← Back to Programs

The Historical Background to U.S.-China Relations

19th century: Opium, Missionaries, and War

Journalist John Pomfret , former Washington Post China Bureau Chief

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

• Opium Smugglers: Boston's Merchants and the China Trade, 1790-1850 [History Source] materials
• A Journey Shared: The US and China [PDF] teaching document
• EXTRA: The Opium War 1839-1842 [AFE] video, 26:11 min, completion not required

 

---

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
• PD hours are available for participants who complete all assignments and a questionnaire after each event - contact sj3185@columbia.edu for information
• During sessions the facilitator provides an overview of key points for 30 minutes
• This is followed by a 30 minute discussion on approaches to teaching the topic

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