[Angela Granata]

I have always found Chinese Philosophy to be so interesting. Thanks to the resources review I have to say, I learned more so I can explain to my students not just differences but how to appreciate Ancient Philosophy and why we still need to have this history. I have taken my students through Augustine and Acquinas and well, I think Chinese Philosophy will be more interesting to them! I have had the privilege of learning Chinese philosophy from the late Dr. Shary Ratliff and one of my favorites was the School of "Mo" or Mohism. Most Chinese Philosophy can be summed up by saying it believes in a concern for all people and the virtues of Utilitarism (that which promotes happiness).....thank you Jeremy Bentham! Anyways, love this time period!

[Angela Granata]

I have been out sick so my bad for not posting right away. I am excited to be a part of this great group, session, and hey Clay is just awesome! The topic is wonderful and I can't wait to teach my students! I have been teaching for many years (28) and most of the time I have 9th graders (ELA). I am with Dayton Public Schools at Meadowdale HS. I am currently working on a Reading Endorsement certification as well. See everyone soon!

 

 

[Angela Granata]

I immensely enjoyed Ms. Lee! Not only was she informative but humorous as well! I loved how she not only talked about the food but the history and culture behind the food. She not only explained what society expected but what she expected as an Asian American! I enjoyed listening to her when she explained how different cities/states had their "share" of favorite chinese foods and how they are different........and I laughed when she talked about the holidays how the Jewish families would eat Chinese during Christmas (day) meal time. I have many Jewish friends and I can attest that many of these friends tell me about their favorite Chinese restaurant (usually a mom-pop place) and their favorite dish to order!

Thank you Jennifer! I will now go buy me a War Su Gai!

[Angela Granata]

I really enjoyed the presentation from Fred. In live near many East Asians (I live off Sawmill Road in Columbus), and I have the luxury to shop in many Asian markets. I often wondered how "safe" the items I would like to purchase are and Fred did an excellent presentation. I feel that in the readings, we need to understand the massive amount of people who need to be fed and how quickly farmers can produce the food. It was interesting to read in the Cleveland Plain Dealer yesterday how California may not be able to "sell" pork anymore due to regulations many are not adhering to...it makes me wonder what short supply (supply versus demand) will cause and how people will react. Will be go back to many having their own gardens? Will be just make due without certain items? My major concern is the safety of the food and "what pesticides" are being used to grow or feed the "crops."

 

[Angela Granata]

I am Angela Granata, teacher with Dayton Public School (Meadowdale HS). I teach ELA as well as Business related courses. My all time favorite classes to teach would be the Multi-culture Literatures classes on East Asia! 

I grew up in Seneca County, Ohio (Tiffin) and I miss the small town life but I have been living in Columbus, Ohio for many years so now I am a spoiled small town girl in the big city! Lol. If I had my choice I would be living in Hawaii (give me 5 more years). I have travelled to China 20 years ago with my Aunt and Uncle (It was so much fun). The pandemic has changed my teaching style to be more online with patience! I teach 9th graders so they are not used to time management.

[Angela Granata]

Just when I thought I knew alot about Japan, I learned more! This workshop/course has been such a blessing to me. Thanks to everyone involved I learned a ton of new material and can't wait to share with my students. A special thanks to the presenter(s) and the organizers as well as to the other teachers who join! This network allowed me to learn more about the Japanese history and culture, and to grasp a better understanding of the two as well as other items. This information allowed me to look at it thru eyes of many with the goal to learn and understand their history and customs/cultures. 

I enjoyed the articles (they were really outstanding selections), as well as the videos from Dr. Pitelka and the lectures. For me, his way to explain and make me "feel" like I was there, was awesome! I am a more "visual" person and I enjoyed the presentations of pottery, textiles, clothing (the picture of the emperor in his uniform was cool), as well as others. I plan to include to my students such pictures and resources received from this workshop so my students can appreciate other cultures and customs. I look forward to sharing the wealth of this knowledge with my students! I am thinking of doing a "Jeopardy" or "To Tell the Truth" game with the kids on Japan and I think that would be a cool way to introduce Japanese cultures to them. I am looking forward to more of these workshops/courses!

 

[Angela Granata]

This was such an informing lecture! I loved learning about the Meiji Emperor and the changes of widespread social upheavel and how the power was restored tot eh Emperor and he created a "new" modern government by looking at Imperialism, Nativism, and Westeralization thinking and how the Japanese empbraced the west and modern world power but at the same time rejected western world view.  I felt it was ironic that the Japanese men (Emperor) could wear "Modern" clothing but the women had to wear the traditional garb.....

I loved learning aobut the Reinvention of Shinto (and the raiding of the Buddhist Temples). I was intrigued by the Yasukuni Shrine to the War dead and how cool it was to see "mini shrines" around japan for all to honor the War dead. The Misogi (water cleansing) reminded me of the same in St. Lucia where we stood under a water fall (the Pitons) and were "cleaned" of evil spirits. I think it's a beautiful tradition to be modern and still Japanese. I enjoyed learning of the Shino tea bowl as well as the Imperial Portraits. I loved reading the article on "Kimono and the Construction of Genered and Cultural Indentities" and found it fastinating how "Producing the Perfect Japanese Female Form" as the men only have to worry about what suit to purchase (the right one) but the women (Kimono Schools) expect their daughters to be picture perfect, hiring aids to assist them in achieving that desirable image.....with a cost of at least $10,000! Ouch!

[Angela Granata]

I think this week the learning knowledge we are receiving are coming together! I have asked my students (I am teaching summer school) about their thoughts about Japan and China and most think of WWII and of course the food. They do not know about the rich culture and I am looking forward to teaching them this year about Japan's cultures and customs!

[Angela Granata]

I loved this week articles and information! It brought back memories of traveling to Japan with my Aunt and Uncle many years ao ago and being introduced to the  Noh Mask.

I enjoyed the videos of Dr. Pitelka. What a powerhouse Japan has been in the past, currently and in the future!

I loved reading about the Atsumori, Japanese NOH, and how this brave samurai Taira was killed int he Genpei War and how his killer Kumagai is protrayed in the Heike. 

I enjoyed learning that guns did play a role in their battles. Yes swords was their preferred method of choice for the Samurai but guns were also used.

I learned in Japan with my Aunt and Uncle, about the masks and how the mask used by the actor/actresses became a part of them due to an emotional bond with the mask.  

I wanted to also point out about the Porcelain dish - being in Japan and having a friend from Japan, Porcelain dishes are used over and over-een when it it broken. The belief that when a dish is broken and glued back, it still serves a purpose like life (hearts can be broken). 

This week was fun to watch and read!

[Angela Granata]

What a wonderful presentation! I loved listening to Dr. Morgan Pitelka explain the historical aspects as well as the customs. I was intrigued with the Ruler & and Rule, Husband and Wife, Father and Son as well as ritual activities which allowed for stability and order. I loved the explanation of the Emperor performing of the annual Harvest Festival and how things tie in to the offerings to the gods.

I found myself comparing such rituals and cultures to my own and finding that the Japanese culture is very similar to my own in many ways (I am of Greek/Italiam culture).  I believe one can argue that most cultures are "related" in that we believe in preserving traditions and memories of our past fathers and mothers to build a better future.

Overall - Love this presentation!

 

[Angela Granata]

I enjoyed both videos. Having friends from Japan, they would agree about the intermixing of China, Japan and Korea. My friends also found out they are also part Hawaiian! It is interesting how the videos explore the culture as well as the economic background of this culture.

[Angela Granata]

I finally figured out this site! Sorry I remember using typewriters in high school (manual then electric). I am Angie Granata. I teach ELA 9th graders at a great school in Dayton, Ohio (Meadowdale HS). I am of Italian/Greek background and I love learning about other cultures so I can share with my students what life is about (cultural experiences).  Looking forward to these sessions!

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