Menu
close
Claudia OrtegaThis was another week filled with fascinating information about Japanese HIstory. I loved comparing what I already teach about Buddhism and Confuscianism to my 6th graders when teaching about Ancient China to what Professor Pitelka discussed in the lectures. The broze mirrors as offerings seem similar to the gold and silver offerings made by the Mayans into centotes (natural sink holes) found all over the peninsula of Yucatan. Mayans also used incense and a purification process as part of their religous riturals. It is amazing to note the many similarities that exist among Ancient Civilizations that existed so far apart from each other.
On a personal note, this course has taken me on a personal quest to learn more about my own Japanese heritage. My greatgrandfather left his hometown at the early age of 14 never to return. He left with his 17 year old brother who we know nothing about. He left behind a younger sister, parents, family and never shared much with his children or descendents. I found myself spending much of Monday researching based on the little information that I have, but I want to know more. Family ties seem to be so deeply rooted in Japanese culture that from an early age, I've always had an interest in knowing more about his history and the family that he left behind.
The Confucianism belief system is of particular interest to me. Its teachings in morality, respect, citizenship, and balance are just a few of the things that I enjoy learnign about. The five relationships just make sence, I especially love the adoration and reverance they pay to their elders and ancestors. I was fortunate to know five of my great-grandparents and their memory is so important. Confucius might just be the most influential teacher in human history and the world could be a much better place if we all learned from his teachings.
Claudia OrtegaI am blown away by the amount of information covered this week and it has been fascinating to learn about the creation of the ceramics left behind during the Jomon period. Flames of Creation was a very good read. My mind keeps comparing the Ancient Civilizaitons in Mesopotamia to what we've learned this week. For so long, we (in middle school) have focused our teaching of ancient civilizaitons to cover Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece...but some of these findings such as the dogu figures and ceramic vessels date way back. I am glad the world is becoming more interested in Japanese History and the significance of the Jomon period. I am looking forward to learning more about Japanese HIstory.
Claudia OrtegaHello, my name is Claudia Ortega. I am a 6th grade teacher in Southern California (Imperial Valley), and I am excited to learn about Japanese History. I was born in Mexico, my great-grandfather was Japanese, but never really shared his hisotry, culture, or language with his family. This was probably due to the fact that he was placed in a relocation camp in Mexico during WWII. I teach about ancinet civilizations, but have never convered Japan. One day I wish to visit Japan so I am excited about this corse. It would be wonderful if this culminated in a visit to Japan with our professor as our guide.
