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A New Way of Seeing: Fresh Approaches to Teaching About Asian Literatures

A New Way of Seeing: Fresh Approaches to Teaching About Asian Literatures. Presented by: Trevor Carolan University of Fraser Valley, Vancouver. Why Asia?. Asia in the news Globalization Shared experience.

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A New Way of Seeing: Fresh Approaches to Teaching About Asian Literatures

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  1. A New Way of Seeing: Fresh Approaches to Teaching About Asian Literatures Presented by: Trevor CarolanUniversity of Fraser Valley, Vancouver

  2. Why Asia? • Asia in the news • Globalization • Shared experience As educators, we need to know what is happening in this rapidly transforming region of the planet.

  3. Why Literature? • “A system of enquiry” (Education About Asia, Spring 1997: Vol. 2#1; p. 48). • Images of “self” and “other”. • “Outer” form of a creative work reflects underlying social values and philosophical framework. • What literature means to its people.

  4. Why Asia’s New Literature? • Continuities and transitions. • Change in status quo. • Outward and inner influences. • Innovation vs. Tradition.

  5. Difficulties in Teaching About Asian Cultures • Obstacle of foreign language. • Travel takes time and money. • Matter of engagement.

  6. About Another Kind of Paradise • Intentions in compiling this volume • What is it? • Collection of 21 contemporary stories from 15 East and Southeast Asian nations (in English) • Includes notes on each author’s work and life • Foreword by editors of Manoa Journal

  7. Themes & Critical Approaches Themes: • Urban poverty and social sustainability • New social demands of pluralism and diversity • “Official” and “unofficial” cultures in modern Japan • “Catch-up” economic politics and social destabilization • Job nomadism, migration, and sustainable economic practices • Continuing relevance of tradition in changing times Approaches: • Feminism • Queer studies • Post-colonialism • Post-modernism

  8. Breadth of Topics and Applicability • World Literature • Comparative Literature • Women’s Studies • Asian Studies • Asian Literature • Pacific Rim Studies Beyond unique reading entertainment, topics covered make this a standard text for:

  9. Solutions and how Another Kind of Paradise helps • Obstacle of foreign language: read about Asian cultures with good translations or through stories by native-born writers fluent in English. • Travel is takes time and money: (as stated before) literature is a window into the many facets and perspectives of culture. • Matter of engagement: compare and contrast to get students involved in thinking critically.

  10. How to Structure Class • Basic principle for effective teaching about Asia: It’s based on history and brings in some adventure to the study of peoples and cultures that are becoming integral to the economic futures of students. • Four-Part Class Structure: • Mini lectures • Student-led seminars • Small study group analysis • Class presentations

  11. Mini Lectures Purpose: to understand a story’s context Practice:Key topics to discuss: • Intertwined histories • Physical geography • Religious development • Political overview

  12. Student-Led Seminars Purpose: to establish a critical reading and thinking process in relation to the text at hand Practice: • Student pre-reading is obligatory • In-class analysis and interpretation • Text-based and beyond • Question & answer (Socratic method)

  13. Small Study Group Analysis Purpose: further discussion and understanding amongst students Practice: • Students divide into small study groups (in class) • “Reading respondents” to initiate peer discussion (example) • Student tasks and role of instructor during exercise • Class presentation • Class participation grade Results • from course evaluations

  14. Class Presentations Purpose: further discussion and understanding amongst students Practice: (following several weeks of small group tutorials) • Schedule class presentations and form groups for each story • Divide into “task reporters” • Written outline • Class presentation Results - High standard of student presentation and quality of insight - Confidence-building situation

  15. Results of this Class Structure • Students work toward an understanding of how contemporary East Asian writers reflect historical social changes. • Students acquire keener “sense of place”. • Help to avoid cross-cultural misunderstandings. • Preparation for being a world traveler, worker, and global citizen.

  16. Questions? Contact Trevor Carolan at: trevor.carolan@ufv.ca www.trevorcarolan.com Continue the conversation with your peers at peerSource my.cheng-tsui.com/forum/643

  17. Thank you for attendingYou will be redirected to a brief survey after this presentation. We appreciate your feedback. Visit www.cheng-tsui.com for more information on Another Kind of Paradise, and other literature, culture, and language offerings.

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