I always stress to my students that the only way a civilization is able to thrive and innovate
is if there are complex systems that exist as well as food stabilization. This article makes a very strong point that because of the "unification of North and South during this time period there was a cultural flowering" that had never been seen before. China was able to streamline and perfect their systems and their country and culture flourished even though it was brought about by "force."
Professor Ye's lecture still resonates with me, several weeks later. His devotion to his craft and poeticism is admirable to say the least. It is a reminder to me as teacher to seek mastery of my content but also to put forth my best foot with every lesson. The passion I have for my content will resonate if it is honest and true. I'm grateful for have attended this session, humbling for sure.
the combined art of words, but done in a performance create a different feel and is the best way to experience art. it brings emotion into the piece and can make the words come alive. incorporating performance is simply amazing.
Professor Ye showed a passion for general Chinese history, intellectual thought, Anthology, and introduction of Literature. The poem he chanted was done with gusto as he felt poetry should be a performance. Pride of his cultured exuded as he presented China in its “Middle Period.” The notion that many Chinese claim to descend from the Han Dynasty is attention grabbing because it has brought an ethnic division. This becomes a myth because they have not been a pure mix. Therefore, they shouldn’t claim to be part of such dynasty.
edited by jmartinez on 6/23/2017
Buddhism is becoming increasingly popular amongst all with the spread of the statue as readily seen as decoration in homes, stores, and spas. Students had a great time learning about the religion and realizing that its roots stem from the country of India on the continent of Asia.
The readings of the poetry literature would be great to show students. I can randomly assign poerty from the reading for students to present orally to the class.They will have to present with emphasis and meaning.
I agree with many of my fellow teachers. Professor Ye is amazing and his passion is contagious. I loved hearing him recite and sing poetry of China. I hope to engage my students in these types of poems. I want to share the artistry and passion of Professor Ye.
My students always moan and groan when I bring up poetry. My hope is to have them copy a new poem every morning M-T and Friday they will create their own. I will urge them to illustrate their thoughts and opinions about each poem. Maybe this will instill a love for this medium.
Based off of Professor Ye's explanation of Tang poetry, Du Fu gave elaborate accounts of oneself in his poetry. His poetry had the full range of literary language and he is the most colloquial of the High Tang poets. Much of his work is full of allusions and phrases of cultural resonance. One of his poems states that "I do have aims to live on rivers and lakes, there to see off my days, aloof and serene." Here, Du Fu aims to be a recluse and live in nature.
Much of Chinese poetry I can use in my English classes because of all of the imagery, symbolism, and metaphors that the High Tang poets used in their poetry. Du Fu in particular uses imagery when he states in one of his poems, "At the break of dawn, I passed Mount Li, the imperial couch on its towering crest." The imperial couch is a metaphor for the imperial palace and imperial power. The emperor came there for pleasure and not to rule over his people which shows that the speaker may despise the place.
Comparing and contrasting poetry from different languages can be an effective way to teach many of the different kids of ideas. Poetry can tell stories of human nature, culture, traditions, and can tell how poets felt about the times they were living in. Poetry is a great way to learn about the historical time period as well. Chinese poets often wrote about what they were experiencing in the world and how political figures acted which gives great insight to the times. They also love to describe nature which gives it a deeper meaning.
The reading from Cosmopolitan China has great photos to share with students. There is a photo that represents the history of calligraphy. I would present a calligraphy lesson in which students would make their own bookmark with their name written in Chinese calligraphy.
These were some of the most difficult readings that I have encountered in the class. Much of the history presented is complex and the primary sources were not easily decipherable. Parts of them required re-reading several times. However, the "cut-out" in the Cambridge Illustrated History of China on the Art of Chinese Poetry and the notes I have from Professor Ye's lecture on Tang poetry have made the poetry more palatable--particularly its organization. I think what might be interesting is to compare the formatting for Chinese Poetry of the Tang Dynasty with that of Greek or Roman or even American Poetry, for the sake of ease. One of the Middle School Common Core California standards is to understand text organization and I think that this poetry is a great way to attempt a discussion of high level organization.
The timeline and resources were fantastic support for my class next year. I will definitely be using more of literature and poetry options in my Enrichment class next year.