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Asian Topic Discussions — East Asia in World History

Easternization not Westernization: Modernity is a Global Formation

map of eurasia

Thursday, February 6
8:00–9:00 p.m. ET
Online (Zoom)
Facilitator: Sarah Schneewind
Register Here

We talk about “Westernization” and “modernization” as if they are the same thing, but that ignores the fact that Afro-Eur-Asia or “Eurasia” has been one continent for over 20,000 years, and that inventions have traveled across Eurasia for thousands of years, creating a synthesis of technological developments across Eurasia before “modernization" even began. And many of these inventions originated in Asia, which was richer than Europe throughout most of early history. Why, then, do we equate “modernization” with “Westernization”? Why do we not see it as “Globalization”?

Participants are asked to review the following video presentation ahead of the session in preparation for Q&A and discussion of teaching approaches:

 
About Asian Topic Discussions
  • Online discussions between educators facilitated by an expert on an assigned topic
  • Participants are asked to review select materials including presentations from AFE's Video on Asian Topics ahead of the sessions
  • During sessions the facilitator provides an overview of key points and answers questions on the topic
  • Participants hold facilitated discussion of teaching approaches

All sessions are free and held on zoom. Professional development hours available to those who attend upon completion of a teaching reflection form distributed at the end of the year.