University of Michigan International Institute
Teaching Globally: Pan Asian Celebration Professional Development Workshop
Saturday February 14, 2009 Washtenaw Intermediate School District
9:00am-3:00pm
Audience: elementary, middle, and high school educators
Festivals open a window on the inner life of a society, its rhythm and practices, offering observers a glimpse of how cultures understand and present themselves. This cross-cultural approach to New Year celebrations presents an inter regional look at Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditions. The workshop is organized as a one-day immersion, featuring a Family Album of holiday practices; an exploration of the aesthetics of Chinese popular prints that peak during the celebration of the New Year; introductions to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language (script and sound); and musical performances ranging from Kodo drummers to lion dancing.
University of Michigan International Institute
Silk Road Professional Development Workshop
Wednesday, March 19 and Saturday May 3, 2008
Primary audience: middle and high school educators
Two thousand years before today's global economy, an exchange network linked East and Central Asia with the Mediterranean world via the Silk Road. This two-part workshop for teachers explores the rich interactions resulting from these commercial ties, historically and into contemporary times.
Co-sponsored by the Center for Chinese Studies (CCS), Center for Korean Studies (CKS), Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS), Center for Russian and East European Studies (CREES), and Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS) at the University of Michigan International Institute. All presentations will address current grade-level content expectations.
PART ONE, MARCH 19: 4:30-7:30 pm
Musicscape--Music and Culture of Kazakhstan and Central Asia
As part of a week-long residency of the musical group, Roksonaki - direct from Kazakhstan - this workshop introduces new and traditional music from Central Asia in its cultural and historical context. The ensemble is joined by Dr. Helen Faller, anthropologist and Board Vice-President of the Central Asian Cultural Exchange. The session includes a video projection on everyday life as well as information about culture, geography, and social context. Lesson plans and teaching suggestions will be provided.
PART TWO, MAY 3: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Silk Roads and Maritime Trade--Encompassing the Globe
Explore the trade routes over land and across sea that created a cross-cultural dialogue with diverse regions around the globe. The workshop includes presentations on the history and development of trade networks (e.g. spices and silks) and cultural identities (e.g. religion and language), and information on geography and current events presented by U-M faculty and independent scholars. Lesson plans, interactive activities, and resources provided.