This interdisciplinary seminar for K-12 teachers will explore how rivers have shaped, and in turn were shaped by human society and the environment in China and Japan. Combining geographic background with artistic representations, and environmental/political perspectives, this workshop will help teachers gain a comparative perspective on Asia’s landscape and culture. Course content will look at rivers through the lens of geography, the arts, and environmental challenges.
Define/identify geographic features of FOUR major rivers in Japan and China.
Appreciate how these FOUR rivers have shaped and been shaped by historical events and environmental factors; and in turn shaped the surrounding communities.
Appreciate how rivers have been represented in various cultural productions (film, art, literature, etc.)
Identify ongoing environmental challenges connecting rivers and communities.
Create a (final artifact) juxtaposition of a river in Japan and/or China and one in your own community/country highlighting a)geography, b) representations, and c) social and environmental issues.