With its rapid economic development since Mao’s death in 1976, China has become an increasingly complex and dynamic society. What does the rise of China mean for the US? How can we integrate 21st century China into our teaching and situate China in a global context? How can we explore global themes such as environmental degradation/climate change, social change, ethnic conflicts, and border issues, using China as an example?
How do we support students to read behind the headlines, break down stereotypes and misconceptions, and distinguish between fact and opinion? How do we dig deep and come up with critical insights into studying this rising power? Together, we grappled with the PRC’s ongoing changes and figured out how to convey the pace, scale and local and global implications in our classrooms.
Readings and topical discussions further enhanced our understanding of 2020 China and also provided an avenue to explore individuals’ voices through primary sources and other teaching resources.
This seminar was sponsored by the East Asia Resource Center (EARC) in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington with funding from a Freeman Foundation grant in support of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).
Program Leader:
EARC China expert Tese Wintz Neighbor.
Program Benefits:
- $200 worth of materials and resources.
- 20 free WA State OSPI Clock Hours (for 12 hours of class attendance, homework and completion of a final project) OR college credit (for a fee of approx. $240).
- $100 stipend for exemplary teaching materials for the classroom or teaching library. The stipend was contingent upon completing a final project, ordering China teaching materials, and filling an online surveys evaluating the seminar and providing data for NCTA national database of statistics.
- Participants who successfully completed the seminar and all its requirements became NCTA “alumni.” Alumni receive timely communications about future professional development opportunities offered by NCTA, which may include travel opportunities.
Locations and dates:
TACOMA: the Tacoma class met from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on January 28, February 11 and March 10 at Stadium High School, Room #123, 111 North E Street, Tacoma, WA 98403.
EVERETT: the Everett class met from 4:15-8:15 p.m. on January 29, Feb 12, and March 11 at Everett School District, Community Resource Center (CRC), 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201.