[Eric Hoh]

These stories ("Tale of a Blind Man's Daughter" and "Mulan") would be an engaging point of compare and contrast to the East Asian view of women in society versus the Western American view of women in society. It is particularly interesting to see how the role and position of women in Korea made a progressive trajectory within the confines of a patriarchal setting. I can imagine non-Asian learners might be tempted towards being critical of East Asian treatment of women. However, it is clear to see how progess was made in regards to women's rights in East Asian society. Although it has not been perfect, it certainly is not inferior to the development and progress of women's rights relative to the rest of the world (which unfortunately, has not been as progressive and equalizing as it could be).

 

All this to say, I would be interested in having students compare these stories with Beyonce music videos addressing feminism. 

[Eric Hoh]

The readings and topics regarding geography and demography in East Asia were particularly intriguing to me as an educator because they addressed relevant human issues such as family planning and conflict. One of the primary challenges of being an educator lies in being able to capture the attention of a student and draw from an intrinsic place of motivation. I can imagine articles relating to marriage and family planning being highly relevant to students in that they are all preoccupied with love, romance, and relationships. This could be an excellent platform for introducing and equipping students to think in terms of geography, demography, culture, economics, and politics. 

 

The debate in regards to the naming of the sea between Korea and Japan is very interesting as well. This could be an excellent opportunity to create a lesson in which students can construct an argument and debate whether the sea should be called the "East Sea" or "Sea of Japan." Parallels could be made to student daily life and the ways in which they address and handle interpersonal conflicts. 

 

In short, this first session was a reminder of the rich history of Eastern Asia and it's deep relevance to modern American society, culture, politics, etc..

[Eric Hoh]

Hello!

My name is Eric Hoh and I am a middle school, special education teacher in LAUSD. I am entering my third year in teaching students with severe intellectual disabilities in a community that is appoximately 90% Latino and 10% African American. In light of this reality, I am excited to learn more about Asian history and culture in order to provide my students and community with access to more of the world through what I might learn in this seminar. 

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