[Morgan Burt]

I appreciated the insight that Professor Pitelke provided. I found it interesting when he discussed the written language of Japan. It was mentioned in the text, but clarified by Professor Pitelke. I think that it was unique that Japan began using Chinese writing, although it did not directly express the exact thought or pronunciation. Over time, he mentioned that the written language began to take a shift to match traditional Japanese grammar. He also mentioned that with this new establishment of language, women began engaging in writing more than they had in the past. He highlighted "The Sarashina Diary." Mentioning that the author was one of the greatest of her time. I did find it interesting that the name of the author is unknown, due to the patriarchal society structure. I am wondering if this was the case even during the reign of the female emperor that he mentioned?

[Morgan Burt]

As a Daoist, I have a question regarding this scenario - Why do we have law in the first place?

I believe the law itself is the problem and not my father. If it were not for the law, there would be no wrong done here. My opinion is that it was because of the laws in place that he supposedly "acted out."  I feel that he was acting in accordance to nature and responding the world around him. There is natural order and rhythm in the world (i.e. life and death, sun up and sun down, fire and new growth), therefore the earth may deal with him accordingly and it is not the job of ths so called "lawmaker." However, my suggestion to my father, is he must escape the law, the corruption, and competition that civilization brings. Instead, he must head to the Peach Blossoms in order to reconnect with nature. He must find and balance his Qi and must live out the rest of the days with the rhythm of life that occurs around him.

[Morgan Burt]

Video Lecture 1 Responses: 

Discussion Question 1: 

I have come across the symbols of Chinese thought previously. In my experience, I have mostly come across these symbols in pop culture or advertisements. Growing up, it seemed really popular to see the symbol of Yin and Yang on shirts, stickers, skateboards, or various other items. There is also a popular rap group that is loosely associated with the symbol or meaning behind the philosophy. I think that they have continued to survive because many of us search for purpose and meaning in life and this may be a philosophy or symbol that helps individuals find that meaning or purpose. I think that my students would definitely recognize the Yin and Yang symbol. It would be a great hook or introduction to a discussion.

 

 

[Morgan Burt]

Throughout the articles & video lectures there were many things that suprised me. Both about current day East Asian cultures and environmental conditions as well as historical accounts. In the first lecture, the geography of China and other areas of east Asia were address. When the United States map was compaired to China and the California map was compaired to Japan, I was throughly suprised. I had never seen them compaired in that way and I was taken back. I have always held that China was so much larger than the US. I enjoyed seeing the geographical diversity of many of the East Asian countries. 

In regards to water and the impact of the polution and access to water was also shocking to me. In the Scientific American article, it was metioned that North Korean agriculture is directly impacted, both by the cutting down of trees, crippling drough, loose soil, landslides, etc. (Chemnick, 2019). It was also stated that only 17% of the land is suitable for agriculture (Chemnick, 2019). Likewise, in China, 1/5th of the farmland is able to be used due to pollution (Levitt, 2015). In the lecture, the question was asked regarding how teachers may use water in East Asia in a lesson or class discussion. In my own classroom I feel that there a few ways to impliment a lesson or discussion - in a government course, living in California, water is a constant topic - both regarding the history of water in California and the current state. In additon, in my World History class, towards the end of the year we look at case studies of specific nations, China or Japan may be of use here. Lastly, regarding water, I found it very interesting that China must relocate water to various parts of the nation as we also must do right here in Califronia. Living in the Central Valley, having perioviously worked in Ag, and having many students whose parents are in the Agriculture business, I think that much of what was discussed in both the articles & lecture will be incredibly relatable to my students. 

 

[Morgan Burt]

Hello! 

Nice to meet you all, virtually. My name is Morgan Haupt (Burt). I am currently in my 4th year teaching History in the Central Valley. This year I am teaching World History & AP Psychology, however I have also taught U.S. History & Government. I look forward to the day that I can be back in person with my students. I miss them dearly, but we are all doing our best to connect with them & teach them. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking, talking walks with my husband & dog, and spending time in the mountains with my family. 

Best, 

Morgan 

[Author]

Posts