Geography: Continent of Asia

• The course aims to guide students in understanding people's concepts and activities, describing locations and human activity patterns, and identifying processes with a historical lens.
• Its intent is to describe the relationship between the natural environment and human behavior.
• The pre-service teachers should be able to demonstrate knowledge of places and landscapes, understand the relationship of the natural environment to human behavior, and understand the concepts, dynamics, and activities of people at the end of the course.
• It aims to allow comparison and contrast of countries in Asia, North and South America regarding population, economy, resources, political geography, and cultural life

Asia Overview

• Asia is the largest continent, covering about 30% of Earth's land area.
• It is also the most populous continent, accounting for roughly 60% of the total global population.
• The term "Asia" was initially used geographically by ancient Greeks.
• Modern use of "Asia" is a cultural concept, with subregion classifications denoting differing geopolitical identities.
• Classifications include: Western, Central, Southeastern, Eastern, and Southern Asia.

West Asia

• Designations of West Asia include Western Asia, Southwest Asia, the Middle East, or Near East.
• It is a region at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• The terms are similar to the notion of the 'Middle East.'
• Countries within West Asia include: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE, Yemen.

Cultural Life in Saudi Arabia

• Daily life is typically dominated by Islamic Observance.
• Prayers occur five times each day: Fajr (sunrise), Duhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), Isha (night).
• Saudi men are known to express physical affection towards strangers.
• Discourse about a man's wife is regarded as disrespectful.
• Saudi Arabian women are required to cover their bodies in "Abaya."
• Saudi men, of any job or status, wear the traditional "thobe" or "thawb," which has been called the Wahhabi National Dress.
• Head dress patterns can indicate the wearer's tribe, clan, or family.
• Most women employ domestic servants because household work is deemed their routine.
• Arranged marriages are common, often made by the tribe or family.
• Children are frequently encouraged to marry cousins or relatives.
• Divorce is legal, with a man able to divorce his wife with three talaqs if she agrees.
• Homosexuality is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.
• Actions to avoid are exposing the soles of your feet to someone or insulting body language, like upward raising of the single finger or excessive pointing.
• Using the left hand when eating or rushing into business before coffee or tea is typically avoided.
• Gifts are often given to admiring guests.

East Asia

• East Asia is defined geographically and ethno-culturally.
• Countries and regions included: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia.

Cultural Life in East Asia

• Table manners are highly regarded in Japan, and using chopsticks correctly is an important part of dining.
• Bowing (ojigi) is the traditional greeting and is a form of gratitude, congratulation, or apology.
• Slurping noodles is seen as a sign of enjoyment and a compliment to the chef.
• Walking while eating is unacceptable; people will usually stand by vending machines to finish a drink or snack.
• It is considered impolite to pour your own drink at dinner parties; instead, pour everyone else's drink and wait for them to pour yours.
• Tapping your bowl with chopsticks is rude.
• Opening gifts after receipt is considered polite in Chinese culture.
• Do not wrap gifts using black or white paper; instead, choose festive colors, such as red.
• Avoid gifting clocks or symbolic items and sharing pears, as these can be associated with death and separation.

Southeast Asia

• Southeast Asia consists of the regions geographically south of China, east of the Indian Subcontinent, and northwest of Australia.
• Nations include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• People in highland areas typically follow religions involving animistic beliefs and practices.
• Groups living in lowland areas tend to adhere to one or another of the World Religions (also known as Universal or Great Religions) such s Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, or Christianity.
• Most parents consider their children's weddings to be the greatest joys in life and wedding ceremonies are usually large public events.
• Islamic law permits men to have up to four wives simultaneously if each can be provided with adequate material support.
• People should dress modestly and use your right hand when greeting or offering something.
• Negative gestures include pointing or touching the top of someone's head.
• Being friendly is also important to remember.

Central Asia

• Central Asia is a large area comprised of mountains, vast deserts, and grassy steppes.
• It is bordered by the Caspian Sea (west), China (east), Afghanistan (south), and Russia (north).
• It has historically been linked with nomadic cultures, acting as a crossroad for movement within Eurasia.
• The following countries make up Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Urban Kazakhs often wear modern clothing, while women in remote areas still wear traditional dresses and headscarves.
• Kazakh carpeting is common, and less-Russified Kazakhs decorate their homes with Qoshmas.
• Most Central Asian ethnic groups primarily identify as Muslim, while ethnic Russians and Ukrainians identify as Christian.
• Beshbarmak is the national dish of Kazakhstan, consisting of boiled meat and flat noodles, typically garnished with caramelized onions.
• Some Central Asian cultural cuisine includes Baursak (a fried dough), and Tea