[Antonette Pelaez]

 I would like to receive: 

1. 2 LAUSD Salary Points    ( LAUSD Employee ID # 1098372, Arleta HIgh School ) 

2. A copy of Certificate of Completion

Thank You. 

[Antonette Pelaez]

How do I incorporate East Asia in my teaching? 

In general, I think that there can be plenty of methods of teaching that we can use to discuss East Asia history and its importance in the present global economy.  I have one method of educating my high school students which I think is beneficial - focusing on this article East Asia and the United States: Chinese students (MSNBC video) entitled “ For China’s elite, studying abroad is de rigueur “.  I believe that the fundamental motivation and purpose of this concept is due to personal aspirations and the family’s strong desire for advancements. Western education sees teachers assume the role of experts and teachings are centered around learning specific skills that are necessary for an advanced industrial society dependent on specialization. For example, students studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are expected to learn and understand the inner workings of advanced scientific technology and engineering, providing students with the skills that ultimately make them productive members of the workforce. Thus, if we look around at different countries and cultures, people assert to have a better education, especially those population who can have the money for being educated in western universities such as in the United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland etc. Another example, I know many Asian students who are studying at the prestigious University of Auckland in New Zealand because of  the advanced mathematics curriculum. We all want to live a better life and have a better future. The best way to achieve such ambition is through education. We believe that when we are educated in the best universities, we learn good ideas and acquire better skills in planning business endeavors and so we are one step ahead of others in obtaining better employment opportunities and also establishing successful businesses.  

[Antonette Pelaez]

In our last discussion, issues about camps were discussed. During World War II, the United States government created internment camps in the remote Western part of the country, which they called " relocation centers." There were 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry relocated and incarcerated there. These actions were ordered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt immediately after Imperial Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. In the camps, four or five families with their few collections of belongings shared living space in an army-style barracks. Gradually some insulation was added to the barracks and partitions were also added to make each family more comfortable, and provide them with some privacy. All individuals in the camps shared restrooms and eat in common places. The idea of creating the relocation centers sparked constitutional and political discussions not to mention the controvesy of racism which led to amounting pressure. Eventually, in 1988, the United States government acknowledged and apologized for the injustices done to the interned and paid $20,000 cash to each individual. 

[Antonette Pelaez]

I chose this article entitled " Muted in country of birth, three women fight for voice and choice in Japan" because, for me, its amazing to think about the realization that three women coming from different races and culture bonded together, and with the vision of moving forward for a better future. I think that the foundation of women's liberation is allowing women the right to vote. The barriers to the right to vote for women could be based on past cultural practices and beliefs. In some cultures, women are considered lower in society, most are family-oriented that they stay at home, and are not part of the society's work pool. Unfortunately, not only in Japan but there are numerous countries where women have no human rights at all. So, I think that there is hope for the future of women's rights, we just have to educate people for them to be sensitive to personal rights. 

[Antonette Pelaez]

Question: 

What is the hierarchy of status in China and what benefits are available depending on one’s status? 

 

The social structure in China begins from the feudal society of Imperial China. The rulers were the emperors and they used a large number of aristocrats and landowners to enable them to maintain control. Then over time, this social structure changed to a powerful government offices selected throughout the imperial examination system. During those times, achieving the ascent of social class required passing a difficult written exam and the acquisition of wealth. Majority of the people failed the exams, but those who passed their entire family improved in social class. 

 

In Imperial China, the country is divided into four social classes. These classes were primarily defined by an individual’s identity, and the four classes are aristocrat or landowners, peasants, craftsmen and merchants. The aristocrats or landowners were the higher class of the society. They were the wealthy landowners who didn’t have a noble title, but still had plenty of power and influence. While the Emperor governed, the aristocrats ruled the land. The craftsmen were involved in various types of work such as textile production, potteries, and several architectural projects. They had a significant role in the empire because of their specific abilities to provide for the needs of the kingdom. The peasants were the members who toil on the land, they  consist of small farmers, tenants and other land laborers. They produce rice and wheat. Farmers were an important community group because they play a role in producing food for the sustainability of the empire. The merchant’s main job is to sell and transport food and goods. They were considered the lowest level among the four social classes. They were looked down upon by Imperial Chinese society because they did not produce anything for the empire. 

 

Question: How might you discuss with students the issue of documentation and status?

 

A person's social standing may be based on such factors as wealth, occupation, level of education and family relationships. As educators, we can teach our students that we always have opportunities to change documentation and improve our social status. If unfortunately we belong to the low class, poverty group, or low -income population, we  teach them these three helpful ways to be successful either by finishing their studies or by accumulating wealth through 1) teaching them the value of hard work 2) teaching them to think positively 3) teaching them to be committed to their goals. 

 

[Antonette Pelaez]

Question: How do we incorporate Korea in our lesson? 

This past Wednesday's discussion with Prof Jennifer Jung-Kim was about how to incorporate Korea into our lesson. I have this idea to divide students into smaller groups and provide them with this question: Who's War is the Korean War? According to the video and readings, initially the Korean war was a civil conflict. It was sparked by the invasion of South Korea by the 75,000 members of the North Korean People's Army. The United States did not want to participate in the conflict, nonetheless, the US government did not want communism to spread to other countries as well. So in 1950-1953, the Soviet Union and China supported the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the north. Thousands of Chinese troops were sent to help the North Koreans. Mao Zedong was helping out his North Korean allies. On the other hand,  President Truman wanted to contain communism. So, the U.S. helped by supporting its allies in the Republic of Korea to the south.  This was the Korean War. 

The impact of the Korean war was the creation of a demilitarization zone between North Korea and South Korea. To people all over the world, the Korean war was seen as a war that had successfully stopped communist expansion in Asia. 

 

 

[Antonette Pelaez]

In our last class discussion, the topic of marriage laws in 1950 was mentioned. This new law made many changes in matrimonial practices and rituals of China's feudal society. Traditionally, marriages were arranged by the families. According to Chinese custom, a man should marry a woman who is several years younger than him, should have less education, and must also be a Chinese. The primary reason for this prejudice comes from the idea that the values and beliefs of outsiders or non-Chinese differ. So, in this new law, the practice of a concubine, child betrothal, or arranged marriage, and interference with the marriages of widows are prohibited. This allows the people to have free choice of partners, enable women to divorce, monogamy, and equal rights of both sexes.

[Antonette Pelaez]

Both the Nationalists and the Communists were anti-Imperialist. But each saw the other as the principal adversary. From the lecture and from the readings, what did the two rivals have in common? 

 

The two rivals - the communists and the nationalists were having numerous clashes between each other because they were fighting for their own ultimate advantage. However, both military forces had one thing in common which is to continue fighting against Japan. 

 

The Communists succeeded in driving the Nationalists to Taiwan in 1949. What do you think will be their priorities now that they have power? 

 

The communist troops and political officers tried to mobilize the entire population against the enemy-Japan. To accomplish this mission, the communists created mass organizations to control farmers and women population, labor unions, and youth leagues, and they also joined together with the local governments to lay out their policies. 

 

Choose one of the cards and discuss the message you think it is trying to convey? Who is the target audience? What values and behaviors are encourage? What values or actions are condemned?  

 

I chose this one card nine of hearts and the label read “ Selling Glutinous Rice Lotus”. The illustrations on the card show rural houses,  a man which is supposedly the seller of glutinous rice lotus, three children surrounding him, and located nearby are four adults seated in a small circular table. It seems like the propaganda’s intent is to promote harmony, sense of contentment and fellowship within the community. I think the target of these messages are the common people in the rural neighborhood and towns. I think violence, community chaos, fighting or any form of social disturbances are not condone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Antonette Pelaez]

Is there hope for Japan? In my own opinion, Yes, absolutely. Japan’s current leaders can guide the country to take achievable steps in solving its ongoing economic and social problems. And also I personally believe that Japan should open up themselves to the world for a new and better change. 

 

Question: How can a nation having the third largest economy in the world develop such problems? 

 

Based on the lecture of Prof Tom Le, Japan today faces multiple crises. Its economic and social status had been greatly affected over the years by various factors including shrinking birthrate, aging society,  decreasing working-age population and dwindling exports. In my own opinion, I think there could be an ongoing “domino effect and cycle” happening in Japan. First, the shrinking birthrate is caused by higher rate of unmarried women. Basically this is due to more and more women are joining the work pool, therefore, many are turning away from the concept of having traditional families and motherhood. And then the result of prolonged period of low fertility is….aging society. So, when there is a gradual decline in work force population this can eventually lead to stunted labor force. 

 

Its sad to say that I have seen on television plenty of You Tube videos about aging and aged situation of men and women living by themselves in an apartment or homes wherein there are no other people reaching out to them to assist on their daily needs. 

 

And also another problem is the country’s dwindling export. Generally, as discussed in the lecture, this problem is caused  by Japanese companies that are being outperformed by Korean, Chinese and US competitors. However, they may be outperformed but in fairness, the quality of Japanese products are better than other countries.  

[Antonette Pelaez]

How is it living in a communist controlled society where obviously there are many restrictions? 

[Antonette Pelaez]

1. What sorts of problems might arise for the Manchu Qing rulers if they are not able to expand the government? 

I think that if Manchu Qing rulers were not able to expand their government, they could easily be overthrown by their formidable rivals, the Mongols in the Zunghar state. Thus, in the early 17th century, the Manchus conquered and eliminated the Zunghar state, and declared the founding of the Qing dynasty. They created a powerful military state and expanded their territory to become China's largest enduring empire which in now called the Republic of China. 

2. What were the financial requirements of the agreement? Who might be the beneficiaries of this agreement? What is it about this agreement that leads to label it an "unequal treaty"? 

Often after a military defeat, a series of treaties were signed between the Qing dynasty government and various Western powers, Russia Empire and the Empire of Japan. Most treaties contain a one-sided term agreement requiring China to surrender land, pay compensations, open treaty ports to foreigners and grant extraterritorial privileges to foreign citizens. The "unequal treaty"  became associated with the concept of China's "century of humiliation". 

3. The legacy of the unequal treaties in China, Japan and Korea is significant, but not widely appreciated in the U.S. How might you help students learn something about these treaties and how the treaties (long since disavowed) may affect perceptions of foreigners in those countries? How might the legacy of war and privilege have affected perceptions of missionaries and their messages? 

Teaching our children that all wars and all forms of disputes have consequences. I think that when a country is defeated, it can be completely understandable and acceptable to pay the price of defeat, which usually could be whatever terms the victorius party agreed on. 

When the two opium wars ended, its treaties opened China to missionaries. Some missionaries believed that the opuim wars might be part of God's plan to make China a Christian nation. The first British protestant missionary to arrive in China was Robert Morrison. Morrison together with other missionaries translated the scriptures to educate Chineses women, compiled a Chinese-English dictionary and played a major role in campaigns against opuim and foot binding. 

4. How can you introduce students to the complex mix of trends that affected China during the 19th century? Could this help them better understand the world we live in? Would thinking about the variety of factors in a family help? Even small communities have internal dynamics and  experience pressure from the outside. 

China's population increased to 450 million or more in the middle of the 19th century and the results were poorer rural population, land and food shortages or even famine, heavy taxes imposed by the government and inflation. We can teach children that in comparison with today's global scenario, increasing population can bring about many economic, social and political problems. In our generation, we have the same problems but different century. 

5. Why was China's defeat by Japan in 1895 so traumatic? What comparisons or activities might help your students grasp this? 

The war between China and Japan in 1895 became so traumatic because when China was defeated, this marked the emergence of Japan as a major world power. Also this defeat demontrated the weakness of the Chinese empire. 

6. Why did some Chinese conclude that their culture, their systems needed to change? How might you help students brainstorm on ways to communicate perceptions of a) problems b) the ideal society and state c) how to get from China is to where they want it to be? what activities may work with your students? 

I am always in favor of change. I believe in an old cliche stating " if things does not work, its time to change it". When Qing rule fell into decline, the Chinese population were concerned about many things and so they wanted change. These factors incluide: the people did not like the idea that there were a numbe rof foreign invasion into Chinese territory, Imperial China was forced to relinquish control of some of its territory and the desire to see a unified China. 

We teach our students to not to be afraid of change. We teach them to participate in political and social issues/problems in their communties because they are the future. They help create a healthy society. My thinking is dividing the class into smaller groups of 4 or 5. This activity provides opportunity for each student to vebalize their own thoughts and opinion, and also participate in an open group discussion. It boosts their self esteem and help improve socialization skills as well. 

7. In what ways did the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement challenge the status quo? Why did some highlight roles  for democracy and science? In the early 1920's, China is fragmented and rival political parties are forming with their proposed solutions. Why did Communists and the Nationalists both adopt the methods of Lenin? How were their aims and worries similar or different? 

In 1910 and 1920's, the New Culture Movement became popular in china because they want to promote new ideas and culture based on western ideals like democracy and science. But I think it did not work. 

In an effort and desire of the Chinese population to unity China, they chose to follow the communism form of government. In a communist government, there is a common ownership and absence of social classes, money and state. 

 

[Antonette Pelaez]

1. How might consideration of resource scarcity and utilization fit into your courses? Is access to clean water a challenge in your area? Who is responsible for managing water ( both providing it and controlling it?) 

Teaching children the importance of water is imperative because access to clean and safe water is a basic human need. We rely on water for our food, our health, our livelihood and for fun and leisure. Water scarcity can have multiple repercussions. We teach our children that water scarcity can have a direct impact on peoples lives, agriculture, livestocks and food processing industries. It can lead to food shortages and famine, and then eventually famine can cause death to people and livestocks. The implications of water scarcity in economic development can increase the risk of conflict between people, neighboring areas or even countries.  Here in Los Angeles California where I live, we do have substantial supply of water except during occassional peak of summer when we experience drought in the neighboring counties, and the city government encourages people to ration water by decreasing watering lawns to few times a week instead of daily. The water system of Los Angeles comes from three main sources: Owens River, Northern California and Colorado River, and groundwater. 

2. When the share of older people grows in a society, we describe it as an aging society. How can you help students understand what drives this and potential consequences  for such a society? Are there challenges? Are there advantages?

There are several factors causing aging population. The two main factors are: continued decline in fertility and increased life expectancy. Ageing population can cause many challenges including enormous impact on shortage in labor supply leading to shrinking working population who are taxpayers, increasing government expenditures for aged related programs particularly health care and many others. On the other hand, ageing population also has its advantages. Older and Adult people can be experiencing more opportunities over their personal lives and leisure activities. 

3. How might you use the household expenditure charts with your students? What do they reveal about economies? About family priorities? 

Teaching our children the importance of household expenditure chart basically provide a comparative idea of the priorities and needs of the people living in other countries. Children learn what its like living in other countries. Looking at the charts, obviously, each picture varies depending mainly on economic status and lifestyle of the people. However, both food and housing constitute greater percentage in each country. I think that developing countries have a much different household expenditure chart compared to wealthier nations. Expenditure charts play an important role in determining the changes in a counrty's income and fiscal budget. 

4. China was the largest empire in 1800 and had the largest economy,by far. How might you use this data with students in order to help them understand what industrial revolution brought about? What opportunities did it create? Who did it disadvantage? Over the sweep of history, what will the impact of the transportation and information revolutions be? 

Teaching our children that all sorts of economic, industrial and cultural revolution always bring development and improvement in the community, as well as social concerns. Children should understand and learn to accept them, participate to become a part of any revolution. During the industrial revolution, economies that had been based on agriculture and livestocks were transformed to become large scale industry, mechanized manufacturing and building of new factories. It changed how people work. New technology, new power sources, and new and better ways of production made industries more productive and efficient. 

The benefits of industrial revolution were numerous including development of new inventions, new businesses, improved transportation and communicaton systems helping people to commute easier from home to workplace, better work wages and increase in employment opportunities. 

The disadvantages of industrial revolution can also be numerous such as environmental pollution caused by increasing number of factories, people migrate to the cities to find jobs and this can be overwhelming to the available housing resources, food supply can also be depleted in the urban areas due to increasing population. 

5. Based only on this text, what impression do you have of the Qing's dynasty's attitude toward Britain?

I think that the Qing dynasty's attitude toward Britain was primarily based on their belief and understanding that the economic exchange between China and Britain is unfair and unacceptable. I think that the Chinese people felt deceived or fooled by Britain. We learned that in those days, there was a high demand of tea, silk and porcelain in the British market. However, Britain did not have enough supply of silver to trade with the Qing dynasty. So, to solve their problem on how to pay the Chinese people, Britain created  a new system of barter trading by transporting opium from India to China. The increase of opium created a generation of addicts and social instability. There were clashes escalating between the Qing government and the British merchants leading to a war they called Opium War. 

[Antonette Pelaez]

Hello, my name is Antonette Pelaez. I work as a school nurse in LAUSD. Few years ago, I used to teach Licensed Vocational Nurse here in San Fernando Valley. My favorite part about teaching is that I think teaching and learning is a lifelong experience. We teach others and we learn from them as well. Everyday at school I have students coming to the health office waiting to be pick up by parents. I can take this opportunity to teach them. There are plenty of interesting things to learn from East Asian culture and people. This is one reason I took this course. My favorite food is a filipino dish called sinuglaw. Its a mixture of chopped grilled pork belly and fish ceviche. I hope to learn more about East Asian history and its contribution to the world. 

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