Comparing Countries: Asia, North & South America

• The course aims to guide students in understanding people, their activities, dynamics around different parts of the world.
• Focus is placed on describing locations and patterns of human activity.
• Processes and patterns will be identified through a historical lens.
• Aims to describe the relationship between the natural environment and all facets of human behavior.

Course Outcomes

• Pre-service teachers should be able to demonstrate knowledge of places around the world.
• They need to demonstrate an understanding of processes, patterns, and the natural environment's relationship to other aspects of human behavior.
• They need to show an understanding of the concepts, dynamics, and activities of people.

Learning Outcome

• A primary goal is to allow students to compare and contrast countries in Asia, North America, and South America.
• Comparisons will be in terms of population, economy, resources, political geography, and cultural life.

Asia Overview

• Asia is the largest continent, making up about 30% of Earth's land area.
• It is also the most populous continent, accounting for 60% of the total population.
• Ancient Greeks originally used the term “Asia” to describe civilizations east of their empire.
• Ancient Asian people viewed themselves as a diverse mix of cultures rather than a collective group.
• "Asia" is used today as a cultural concept, while subregion classifications indicate distinct geopolitical identities.
• Classifications include Western, Central, Southeastern, Eastern, and Southern Asia.

West Asia

• The Southwestern part of Asia is called by many names: West Asia, Western Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East, or Near East.
• It sits at the crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• The region has a similar notion to the “Middle East”.

Cultural Life in Saudi Arabia

• Daily life is dominated by Islamic observance with prayers five times a day. These prayers include Fajr (sunrise), Duhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night).
• Saudi men are known for showing physical affection towards strangers.
• Talking about another man's wife is considered disrespectful.
• Saudi Arabian women must cover their bodies in "Abaya" following Islamic law.
• Saudi men wear the traditional dress called "thobe" or "thawb," also called the Wahhabi National Dress.
• Head dress patterns can serve as a signifier to which family, tribe or clan the wearer comes from.
• Most women have domestic servants due to housework being their routine.
• Arranged marriages are common and determined by the tribe or family.
• Sons and daughters are encouraged to marry relatives, increasing and strengthening family unity.
• Divorce is legal if a man says "I divorce you (talaq)" three times and the wife agrees.
• Homosexuality in Saudi Arabia can be punishable by death.
• Avoid exposing the soles of the feet or offensive body language such as upward raising of the single finger.
• Using the left hand while eating is not advisable.
• Rushing into business before conversation and drinking coffee or tea is considered inappropriate.
• Offering gifts to guests is a common expression of admiration.

East Asia

• East Asia is the eastern region of Asia, defined geographically and ethno-culturally.
• Regions include China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, North Korea, South Korea, and Mongolia.

Cultural Life in Japan

• Good table manners are highly regarded, and correct use of chopsticks are important for polite dining.
• Bowing is the traditional form of greetings in Japan, known as "ojigi". Bowing can be used to indicate congratulations, gratitude, or an apology.
• When Japanese diners slurp their noodles, this is seen as a compliment to the chef, as well as a sign of enjoyment.
• Walking while eating in Japan is not acceptable, which is why people will sometimes stand near vending machines to finish their drink or snack.
• Pouring your own drink is considered impolite during dinner parties, and it is best to pour others' drinks and then wait for someone to reciprocate.

Cultural Life in China

• Tapping a bowl or table with chopsticks is considered impolite.
• Opening gifts after receiving them is polite.
• Gift wrapping is a signifier of respect, and the use of black or white rapping paper should be avoided.
• In any gift, clocks or other symbolic items should be avoided.
• Objects related to the number four are associated with death, and sharp objects symbolize ending a relationship.
• Sharing an apple or an orange is fine, but sharing a pear is taboo.
• "Dividing a pear" in Chinese is "Fen Li" and is homophonous with "departure."

Southeast Asia

• Southeast Asia comprises the southeastern subregion of Asia.
• It consists of the areas geographically south of China, east of the Indian Subcontinent, and northwest of Australia.

Southeast Asian Nations

• Brunei
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cambodia
• Timor-Leste
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Cultural Life in Southeast Asia

• Groups in highland areas often practice animistic beliefs centered on spiritual or supernatural powers organizing the natural world.
• Lowland areas are largely defined by the monotheistic practice of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, or Christianity.
• Most parents see their children's (especially daughters') weddings as one of life's greatest joys.
• Wedding ceremonies and festivities are events for large-scale public celebrations.
• Islamic law permits men to have up to four wives, as long as they can provide each with adequate financial support.
• Dress modestly, use your right hand when greeting or offering something.
• Do not point, or touch the top of someone’s head, and do be friendly.

Central Asia Region

• Central Asia is characterized by mountains, vast deserts, and grassy steppes.
• It is bordered by the Caspian Sea, China, Afghanistan, and Russia in the east, west, south, and north, respectively.
• The region has been a historical crossroads for nomadic people, moving goods within Eurasia.
• Central Asia consists of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Cultural Perspective in Central Asia

• Urban Kazakhs tend to wear modern clothing, while women in remote villages still wear traditional dresses and headscarves.
• Kazakh-made carpets are a common sight, and less-Russified Kazakhs decorate their homes with bright felt rugs known qoshmas.
• Ethnic Kazakhs and other Central Asian groups primarily identify as Muslim.
• Ethnic Russians and Ukrainians primarily identify as Christian.
• The rich meaty flavors of Kazakh food help create a broth with depth of flavor that the noodles soak up.
• Beshbarmak is typically garnished with caramelized onions, enhancing the dish's sweet and fragrant element.
• Baursak is made with a simple fried dougn, comprised of flour, yeast, salt and sugar.
• Kazakh tea is a cherished aspect of Kazakh culture and hospitality.
• It is more than just a beverage; it is a ritual that brings people together, fosters connections, and symbolizes warmth and friendship.