Japanese Culture and History

• 1/3: Introduction to course, receive syllabus, watch "Begin Japanology: Apartments and Condos" with film questions
• 1/6: Review Final Exams, watch "Begin Japanology: Small Appliances"
• 1/10: Lecture and reading on "Asian Americans"
• 1/13: Finish "Asian Americans", begin lecture and reading on "Ethnicity and Ethnic Issues in Japan", Race and Ethnicity homework (DUE Tues. 1/17):

1. Describe how the experiences of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Americans were similar to each other

2. In what ways were they different?

3. Describe what the Assimilation Perspective is, and state why it's incorrect

4. Describe how "de facto" segregation still exists, despite the fact that "de jure" segregation is illegal

• 1/17: "Ethnicity and Ethnic Issues in Japan" continued
• 1/20: Finish "Ethnicity and Ethnic Issues in Japan", lecture and reading on "Japan's Minorities Have Yet to Find Their Place in the Sun"
• 1/24: Finish "Japan's Minorities..." article, begin lecture and reading on "Putting "East Asia" Into Perspective", Race and Ethnicity in Japan homework (DUE Fri. 1/27):

1. Describe how the experiences of the following minority groups in Japan parallel those of minority groups in America: Ainu/Ryukyuan, Zainichi Koreans

2. Who are the Burakumin? Why are they called the "invisible minority"?

3. Describe the difference between "zainichi" and "rainichi" foreigners

4. How is "Douka Seisaku" similar to the Assimilation Perspective?

5. Compare and contrast the experiences of ethnic minorities in Japan with those in the U.S. How are they similar? How are they different?

6. Compare and contrast the attitudes regarding race in Japan and the U.S. How are they similar? How are they different?

• 1/27: Finish "Putting East Asia Into Perspective", begin lecture and reading on "Timeline of East Asia"
• 1/31: Unit Quiz One and Binder Check, "Timeline of East Asia" continued
• 2/3: "Timeline of East Asia" continued
• 2/7: Finish "Timeline of East Asia", begin lecture and reading on "Ancient China"
• 2/10: "Ancient China" continued
• 2/14: "Ancient China" continued, Ancient East Asia homework (DUE Fri. 2/17 in class):

1. Describe how China's geography has influenced where most of its people can live

2. What factor made it possible for China to develop its civilization in the North China Plain, and how?

3. Describe 2 reasons why China never really became a maritime empire

4. What was the important role that nomadic tribes played in China's history?

5. Describe 2 reasons why the Shang kings were able to hold onto their power and legitimize their rule

6. Describe 2 ways that geography has influenced Japan's history

7. Describe 2 ways that Japan was influenced by China, and 2 ways that these influences were modified to fit into Japanese culture

8. Describe how Korea's geography influenced its history

• 2/17: Finish "Ancient China", lecture and reading on "Introduction to Confucius", The Analects of Confucius Activity (DUE Tues. 2/21 in class)
• 2/21: Lecture and reading on "The 3 Main Belief Systems of East Asia", Sayings of the 3 Belief Systems Activity (DUE Tues. 2/28 in class)
• 2/24: No School- Rodeo Break
• 2/28: