Session #7 - April 8, Katsuya Hirano

[Jimmy Martinez]

Professor Hirano had a great lecture and I learned so many new facts about the Japanese culture. There was a time during the lecture when he stated: "Japanese people don't know about diversity." This was a strong point that he brought up that many societies face and that lead to the persecution of people because of their differences. People fear what they don't know. Learning about the Japanese attire was also very interesting and I had no idea that some women wore clothes that consisted of 12 layers of silk. I get hot when I wear two layers of clothes, nevermind 12 layers! I also learned that Cherry Blossoms represents Japan ever-changing ways in that it is beautiful but only last for a short time, like the seasons.

[Linda Gonzales Diaz]

Hollywood has an enormous effect on our perceptions of our own society as well as that of others. This is no different with our perception of samurai. The movies we see usually portray samurai as the highly respected and feared group of warriors that defended the land of Japan. This group is reflective of the 16th century samurais that were present in Japan as opposed to those of early medieval period.  The early samurai had limited success in stabilizing government and order. Japan was in constant war.  Later samurai learned from previous failed governments and the centuries of medieval disorder present at the time. They were able to establish order in early modern Japan.  I think this is the group that Hollywood always focuses on. This is what we always see in movies.

[Linda Gonzales Diaz]

I always use these lessons at the beginning of the year as class building exercises where we get to know each other a little better. The students get to examine evidence from differing perspectives and make their own opinions on what actually happened in the lunchroom. This mirrors what they will be doing throughout the year with other sources and multiple perspectives. I love these lessons as a precursor  for future history learning and explorations.

[Linda Gonzales Diaz]

I like this idea Dan! It's taking a concept they think they are already familiar with and stretching it in multiple directions with different perspectives and accounts.  It will definitely challenge students' schema of what they think they already knew.  This creates many areas for students to discuss and explore and argue about.

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