140382 VO+UE VM3 - VM4 - Cultural Exchanges in Rival States (2015S)

This course, will discuss cultural
and educational issues in the context of globalization, internationalization, localization,
and cross-straitization. Our content will explore theories and examples in peace and
conflict education, along with Gordon Allport’s contact hypotheses, in an age of
increasing international exchange. Starting with the case of the higher educational
system and exchange activities between China and Taiwan in the last two decades, this
seminar will also showcase other ongoing international case studies among rival states
and the potential for resolution through cultural exchange by looking at how cultural
exchange contributed to ending the Cold War between the U.S. and former Soviet
Union in early 1990s. In addition, another way to improve relations between different
groups in conflict can be described as the contact hypothesis by Gordon Allport.
Course topics include cultural exchange and critical higher educational issues
between US and former USSR during 1950-1980s, Japan and the US, China and
Taiwan, North and South Korea, former West and East Germany, Israel and Palestine,
and Africa and Europe (selected case studies). The seminar is designed to brainstorm a
possible paradigm shift in dealing with peace and conflict education via cultural
exchange in the context of globalization and localization. By demonstrating the
dynamic relationship between the above-mentioned case studies, the discussion will
also compare higher educational systems among these countries, and contrast the
different outcomes of cultural exchange among different sets of examples to introduce
a new conceptual framework of cross-straitization between China and Taiwan over the
last two decades. Historical and contemporary cultural exchange scenarios are an ideal
testimony to the long-lasting effects of cultural exchange that can take place and
enhance mutual understanding and respect among people and states in conflict.
Regarding instructional method, the seminar will be conducted in a two-way,
interactive, and dynamic format that encourages the sharing of ideas and inspiration
about the topics. Themes, issues and readings for each meeting will be assigned by the
instructor in advance so students can prepare for discussion based on their interests.
The sharing of personal exchange experience among students is encouraged.
Class will be divided into different Study Groups. Each group needs to select
ONE of the assigned papers from the reading list and give a 10-minute presentation
which includes: 'Main Theme, Major Issues and Arguments, Review Comments, and
Personal Reflection' in the beginning of each class. A 10-minute Q&A session will
follow the presentations. The instructor will provide review comments and introduce
relevant themes and issues from our readings and discussions. Role-plays and debates
will also be incorporated into the discussions.