AsiaAs rising powers on the global stage, the regions of East, Southeast, and South Asia include some of the fastest growing economies in the world. In order to better understand these countries' current growth and success and what it means for their peoples, it is necessary to first study their histories and values. Their influence on other regions is not new; over the centuries, Asia has influenced philosophical thought, religion, art, and commerce in much of the world, and these diverse nations continue to have a marked impact on evolving civilizations today. With a growing immigrant population from Asia here in the United States, it is also becoming increasingly important for students not only to understand the culture and experiences of their peers, but to realize how Asian immigrants have contributed to life in the U.S. Due to the cultural variation in this broad region, Primary Source offers programs that look at China, Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Teachers gain unique perspectives through the use of primary sources and participation in study tours abroad. Seminars 2009-2010The Enduring Legacy of Ancient China (online course) The Enduring Legacy of Ancient China (course A) PDPs/Credits: 40 PDPs; 2 graduate credits for the series The remarkable richness and endurance of Chinese civilization will be the central focus for this online course, which will explore the long period from the emergence of China’s earliest civilizations to the end of the dynastic phase in 1911. The course will mirror the thematic approach taken by Primary Source’s own sourcebook, The Enduring Legacy of Ancient China. Topics will include geography, belief systems, the arts, and China’s relationship with the world. The online course will feature supplemental readings, scholar podcasts, and web-based activities to engage teachers in some of the most current scholarship, while exploring student-friendly tools and resources. This course will be offered completely online and will require a basic comfort level and interest in the use of computer technology as a medium for learning. Participants must commit to attending one of the live scholar chat sessions prior to registering for this course. China: Centuries of Tradition and Change Five-day seminar series What are the deep-seated traditions and far-reaching changes that have shaped China? This seminar series will explore topics on ancient and modern China that are relevant for today’s K-12 classrooms. Topics to be covered include archeology, geography, belief systems, gender roles, agents of change, and current challenges. The workshops will draw upon Primary Source’s China sourcebooks. October 27, 2009 November 17, 2009 January 14, 2010 February 10, 2010 March 11, 2010
Storied Subcontinent: An Introduction to South Asia Five-day seminar series What do we know about the history of South Asia? What are the cultural and political factors that have shaped this diverse and continually evolving region of the world? After an overview of the geography of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, participants will examine key moments in history, including ancient India; the Mogul period; the colonial period and partition; and contemporary South Asia. Topics to be discussed will include the economy, culture and religion, art, literature, and today’s South Asian diasporas in the U.S. and abroad. November 4, 2009 December 8, 2009 January 21, 2010 February 3, 2010 March 2, 2010
Diversity of India: Peoples, Stories, and Geography One-day workshop India is a poorly understood democracy with diverse peoples, cultures and environs. In Massachusetts, Indians represent the fastest growing Asian immigrants. This one-day introduction will touch on commonly held misconceptions and explore India’s physical and human geography. Teacher-led workshops will present literature for children and young adults and introduce creative hands-on activities. Madame White Snake Late-Afternoon Workshop The Legend of The White Snake is one of China’s most popular and enduring myths. Although relatively unknown to Western audiences, countless versions of the tale have existed in China since the Ming Dynasty, especially in Chinese opera. Participating teachers will be introduced to an interactive White Snake curriculum, which uses storytelling, movement, theater and art activities to acquaint children in grades 4-6 with the legend as well as the rich traditions and symbolism of Chinese opera. Educators will also examine ways in which students can explore the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western opera. This professional development workshop is being held in conjunction with Opera Boston’s February 2010 world premiere of "Madame White Snake" by composer Zhou Long and Librettist Cerise Lim Jacobs. An Introduction to Korean History and Culture One-day workshop What is most important to know about the distinctive culture and historical experience of Korea? We will explore patterns of Korean history, important geopolitical issues today, opportunities for teaching with Korean literature, the poetic form of sijo as it relates to Korean culture, and Korean food. Speakers include Sung Yoon Lee from Tufts University, authors Sook Nyul Choi and Marie Myung Ok Lee, and dance instructor Sung Hee Do. My Japan: Home, School, and Daily Life for Japanese Children One-day workshop Primary Source and the Boston Children's Museum have created "My Japan: Home, School, and Daily Life for Japanese Children," a special workshop for elementary and middle school educators to be held at the museum on March 20. This seminar offers a special lecture by Dr. Catherine C. Lewis of Mills College. Dr. Lewis is the author of the book, Educating Hearts and Minds: Reflections on Japanese Preschool and Elementary Education. A discussion on Japanese education will follow. The seminar will also introduce many resources, including a new video Visits to Homes in Kyoto: Japan Today, filmed in Kyoto last November, and hands-on activities on daily life in Japan. To register, please complete this online form. NOTE: Educators from our partner districts will need a discount code in order have the registration fee waived. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for the code. Partnership educators: Registration must be approved through your school district. Please get in touch with your school district's Primary Source contact person and let them know which program(s) you are interested in. Upon approval from your district, Primary Source will contact you with instructions for online registration. Non-partnership educators: Space is limited. Please send your registration request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Space permitting, retired educators are welcome to register for Primary Source seminars at a discount of 50% off the non-partner rate. Registration deadline is Friday, September 25, 2009. |
Educating for Global Understanding
