[Kimberly Robinson]

Hello Everyone, my name is Kim Robinson and I teach AP World and CP World History at Rancho Mirage High School.  I have been teaching for 25 years.  This is my first year teaching AP World although I taught AP Euro for 15 years.  This is my second class with Clay and I am looking forward to my second.  The resources from the first session are fantastic and I look forward to learning more about China and East Asian culture.

[Kimberly Robinson]

After listening to the lectures and watching optional videos I am curious about the Belt and Road Initiative and China's motivation for the program.  Although China is using the program to promote trade around the world which ultimately help it's bottom line, I wonder if China has any real concerns regarding losses due to political instability in Africa.  How much money is China willing to invest in regions like the Horn of Africa and at what point do they feel they have to do something to protect their investment?  I believe the CNBC video said that it took over a port in Sri Lanka but it did so reluctantly.  This also leads to the question of soft power projection.  Is China willing to take continued economic losses in exchange for good will in areas that it could establish significant influence?   As the US has recently limited it's soft power projection around this may be an opportunity for China to extend influence.   America used to use soft diplomacy quite effectively (for both political and humanitarian reasons) so I wonder if we will be able to recover that role on the world stage.

[Kimberly Robinson]

Similar to Julie's response, there was nothing in the reading that I found particularly surprising.  The readings and videos are wonderful background information that gave me context for things that I was already aware of.  

I am already thinking about an assignment that will compare Maoism and the other communist models.  It will be useful for students to understand that each country changed the Marxists ideas to fit their conditions and needs.  

I do have a couple more questions that are based on the material that you provided for us.  With China being such a patriarchal society, why does hokou follow the mother's side?  That seems like such a specific thing to do, there would have to be an important reason.

I am looking forward to the classes and the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture, politics and history.  I can't wait to get started.

 

 

 

[Kimberly Robinson]

Hi Everyone!  My name is Kim Robinson and I teach World History CP and World History AP in Rancho Mirage, CA.  I am also making the transition from AP Euro to AP World.  I am interested to hear how other teachers are making the transition because I am finding it quite challenging.

I was able to travel to China a few years ago and we had a fantastic experience there.  I am looking forward to learning more about the culture, history and politics of the country.

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