BEFORE YOU WATCH: Global China into the 21st Century

Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below.

Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below (next in the lineup!). If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

First read: preview and skimming for gist

Before you watch, you should skim the transcript first. The skim should be very quick and give you the gist (general idea) of what the video is about. You should be looking at the title, thumbnails, pictures, and first few seconds of the video for the gist.

Second read: key ideas and understanding content

Now that you’ve skimmed the video transcript and taken a quick peek at the video, you should preview the questions you will be answering. These questions will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and arguments that are presented in the video. Keep in mind that when you watch the video, it is a good idea to write down any vocab you read or hear that is unfamiliar to you.

By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:

According to Francesca, about what proportion of the world’s population is Chinese?
What does the data suggest has happened to China’s economy over the past century? What has been the impact on Chinese people?
According to Dr. Crystal Chang, why do the Chinese people generally support or allow the Communist Party to continue to govern, despite being authoritarian?
According to Professor Chang, how has China benefited from globalization, and how has that changed over time?
Does the Chinese government allow and encourage dissent? How does it discourage negative opinion?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

Finally, here are some questions that will help you focus on why this video matters how it connects to other content you’ve studied.

At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:

Consider Dr. Chang’s evaluation of both freedoms and economic change in China. Do you think it is worth giving up some freedoms, and allowing some oppression, if most people are benefiting economically? Compare these choices to the ones made in your own country.

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

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