| Welcome to Asia America Cultural Exchange (AACE) |
|---|
Your course facilitators:
Gary Blomgren,
BUHS Art Chair, Gary_Blomgren@wsesu.org
Chris Simpson, Art, Twin Valley High School, csimpson@tvhs.k12.vt.us
Susan Sopper, Twin Vally High School, Social Studies,
ssopper@tvhs.k12.vt.us
Steven Perrin, Vice Principal, BUHS: Steven_R._Perrin@fc.brattleboro.k12.vt.us
Lisa
Brooks, Art & Technology, Twin Valley High School, tech support, lbrooks@tvhs.k12.vt.us
Mary Greene, Director of the Asian American Cultural Exchange program, mary_greene@wsesu.org
This
course is designed to allow students an opportunity to study many
of the fascinating aspects of Chinese culture. We'll also examine
the events and factors that have shaped the differences and similarities
between American and Chinese cultures. This course begins as a seminar,
where you will be expected to be both a student and a teacher (to
your classmates). The second phase is a cultural exchange to China
in April to meet our Chinese counterparts. Upon our return from
China, we will embark upon an ambitious community service program
where you will spend some time educating other youth and adults about
your experiences and perceptions of Chinese and American culture,
work on your class Web site, and continue Chinese language study.
Please review these course policies carefully and be sure to return the
"Understanding of Course Policies Sheet" to class on the date
your teacher requires. We would love to have your feedback and input at
any time. Due to the unique nature of the course, we might adjust a few
things as we progress. Thanks in advance for your understanding.
Class meets face to face two times each week, once each at Twin Valley High School and Brattleboro Union High School. On days we are not meeting face-to-face, students are expected to be working on presentations, posting to the discussion group or honing language skills. Student attendance in class each day is mandatory. If there is some reason one absolutely cannot be in class, please contact your school's teacher as far in advance as possible. Please remember that sports and drama production obligations are not acceptable reasons to miss class. If you need to contact your teacher please use the course email accounts or see them in class.
Computer
Access
You will be expected to be an active participant online as well as in
class. This means that you will need reliable consistent access to the
course web site. At AACExchange.org you'll
find links to help you get started on your projects, as well as access
to your email and the email of others associated with the course. You'll
be expected to log on and make thoughtful, substantive posts at least
twice a week to the River Town discussion. You're also expected to check
your assigned email for messages from your teachers or other students,
on a daily basis.
This course
is not designed as a traditional class. Rather than attempt to convey
the entire culture and history of China to you, the course will be
using a seminar format. Each student in the class will complete two
extensive presentations to the class prior to our departure. For the
first, each student will choose an area of interest from the topics
we will provide on China. After discussing topic and narrowing the
focus, each student will create a 20-minute presentation for the rest
of the class. We do encourage the use of technologies such as Power
Point, Web pages, and Web Quests. Your presentation will be evaluated
by the attached rubric.
For your second presentation, we ask that you pursue a topic about America.
You will be expected to present this information in an engaging manner
(and partially in Chinese) to our Chinese counterparts while we are on
our trip. Much more information and preparation is yet to come during
class on both of these projects.
Presentation
Details
These details are only a guide. Please remember that you are responsible
for 30 minutes and you may structure the time in any way you wish. A summary
of your presentation should also be posted on your Web site (with at least
one image please). Please remember that your Chinese counterparts will
review this. Your presentation should also make at least three contributions
to the course timeline.
The onllne discussion component of the course is based on the students' reading, reflecting, and sharing thoughts about the book River Town by Peter Hessler. Each week students choose from writing prompts and engage with one another on aspects of China, the Chinese land, language, culture, and Hessler's experience as a an English teacher and Peace Corps volunteer. In their postings, students interweave their own experiences and growing understanding of China while exploring their fears, excitement and expectations for their upcoming travel. Entries are posted in paragraphs with attention to language and grammar. Students are encouraged to read, reflect upon, and question the postings of their classmates.
Gao Ping is our primary Chinese language instructor. Please refer to her language handout for information. She will be present at face to face classes. Gao Ping is a native Chinese speaker with many years of language instruction experience. She will provide us resourceful information about Chinese culture.
This document is concerned with the mechanics of the course as it will occur in Southern Vermont. Information about the trip to China will be handled separately. Dr. JueFei Wang will present details of the trip at the first parent meeting. Students must have their PASSPORTS at this time. Please feel free to ask us questions as well. Obviously, we expect behavior on this trip to be exemplary, even so we have travel rules to discuss. Our expectation is that you will use your experiences and languages skills when we travel and that upon your return, you will be using your trip experiences to create your community service presentations and projects.
As mentioned in your interview, the community service is a vital part of the grant that is allowing you to travel and learn about China. It is expected that you will fully participate in this aspect of the course. Once the schedule of presentations is set, we will help you develop your projects.