Discussion Class:
Growing up in Wartime
February 14, 2005
Reading: Richard Kim, Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood.
Kappa Sennoh, A Boy Called H
Read the chapters from the two novels—available on the course
website. (Of course you are
encouraged to read the entire novel, but at least read the recommended
chapters). This project involves
looking at the war years from the eyes of two boys, one in Japan and the other
in Korea. The novels are
fictional, but based on real experiences.
For a good internet site on LOST
NAMES see the following:
http://www.aasianst.org/EAA/lostname.htm
In preparation for the discussion class on February 14, prepare a 3 – 5
page report that relates to one of the following topics. Be sure to make a title for your essay
and indicate which topic you are discussing. Provide specific examples wherever possible to support your
argument. Do not be shy about
doing extra reading; it is always good to read more than less! Moreoer, it is
usually a good idea to give quotes from the texts – just be sure to provide
footnotes to all your direct quotes and sources of information. Make your paper neat, double-spaced,
Times New Roman 12 point. Attach a bibliography.
Topics:
1.
Compare the experiences of the two boys, both growing up in wartime
Japan. Similarities and
differences?
2.
Both novels are fictional accounts. Discuss the value of reading these two books (Lost Names and Boy Called H) for a study of history. Explain and justify your answer.
3.
What do these two books tell us about nationalism in Japan and Korea
during this time? Select two or
three major characters and compare them in terms of their nationalism.
4.
Compare the responses of the two boys to Japanfs defeat and surrender
in 1945.
5.
Compare the narratives of the two novels about wartime Japan with a
conventional textbook account (the Gordon textbook, for example). Similarities and differences?
6.
Were there any episodes in either or both of the novels that was
particularly impressive to you?
Why?