[Morgan Burt]

Throughout the course, I found much of the information presented to be very interesting. Professor Dube was particularly engaging while presenting material and is passionate about the content. 

I had not studied much about East Asia prior to the course, so I was presented with a lot of information that was beneficial to my understanding of it. During the first lecture, professor Dube provided geographical information, demography, and cultural information regarding East Asia which I found very helpful. One of the issues presented was the idea of clean water sources. The history of California also has had and currently has issues with water as well, so within my courses, I would like to incorporate common connections with this issue throughout the world. 

During a later lecture, philosophies were discussed. I appreciated the debate and organization of it. In my course, I would also like to engage in debates like this. It was a great way to dive deeper into daoism & to hear other philosophies as well. I also enjoyed the end responses regarding the situation about one's own father. This was a great way to look into a topic and view it from a particular perspective, whether a student agrees with this perspective or not. 

I also really enjoyed the sessions that were led by professor Pitika. This was an area that I felt that I could build on in my World History courses. Primarily Japan is taught through the lens of industrialization and World War II. Providing more background knowledge on Japan's history and society would be beneficial to students. In addition, for a more modern discussion, I would like to show the students videos about the aging population of Japan and how it is impacting their towns and greater society. 

Overall, I appreciated the course and feel like it has made me into a more accessible teacher for various topics. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

 

[Morgan Burt]

In regards to the in class discussion regarding silk, I found the modern day connections very interesting. It was mentioned that it was mostly produced within the home. Similarly to how some individuals today work from home to produce a craft or good. It was and is more convenient for these families to bring in additional income, with also being able to attend to household responsibilities. For a product that was so large and desired from China, I was surprised to learn that it was primarily produced within the home. 

 

[Morgan Burt]

The Attractions of The Capital Reading:

Within the text, the two capitals of Kaifeng and Hangzhou are being described. While reading through the text, the capitals appeared very glamorous or luxurious. There was a constant flow of people and markets in the streets. Many luxury items were traded and were noted as being the "rarities of the world" (Ebrey, 1993, p. 178). As the text continued it discussed the dining styles, eating, and inn's. Throughout the text, I was able to picture some of the items that were shared in the two lectures. The reading was able to put life to items discussed in the lectures.

 

[Morgan Burt]

Discussion Question #2: 

One major potential problem associated with not having a single unified empire is that there is the chance for much conflict in the area, having constant changes of power will be difficult for the people to adjust, establish their livelihood, and expand their technology, etc. With a unified nation as discussed in the video there is now an ability to expand in many areas - economic growth, development of a unified language, unified mapping and highway systems for trade, and military protection.

 

[Morgan Burt]

Discussion question 1

Key themes of Peach Blossom Reading: The fisherman lost track of time and he also lost his fish because he was relaxed and not focused on catching fish. Although he may have lost his way and some of his salary from the fish, he found a beautiful and peaceful place, untouched by the “horrors of war” and sin of people.

 

[Morgan Burt]

Discussion Question 3: 

Legalism would support the Qin agenda simply because it provides a system of law to follow.  Unification can be met through legalism because everyone is working for the good of law and society, as per your example of dropping money in the street, it would be found the next day because human nature will be good.

 

[Morgan Burt]

Discussion Question #2: 

I do not think that schools of thought develop in a vacuum. Like any other historical idea, event, philosophy etc. I think it might be unique to do a philosophy study with students that may connect American Tradition and Chinese tradition, maybe even brining in other nations. It would be interesting to look at the foundations of these societies & compare them with each other.

 

[Morgan Burt]

In the second lecture series, dynasties were discussed. One question was asked regarding cultural heros - real or imagined. One way that I feel teachers can address this topic is comparing the cultural heros of China and other cultures to ones of the native culture. For example, while looking at US history, I may compair how Americans view the founding fathers to the Chinese heros. 

[Morgan Burt]

The letter by Emperor Qianlong was very direct to King George. His message becomes increasingly clear in his responses to the British ambassador's proposals and reasons for declining those proposals. He describes Europeans to be ones of excess, who "yearned after the blessings of our civilization." Europeans are a nation of want and desire beyond what they need. Although the Emperor ``understands" their position in that they are an island on their own, they are too self-indulgent. The Emperor declines requests for British settlements in many locations in order to engage with trade in China. He claims that the Chinese do not need goods from other nations, it would not be fair for additional countries who want to trade with China, and lastly it would be dangerous, as many conflicts would erupt in the area. At the end of the letter, the Emperor gives a stern request, "Tremblingly obey and show no negligence!..." This letter must have caused King George  to be furious. Great Britain was considered to be a world power during this time, so this sort of response would seem to be a direct conflict to Great Britain. I am unsure if King George would take the letter seriously, as he viewed his own country to be the world power, and not China. However, I am sure that it must have angered him.

[Morgan Burt]

I would like to purchase 6 CEUs for the course. Thank you!

[Morgan Burt]

Thanks for your comments Miguel. When you discussed the idea of reaching Nirvana, it sparked a thought for me. In my Psychology class, one unit of the course focuses on humanistic approaches to psychology and also moral development. I would like to take a deeper dive into Nirvana. My thought is, I wonder if I can make any sort of connection of Nirvana to Self-Actualization & Maslow or maybe even to Kholbergs stages of moral development. Thanks for sharing, it really helped me make connections to one of my courses.

 

[Morgan Burt]

Within the reading, the idea was presented that Christianity was spread throughout China through missionaries sent by the West. It is the assumption that these men and women from foreign countries made history in China. However, the women converts in China are left out of the narrative. According to the text, women were able to help change culture and evangelize. Women who studied the Bible, also furthered their education becoming nurses, doctors, teachers, etc. There was an "escalating demand for women's education.  Although many women do not get credit for their role in the church and society, the author does not claim that the Bible is inherently sexist. Instead the argument is made that if the focus is on a "post biblical femisnist stance" then the "positive experiences of contemporary women within the biblical religion" is ignored. Instead the shift and focus should be on the positive experiences of Chinese women in regards to faith and spirituality.

 

[Morgan Burt]

I really like your comment about how we study how European cultures force their cutlures and religions on imperialized nations. I also liked the idea of positive outcome of exploration. Within the reading and the lecture, the idea was brought up about how Christianity was a push back and a positive for women in China. It was mentioned that "women converts and students excelled in life and work outside of their home."  Although there was a large emphasis on men, single women missionaries helped to lead "a quiet gender revolution"

[Morgan Burt]

I also found this very interesting. During his recorded lecture he mentioned not allowing any other countries in, other than the specific times when the Dutch were allowed to trade and engage with the Japanese. However, when he also mentioned today the geographical location was also a protector, in regards to Spain and other nations being distanced. I had the same thought as you did before the lecture regarding the ocean as a protector, but not necessarily distance from other nations. 

In addition, the bubonic plague was discussed, and due to their strict border policies, I wonder if that also had an impact on low numbers or is it not even reaching Japan? This could have also served as a “protector” from the plague. 

[Morgan Burt]

Thank you Professor Pitelka for your insights. In the second lecture, I appreciated the conversation on the "Three Unifiers" and the journey to reunite Japan. The Tokugawa period seemed to be the most influential in the structural changes in Japan. The government system established seemed to be structured similar to the US government, with a separation of powers. Moving forward in the Tokugawa period, the establishment of large cities or domain capitals seemed to be an effective way to create a more unified Japan and also serve as protection around the island. Unification seems to be the case due to the lengthy parades and meetings at the capital of Edo. Finally, the establishment of Dejima Island was another form of protection, from outside influence and colonization. The structure and relationship between the Netherlands and Japan was fascinating. Overall, I enjoyed both lectures, and look forward to hearing more tomorrow in our meeting. 

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