group: a look at Indians (south asians) in the Philippines. This last learning goal is a good challenge for all the India Groups.

Modern India - N4A would like to find out about the “economic status” of India as well as the role of women in Indian society. These learning goals will be integrated into a much broader exploration into modern Indian society, especially its socio-economic status in modern times.

Learning Goals for China

Geography – Only N4A and N4B included this in their learning goals; N4B, in particular, wants to know the source of the term “China”.

History and culture - Again, all China groups would like for the class to learn about the history and culture of China. China group will cover all the dynasties until the collapse of dynastic rule as well as into the modern era. In particular, N4A wants to look at Mao’s cultural revolution which ties in neatly with N4C’s goal of looking at “China today”. In general, the learning goal, in terms of history and culture, shall cover topics from the origin of chinese civilization until modern china.

An important aspect of the challenge for the China group is to take up N4A’s goal to compare religious and philosophical systems that gained prominence in Chinese civilization. N4B includes contributions of Chinese civilization which would also cover N4A’s goal of looking at important chinese philosophers.

The Great Wall of China - N4A and N4B want to look at the history and significance of the Great Wall of China. I think I have this covered with a short film documentary on the “Secrets of the Great Wall”.

Learning Goals for Japan – Korea

I only found the learning goals of N4A for this region. Admittedly, I assumed that you would post it in your blogs after my instructions for you to “post” it instead of adding it as a “comment”. In any case, the goals from N4A are more than sufficient. After the midterm examinations, we will formulate more learning goals for Japan-Korea to cover the period from the arrival of westerners in Asia up to modern times.

Learning Goals for Southeast Asia

For Southeast Asia, only N4B’s and N4C’s learning goals could be found in the posts.

Geography - N4B pointed out an interesting tidbit about SEA, specifically its two “regions”: Indochina and the Malay archipelago.

History and Culture - N4B and N4A would like to cover history and culture until modern times, but N4B specifically identifies Southeast Asia’s experience with colonization. Admittedly, I don’t know anything about the “Golden Triangle” or even “SEA as economic rival and four origin tigers” – this will be interesting to learn about.

Religious practices, language and other aspects of culture will also be covered. What I’m looking forward to is N4C’s goal of looking at tourism and the “touristy” places to go in Southeast Asia. On tourism, I think I have a book on “Ubud” one of the great tourist places in Southeast Asia. There’s also a blog about “ubud” that you might want to look for.