Self-introductions

[stubing]

Hi everyone! We are looking forward to meeting online and getting to know you over the course! Please use this thread to introduce yourself.

Please upload a photo of yourself. Go to "my account," then click on the edit tab, and upload a photo at the bottom. Make sure you click save!

[Jonathon Allen]

Hi, everyone!  My name is Jonathon Allen and I am the Department Chair of History and Social Sciences at an independent girls' school in Los Angeles, CA.  I also teach AP World History and a Spring elective entitled "Contemporary Asian Studies."  I've tried to continue my professional growth in some aspect of Asia each year and am excited to participate in this seminar with you!

[Aaron Rabena]

Hello Everyone! Looking forward to learning a lot from this

short course!

[Allison Murphy]

Hi All! I'm excited to start this class. I'm a World History and Government teacher. 

[Johnny Walker]

Hello! My name is Johnny Walker, and I teach 10th grade World History and AP World History in Sylmar, CA. I've just transitioned from AP European History to AP World this year, and my intention is to de-Westernize my historical narrative. I'm looking forward to applying what I learn here to my classroom, and I'm looking forward to learning with and from all of you!

[Jonathon Allen]

Hey Johnny!

Our school made the same move a few years ago and we didn't look back.  Glad to have another AP World teacher from L.A. here 🙂

 

 

[clay dube]

Thanks to Craig for getting us started. I hope everyone will take a moment to introduce herself/himself. I'm the seminar instructor. I have been teaching in or about China for a long time and am delighted to have this opportunity to explore China with you. I first lived and worked in China in 1982-85 when the country's economic and social transformation was just beginning. I've been especially interested in how ordinary people have experienced the giant political changes. I love travel, but have not seen most of the world, having mainly visited East Asia and the U.S. I am fond of movies and novels, including Chinese ones. I enjoy crime fiction and, if you like such books, you might wish to try those by Qiu Xiaolong, a now retired professor who introduces Inspector Chen Cao. Qiu grew up in China, but is based in the US. The books offer some ideas about contemporary Chinese culture. Of course, there are many novels and films from China that are available in translation or with subtitles. I hope you'll share any that you've read or watched. Are there parts we might use with students? 

[Julie Wakefield]

Good Day!  I teach in Reno, NV - yr #24. I teach World Geography, Honors World Geography, and AP Human Geography. I am looking forward to learning more about contemporary China!

[Kimberly Robinson]

Hi Everyone!  My name is Kim Robinson and I teach World History CP and World History AP in Rancho Mirage, CA.  I am also making the transition from AP Euro to AP World.  I am interested to hear how other teachers are making the transition because I am finding it quite challenging.

I was able to travel to China a few years ago and we had a fantastic experience there.  I am looking forward to learning more about the culture, history and politics of the country.

[clay dube]

China, like the US, is a land of contrasts and change. Below are two photos.

Buddhism is among China's dynamic traditions. In Sichuan province in Southwestern China, the giant Leshan Buddha was carved into a cliff overlooking the junction of the Min and Dadu rivers. It is more than 200 feet tall. It was created over many decades during the 8th century. That means the statue depicting the Maitreya Buddha has been looking over the area for 12 centuries. I visited in February 1984.

China's economic rise came from moving workers out of the fields into more value-added production - even the production of simple toys such as this village blocks factory. I visited it in Wuqiao township in 1991. That's the factory boss.

Private enterprise is another big part of China's economic rise. We know about many large and innovative private companies today (Alibaba, Xiaomi, Tencent are three). But there are many others, including micro entrepreneurs such as these two women who set up a small shop selling breakfast treats in Langfang. I took their picture in 1989.

[Gisela Gaona]

Hello everyone! I've had a chance to read the rest of your self-intros and I am delighted to be a part of these USC lectures for teachers. I took a different session when we were still in person, and I am so happy that we are able to continue doing so virtually amid the pandemic. 
I am social studies teacher in Bakersfield, CA and I've visited many Asian countries over the past couple of years including twice to China. I am thrilled to be here!!!

[Ping Pian]

Hello everyone! I am very excited about this course, and am really glad that I am able to enjoy you all virtually. I teach Chinese language at the University of Rochester. I missed a lot of the social and economic transformation in China because I came to the U.S. quite early. Looking forward to learn more through this course.

[Ping Pian]

Thanks, Clay! Will definitely check out Qiu Xiaolong's books. I just started The Three-Body Problem. It's a very interesting book too.

[Jeanine Alexander]

Hello everyone. My name is Jeanine Alexander and I teach Advanced Placement United States History at Moorpark High School, among other subjects. I have been wanting to take this course for a long time and am very excited to broaden my knowledge of China.

[Ryan Carothers]

Hello everyone. My name is Ryan and I live in San Jose, CA. I used to teach seventh-grade World History, but left my tenured position to pursue a master degree.  In the meantime, I've continued to work as a substitute and tutor. I know the most about U.S. History and Late Antiquity. I believe this seminar will expand my knowledge (which is very important). I am excited, and looking forward to everything we will learn. 

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