For our twentieth episode, we explore the world of studying China and Chinese language with UCSD emeritus professor of modern Chinese history, Dr. Joseph Esherick.
From the athlete and academic superstar Eileen Gu to the history and modern implications of the grueling imperial examinations, Mei and Joe cover a range of education topics comparing the past and present, America and China.
Listen to Episode 20: Joseph Esherick on Teaching and Learning
Episode Overview:
- 01:15 – Introduction to Joseph Esherick
- 02:17 – Joe’s experience learning Chinese
- 07:57 – Learning Chinese characters
- 10:09 – Why Joe chose to study China
- 14:51 – The difference between studying and learning Chinese
- 19:38 – China vs America, education methodology
- 27:11 – Reading vs writing Chinese
- 28:04 – Joe’s book, Ancestral Leaves
- 33:31 – The Chinese education system rooted in the imperial exam
- 37:30 – Joe’s experience taking the gaokao
- 39:48 – The function of the Chinese education system
- 41:35 – Chinese students choosing Chinese or American universities
- 42:50 – Does the Chinese education system work?
- 43:42 – What is the perfect recipe for education success?
- 45:33 – Joe’s China book recommendations
You can also listen to The China Travel Podcast on:
Books/further reading mentioned/recommended in this episode
- Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
- To The Storm: The Odyssey of a Revolutionary Chinese Woman by Yue Daiyin and Carolyn Wakeman
- To Change China: Western Advisers in China by Jonathan D. Spence
- The Death of Woman Wang by Jonathan D Spence
