Asian Humanities 5 credits 5/28/16
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ASIAN HUMANITIES
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Begin Vocabulary words. Complete the first three China projects.
Complete Vocabulary words. Complete the final China projects. Take China Test.
Complete the first five Japan Projects.
Complete the final Japan Projects. Take Japan Test. Complete the first two India Projects.
Complete the final India Projects.
Take the India Test. Complete the Comparison paper.
You will study several countries of Asia in this course. Like other areas of the world, these countries share
similarities and differences in politics, religion, culture, economics and foreign relations. Their historical
developments have influenced the nations they are today. In this course you will study and write about these
diverse cultures.
VOCABULARY WORDS
Define the following terms. Select the definition that you feel describes the interaction of human beings. Think
in terms of culture, belief systems, politics and history. Then use each in a sentence that shows its meaning:
conservative
contemplate
conviction
corporeal
creed
deliberation
disrupt
dogma
eternal
fundamental
idealistic
indoctrinate
karma
maxim
meditation
mitigate
pacifism
perceptual
perpetual
philosophical
postulate
pragmatic
premise
principle
propaganda
proverb
rational
realistic
revere
secular
speculation
supposition
surmise
Tao
temporal
tenet
tranquil
transitory
transient
venerate
STANDARDS FOR ALL PAPERS YOU WRITE FOR THIS COURSE:
Typed
Double Spaced
plain font (Tms New Roman)
no more than 12pt font for writing, no greater than 24pt font for titles
1” margins
Spell and grammar check all papers
Cite all sources you used in a bibliography. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
FINAL PROJECT COMPARISON PAPER
Complete the China, Japan and India projects before writing this paper.
4 - 6 pages long each
1. Compare and contrast the politics, religion or culture of two of the countries you have studied in this course.
Asian Humanities 5 credits 5/28/16
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ASIAN HUMANITIES – CHINA
PHYSICAL
Map (2)
Draw and decorate 2 maps of China:
Map #1 – A map of China at least 200 years old.
Map #2 – A map of China no more than 40 years old (post-Communism)
BELIEF SYSTEMS
China’s belief systems are defined by diversity within a unified system. Sharing borders with many countries
while maintaining a relatively stable political and social structure, China has both dominated and preserved the
cultural heritage of its neighbors.
Essay – 3 to 4 pages
Describe one of the belief systems currently used in China. Consider the following ideas:
A. Many of the belief systems in China were taken from neighboring countries.
B. Belief systems typically change over time and as they move into new regions.
C. Belief systems are often intertwined with cultural beliefs about how people should live their lives
and what happens when they die.
HISTORICAL
For over 2,000 years, China was dominated by a complex system of dynastic rule that united the diverse
country. In the early 1900’s, Western cultures weakened the Emperor’s control. In 1949 the Communist Party
seized control of the country. In an effort to implement their plans for revising the country, China isolated
herself from foreign influences. Recently Western countries, America in particular, have had some success in
reopening relations with China.
Essay A - 2 to 3 pages
Describe one of the dynasties that ruled China before Communism. Consider the following ideas:
A. The need for the leaders to protect themselves by consolidating political and military power.
B. The significance of living in such a large and diverse country with many bordering countries.
C. The technological developments that affected the country.
Essay B - 2 to 3 pages
Describe the changes that occurred in China after the Communist Revolution. Consider the following
ideas:
A. The need for the leaders to protect themselves by consolidating political and military power.
B. The cultural significance of having a new political ideal controlling the country.
C. The pressures of outside influences and Western societies’ feelings about Communism.
D. The Communistic ideas of China were very different from those of Communist Russia.
SOCIETY
China’s history of conquest has left it a nation of diverse cultures. The strength of the government allowed
people to blend, while maintaining their individual flavor.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Select two different sections of China and compare their cultural heritage. Consider the following ideas:
A. Societies are often divided in classes according to age, sex, color, socioeconomic status and other
factors.
B. Individuals in society are treated differently according to their class.
C. The people define the culture of a society.
Asian Humanities 5 credits 5/28/16
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ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Feng shui (pronounced "fung schway") means "wind and water." The ancient Chinese believed that if you live
in balance with the world you could attract fortune and prosperity. Ch'i" (pronounced "chee") is the life energy
that brings good luck and the Chinese believed that it could be manipulated. The principals of feng shui have
been developed for over 6,000 years and are part of the building and decorating of homes and gardens.
Essay - 2 to 3 pages
Write about the principles of feng shui and how they are being used in other countries. Explain why, or
why not, you think feng shui is a good way to design your home. Consider the following ideas:
A. Homes must protect people from their surrounding environment. Hot, cold, windy, wet, all of these
lead to the design of a home. It is therefore predictable to relate home design with the environment.
B. Traditional Chinese culture linked spirituality and harmony to the environment. They would have an
interest in making their homes match their traditional ways of thinking.
C. Americans and Europeans are continually exploring new ideas. You will need to determine why
feng shui has become so popular in recent years.
MUSIC
Traditional Chinese music typically uses basic themes as is seen in the titles of songs such as, Plum Blossom,
Spring on a Moonlit River, Regret, Missing an Old Friend. Historically this music was designed to create
harmony with one's surroundings, although some pieces require a more aggressive quality. The musical
instruments themselves add subtle tones and shades and a sort of poetic sound to the music.
Essay - 2 to 3 pages
Select a traditional musical instrument used by Chinese artists. Describe the instrument and how it adds
to the musical style of China. Consider the following ideas:
A. Many musical instruments are similar, but the culture of a society makes them unique. For example,
drums are used around the world, but they are not all made or played the same way.
B. Every instrument has a specific purpose determined by the sound, tone and flexibility of the
instrument.
C. Hearing a musical instrument for yourself can help you with this assignment. Search for recordings
of Chinese music on the Internet or at your local library.
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
The Chinese use a language of characters rather than an alphabet, so words and names cannot be directly
translated from Chinese to English. Many of these characters are pictographs, pictures that represent words.
Over time pictographs and sounds were put together to have more developed meanings. The proper writing of
Chinese characters is traditionally done with fine paper, ink and brush and is considered a calligraphy art form.
Find a book on Chinese characters. You may also find information on-line.
A. Select three of the characters that interest you and practice drawing them (if possible try to use a
brush and ink for this assignment but you may also carefully draw the characters if necessary)
B. Turn in 5 good copies of the three characters with a description of what each character means.
Essay - 2 to 3 pages
Describe how a language that uses characters and sounds might influence Chinese poetry and stories.
A. Pictures are a good way of showing rather than telling a reader a story.
B. Many pictographs are so complex that it’s difficult to tell what they mean just by looking
CHINA TEST
A. Review the material that you have studied about China
B. Make an appointment to take the test at OIS. The test will take approximately ½ - 1 hour
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ASIAN HUMANITIES – JAPAN
PHYSICAL
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe how Japan’s island country aided their cultural development. Consider the following ideas:
A. The Japanese have an island culture separated by water and distance from nearby countries.
B. Limited resources and exploration led the Japanese to develop connections to their closest neighbors.
C. Limited land meant restraints on both physical and cultural development.
BELIEF SYSTEMS
Historically, Japan has been subject to sudden invasions of new and alien ideas followed by long periods of
minimal contact with the outside world. Over time the Japanese developed the ability to absorb, imitate, and
finally assimilate those elements of foreign culture that complemented their aesthetic preferences. This has led
to the development of a variety of belief systems.
Essay – 3 to 4 pages
Describe the differences and similarities between Shintoism, Buddhism and Christianity and how they
have shaped Japanese culture. Consider the following ideas:
A. Many people in Japan belong to more than one of these belief systems.
B. Belief systems are often intertwined with cultural beliefs about duty, honor and death.
HISTORICAL
Japan has had a long relationship with European cultures, specifically the Spanish, Portuguese and English.
Japan’s relationships with them have centered on the attitudes of Japanese leaders. When Japanese leaders
supported the Europeans they were allowed into the country. Other Japanese leaders expelled almost all
Europeans from the country. In recent years, Japan has seen an enormous economic boom, in part fostered by
American assistance after WWII. The Japanese have become major competitors with America and other
Western countries for worldwide markets.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe the ‘love-hate’ relationship between Europeans and the Japanese. Consider the following
ideas:
A. The need for Japanese leaders to consolidate political and military power.
B. The need for extending trade routes, particularly for Chinese silk and Japanese silver in the past and
technology now.
C. The integration of religious and cultural ideas between the nations.
SOCIETY
Japan has a diverse society. Social position, power and sex are some of the most influential aspects of Japanese
culture and most of these relate directly to a person’s station when they are born. Though there have been
changes because of technology and development, a lot of Japanese society is still very traditional.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Examine one aspect of societal division in Japan such as management and workers, males and females
or wives and geishas. Consider the following ideas:
A. Higher education is very difficult to attain in Japan. It takes a lot of hard work and it is considered
honor to be able to go to college.
B. The division between males and females is linked to marriage and family.
C. Work and play are both taken very seriously in Japan.
Asian Humanities 5 credits 5/28/16
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ARCHITECTURE
Traditional architectural designs in Japan glorify nature and help promote cultural attitudes about inner peace
and harmony. Homes are often built from natural material, usually wood. Screens (called shoji) split interior
rooms but can be opened to form large open spaces. In order to survive in a home with walls that are literally
paper-thin, the Japanese people protect their privacy by finding quiet inside themselves.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe how the living conditions on Japan have influenced Japanese architectural development.
Consider the following ideas:
A. Architectural styles are based on climate (temperature and humidity.)
B. The Japanese live, work and play closely together. This is an aspect of the Island Culture and their
limited availability of land. Architecture must effectively meet the needs of this type of society.
ART
Manga and anime are closely related forms of graphic art and animation that developed in Japan during the
early 1960’s. At the beginning of the 20th century Japanese artists became influenced by western civilization’s
introduction of comic strips and motion pictures. Making these art styles uniquely their own, Japan created an
art form that has become popular around the world.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe the manga and anime art forms. How are they related to western styles and how are they
different? Also briefly describe why you think this art is so popular. Consider the following ideas:
A. People like drama and action, two key components of this art.
B. The Japanese have a long history of interlacing western ideas with their own cultural values.
C. The Japanese have a long artistic history and revere art.
*** There is an alternative assignment that you may complete instead of this paper.
Create a small portfolio of original manga pieces (approximately 2 – 4 depending on the detail.) Create your
own characters and scenes (not copies of someone else’s work.) Then for each piece describe in detail how
your art follows traditional Japanese forms and where your have made the work uniquely your own.
LITERATURE AND THEATER
Noh plays combine dance, drama, music and poetry on the stage. Like the plays of Western civilizations, Noh
plays consist of elaborate costumes, masks and makeup. Noh plays were designed to be performed on stage and
playwrights have written classics to include character and stage directions.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Compare and contrast Noh plays to plays developed in Europe and America. Consider the following
ideas:
A. Plays have a purpose and are designed to make the audience react in some way.
B. Plays must appeal to the audience in some way, or no one would go to them.
C. Plays can be expensive and playwrights and actors must get funding to put on a production.
JAPAN TEST
A. Review the material that you have studied about Japan.
B. Make an appointment to take the test at OIS. The test will take approximately ½ - 1 hour
Asian Humanities 5 credits 5/28/16
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ASIAN HUMANITIES – INDIA
PHYSICAL
Draw and decorate a map of India. Include the following details:
1. National boundaries between India and other countries
2. Larger bodies of water and waterways.
3. Physical features of the country.
BELIEF SYSTEMS
The history of India has been dominated by two religious groups the Muslims and the Hindus.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe the interactions of these two religions. Consider the following ideas:
A. All belief systems have a history. They came from somewhere and for a particular reason.
B. Most belief systems are a blend and have characteristics similar to other belief systems.
C. Belief systems influence how people live and behave in a society.
D. There is often conflict between belief systems.
HISTORICAL
The history of India is over 5000 years old. In recorded history it was home to some of the first settlements of
human beings. India has a history full of change and diversity, but very little unity. Until the dominance of
British Rule, Indian history can be examined as a group of large kingdoms, rather than a unified country. After
the British left India, there was again religious, political and cultural division, leading the separation of India
into two separate nations, India and Pakistan.
Essay A - 2 to 3 pages
Describe one of the pre-British eras of India. Consider the following ideas:
A. The development of political boundaries is often based on religious and cultural differences.
B. New people bring new ideas and culture to the regions they move into.
C. No political authority retained complete control of India for a long period of time.
Essay B - 2 to 3 pages
Describe the changes that occurred in India after the British left. Consider the following ideas:
A. Leaders needed to consolidate political and military power and protect their control.
B. There is cultural significance in having new political ideals controlling the country.
C. The British left a political, social and military vacuum when they left India.
SOCIETY
The caste system has existed in India for over 2000 years.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
A. The caste system has a long history of growth and change while retaining its basic premises.
B. Different members of society are influenced by the caste system according to such things as their age
and sex.
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ARCHITECTURE
India suffers from a housing deficit. Lack of proper building materials, funding and regular destruction by
natural disasters such as monsoons, have left India without enough housing for its population. Population
control problems have also added to the housing stress.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe some of the ways that Indian’s cope with the lack of appropriate housing. Consider the
following ideas:
A. The majority of the population in India is too poor to afford standard housing.
B. Family dynamics are often influenced by the need to provide all members of the family with a place
to live.
C. India has one of the lowest per capita incomes and highest unemployment rates in the world
(meaning that Indians earn less than for the same amount of work when they can find a job at all.)
Some people earn only 20 cents a day and a good job brings in $3.00 a day.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Classic Indian music is can be traced back over two thousand years. India’s neighbors, traders and conquers
have influenced the traditional forms into a variety of styles, and yet the basics have remained the same. The
strongest influence on classic forms occurred as Indian music came into contact with Persian music in the
North. Today there are two main varieties of music, the Northern, known as Hindustani and the Southern
known as Karnatic.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe some of the basic musical forms used by traditional Indian musicians. Consider the following
ideas:
A. Music is meant to appeal to people on an emotional level.
B. Music can be performed on musical instruments or sung, depending the on the composer.
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
India has a diverse language base usually dependent on the area of the country. Schools in India teach as many
as 58 different languages. Some of languages don’t even have a written form, therefore the oral story telling
traditions of India are very important.
Essay – 2 to 3 pages
Describe how the variety of languages has contributed to the development of India’s culture. Consider
the following ideas:
A. Language is often considered a societal barrier
B. Education (either publicly or privately) influences the development and use of languages
C. Communication is one of the key elements in keeping a country together and providing resources to
everyone.
INDIA TEST
A. Review the material that you have studied about India
B. Make an appointment to take the test at OIS. The test will take approximately ½ - 1 hour