China in the World

Presented by:

•Nonprofit educational resource center

•Serves K-12 teachers

•World cultures and histories

•Seminars and study tours

•Online resources, e-newsletter

http://www.primarysource.org

What did the 2008 Olympic Games signify for China and the world?

•China’s emergence as a major world power, modern country

•National pride

•Symbolic representation of Chinese culture, history in opening ceremonies

Why had China been less connected from the West until recent years?

• Negative legacy of European imperial period

• Social Rebellions and unrest

• Internal focus of Cultural Revolution

• Isolation as result of Cold War politics

What are some key implications of China’s reemergence onto the world stage?

• Increased involvement in international politics

• Role in global economy

• Major investment in Africa and Asia

• Rapid growth, environmental impact

Why do our students need to learn about China?

• Historical significance• Alternative model to Western

culture• Large population,

widespread diaspora • Economic power, growing

market

New Resource on Modern China for

Teachers and Students

Created by Primary Source with scholars and K-12 educators

Inside China in the World

Background Information and Contextual Essays

Suggested Learning Activities

Print, Web, and Film Resource Suggestions

China in the World works well for:

•Secondary and college students (course text)

•Teachers and professors

•History & Social studies

•Geography

•Asian and Chinese studies

•Language arts

•Chinese language courses

Bringing Modern China Into Your

Classroom

China: Diversity and Unity

•Enormous territory

•Geographical diversity

•Ethnic diversity-Han Chinese: majority

population group-History of invasions,

incorporations

•Unified written language

China and the West: A Case Study

•Jesuit missionaries in China (17th century)

•First contact with foreign powers in centuries

•Introduction of Western culture

•Precursor to semi-colonial period

Examining Western Perspectives on China

•Expansion of Western population in China by 1930s

•Businessmen, families from the United States and Europe

The Cultural Revolution

•Internal revolution

•Restructuring of society under Mao’s leadership

•Little contact with the rest of the world, travel restrictions

Ping Pong Diplomacy

•Ping pong helped to reopen exchange with U.S. in 1970s

•Normalized diplomatic relations established in 1979

Ping Pong Diplomacy

•Political, cultural, economic power of sports

•2008 Olympics echo this moment

China in the World: A History Since 1644

• Power of China in the World as teaching resource

• Highlighted activities and themes as examples

• Help students understand China’s journey to world stage

Questions?

Contact the presenters at:julie@primarysource.org

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