UCLA Center for East Asian Studies Educational Resources

Hong Kong and China
Lesson Outline

Procedure

Possible distribution of days:

Day 1- Lecture on relevant Hong Kong and Chinese history.
Day 2-Opium War simulation-state simulation parameters, etc.
Day 3-Opium War simulation -begin debriefing.
Day 4- Finish discussion of simulation, trace Hong Kong's progression.
Day 5-Tests and possible assignment activities.

Please note that these days may be distributed liberally and non-consecutively. However to maximize learning concepts and maintain continuity, the two simulation days must be done consecutively. Simulation rules, roles and other possible handouts will be discussed below.

Debrief

From our Opium War simulation and lectures on Hong Kong and China, the following questions could be used as test essay questions or simply as class discussion questions:

1) You have just been appointed as Commissioner Lin's policy advisor. What kind of policy would best suit your aims in cracking down on the opium trade in China? Strong and forceful? Amicable and ready to negotiate? Explain your answer. 
2) Research Commissioner Lin's multi-step program on his war on opium. Note important policies and events. Describe their outcomes. Were they effective or ineffective? What else do you think was needed or could have been done? Elaborate. 
3) How has Chinese views and foreign policy been shaped by the Opium War? 
4) The Treaty of Nanking  (1842) effectively gave Hong Kong island to the victorious British and paved the way for western colonialism in China. Research the treaty and describe its provisions. Were the Chinese right in labeling it an "unjust treaty" ? 
5) Honor Kong and China are united again under the policy "One Country, Two Systems."  Now for the billion dollar question-Do you think this would work? Why or why not? Explain and support your answer.

These are just a few questions that could be used in the debriefing stage following the unit.  More questions are possible in a particular topic area if students' knowledge of the subject matter are solid.

Evaluation

For the Evaluation aspect of the unit, I would employ a standard multiple-choice test with a one or two question short essay section to measure student performance. The exam would cover course material facts in the multiple-choice section while also testing, students' insight, reasoning and critical thinking synthesis in the essay section.

Actual class participation in the Simulation would also be another evaluating tool. This will focus on the quality of the contribution and on the quality of attention given to the contribution of others. It will also incorporate research and writing assignments made by the students. [Dube]