China on the World Stage: Weighing the U.S. Response
Printed Curriculum [$20]
Downloadable Curriculum [$16]
Classroom Set [$9.75ea] (10 min)
Ninth edition. January 2008.
Overview
The relationship between the United States and China has been marked by ambivalence and misunderstanding from the outset. The Chinese characters that are used to represent the United States literally means "beautiful country," and yet Chinese leaders have long been baffled by American values and culture. Likewise, generations of U.S. officials have been frustrated by what they see as the dissemblance and opacity of their Chinese counterparts.
Today, as in the past, U.S.-Chinese relations remain clouded by misperceptions. What has changed, however, is China's position in the world. The remarkable transformation that China has undergone since the late 1970s has vaulted the world's most populous country to the top of the U.S. foreign policy agenda. China is on track to become the world's largest economy early in the 21st century and is rapidly building up its military strength. At the same time, the social, political, and economic forces of China's transition threaten to spin beyond Beijing's control.
China on the World Stage: Weighing the U.S. Response presents students with many of the same questions that promise to vex U.S. policymakers for decades to come.
Readings
The background reading in China on the World Stage: Weighing the U.S. Response has been written to prepare students to thoughtfully consider the policy choices facing our country.
- The Optional Reading surveys the history of our country's interaction with China.
- Part I explores the economic, social, and political dimensions of China's transformation under Deng and challenges for China today.
- Part II reviews the most critical issues on the U.S.-Chinese policy agenda today.
Framework of Policy Options
The four distinct policy directions, or options, at the core of the unit are designed to help students clarify their thoughts and, ultimately, articulate their own views. Each is grounded in a clearly defined philosophy about the U.S. role in the world and China's direction in the next decade or two. By exploring a broad spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the competing values and assumptions that frame the debate on U.S. policy toward China.
Suggested Five-Day Lesson Plan
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying China on the World Stage: Weighing the U.S. Response contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- The Optional Lesson engages students in a document activity that offers insight into the evolution of U.S.-Chinese relations since the mid-1800s.
- Day One invites students to reflect on changes in Chinese political values through the analysis of song lyrics.
- Day Two explores the U.S.-China-Taiwan relationship through several different media.
- Day Two Alternative uses two speeches to help students understand the differing priorities and approaches for U.S. and Chinese leaders.
- Days Three and Four feature a simulation in which students assume the roles of advocates for the four options.
- Day Five asks students to consider the implications of their own options for U.S. policy in the context of China's current leadership transition.