Sometimes I like to use podcasts in class in different ways including: extra credit, homework, choice driven deep dive opportunities, or if it is short enough activities in class (I’ve found that a podcast any longer that 20 minutes….kids tune out). A few years ago, the BBC did a series called History of the World in 100 objects. Several of them are specific to East Asia and a good listen.
Here is a list:
1. Japanese Bronze mirror: Pilgrims, Raiders and Traders (900-1300AD) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sqw6f
2. Chinese Tang tomb figures: Inside the Palace: Secrets At Court (700-950AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00snm1z
3. Korean Roof Tile: The Silk Road and Beyond (400-700AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sl6dy
4. Chinese Han Lacquer Cup: Empire builders (300 BC-10 AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sbrz5
5. Chinese Bronze Bell: The World in the Age of Confucius (500-300 BC)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qsvj7
6. Chinese Zhou Ritual Vessel: Old World, New Powers (1100 – 300 BC)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qm8zb
7. Hokusai’s The Great Wave: Mass production, Mass Persuasion (1780-1914AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00v72n6
8. Jade Bi: Exploration, Exploitation, and Enlightenment (1680-1820)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00v4l55
9. Jade Dragon Cup: The Threshold of the Modern World (1375-1550AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tn9vl
10. Ming Banknote: The Threshold of the Modern World (1375-1550AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tn9vg
11. The David Vases: Status Symbols (1200-1400 AD)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00st9zd
I like this series because all the episodes are about 15 minutes and it has such a wide variety. I would use the Ming Banknote episode to facilitate an economics discussion. The David Vases are a really good conversation starter for the Industrial revolution when we discuss class distinctions and then the copying of Asian artwork. Hokusai and Van Gogh would be a good comparison for that as well.
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