Miscellaneous Information

There have been some repeat questions.  So, I figured I would include some basic info here:

• Concerning the recent unrest in Bangkok:
• We are recommending that each student and a parent register for the State Dept's alerts.  We don't expect any serious problems over there, but this is an easy way for everyone to keep informed.
• Here is the link.
• Concerning voltage:
• To use American electronics in the countries we'll be going to, you will need to buy a plug adaptor set (including C and I)  and a voltage converter (to handle 220V).  Some plugs and devices may work as is, but generally you'll need adaptors/converter.  These can be found cheaply on amazon, or electronics stores (like Best Buy).
• Empty bottles:  
• This is on the list in case you would like to fill it with water (or a kind of gatorade powder).  You can easily buy plastic bottles of water, but some people like to use their own bottles.  
• You can also put some laundry detergent in one of these and use it to wash clothes on a daily basis.  Generally, the hotels we will be at will have access to laundry services for you.  However, if you want to wash certain garments on a daily basis, you'll need to keep some liquid detergent handy.
•  Mosquito netting:
• The mosquito sleeper refers to mosquito netting, to put around a sleeping area.  Realistically, we may not use this.  We included it to account for any eventuality that might come up.  On one of the few trips out of the big city, if something quite unexpected happens, we may make an unscheduled stay at a more "rural" hotel.  Here, the netting would be useful.  We included it for completion, but it (again) it may not be used. 

Election Protests

A front page NYTimes article on an encounter between Thai police and election protesters this morning has prompted us to post an update on the situation in Bangkok.

To begin with, Dr. Paskewich and myself, Dr. Anderson, are in communication with officers from the State Department.  The US Embassy continues to assess the situation in Thailand and deems it safe for travel for American citizens.  The conflict in Bangkok is isolated to areas outside government buildings and polling areas, places we will stay far away from.  Thus the State Department has declined to issue any travel warnings to the area.

Recent clashes are the result of a more desperate move by Suthep and his People's Democratic Reform Committee to stall elections that their backers, the Democrats, will surely lose against the popular, incumbent Pheu Thai party. The elections are scheduled for February but will most certainly be postponed at this point.  Protests have largely been peaceful, but occasional violence has occurred over the past month.  Our travel group will stay clear of all large political gatherings, keeping close to temple and tourist areas.

Any necessary changes to the itinerary will be posted to the website on site.  Dr. Paskewich and myself will be in frequent communication with Centre and student families while there, through email, phone and blog posts.

Syllabus

• Pre-departure exam (20%)
• Covers material in the Bangkok 8 and Concrete Dragon.
• Will be emailed to everyone on January 3.  Must be emailed back to both professors by 11:59pm on January 5. 
• As this is close to our January 7 departure date, make sure you plan ahead: budget enough time to run errands, to pack, and to complete the exam.  
• For Bangkok 8, these topics will provide you with some guidance:
• What do we learn about the city of Bangkok?  What is it like?
• The novel really pushes the theme of the clash of "East vs. West".  What characteristics are said to be "Thai" and what characteristics are "American"?
• What political and social problems are emphasized in the novel?  
• Be prepared to answer questions about the plot and characters.
• For Concrete Dragon, these topics will provide you with some guidance:
• What are some characteristics of the Chinese city?  How homogeneous are they?
• What are some urban issues specific to China?  
• How does a rural/urban divide affect Chinese cities?
• How does China's past influence the current state of its cities?  What economic influences affect Chinese cities?
• Make sure you understand how Campanella understands the city of Shanghai. 
• These topics will give you some guidance, but you will be asked questions beyond these.  Read Bangkok 8 and Concrete Dragon thoroughly. 
• Be ready to bring your copy of Diane Morgan's Best Guide to Eastern Religions on the trip.  You will read from it while we're abroad.  
• Journals and Group Assignments (35%)
• Bring a small journal with you.  Nearly everyday, we will give you prompts for you to write an entry.  
• Your entries will pull together the previous night's reading assignments and the site visits during that day. 
• We will have some entries based on group observation.  
• You will all also do a presentation on a particular landmark in China or Thailand that we visit. 
• Quizzes (20%)
• There will be 10 reading quizzes, each worth 2% of your grade.
• These will be given randomly throughout the course on the reading assignment that is due that day.  
• These cannot be made up if missed (and there is no reason why you should miss one).  
• Participation (10%)
• We expect you to be an active participant in the short classroom opportunities that we have throughout the course, as well as an engaged student throughout each location we visit. 
• Be prepared to ask or answer questions, and approach each location energetically and with focus.  
• Final Essay (15%)
• A final essay will be required from each of you.  You will need to email it to us a few days after you are back in the USA.  
• This essay will ask you to reflect on the readings of the course, the site visits, and the topics we discussed throughout.  

The Political Situation in Thailand

This season has been a strange one for Asia.

In North Korea, Kim Jong Un has removed his Uncle from power.  China, Japan and South Korea are wrestling over new restricted airspace.  The Philippines were devastated by typhoon Haiyan.  And political demonstrations are now popping up in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand.  Analysts say its a result of a clash with a majority-takes-all politics and the shifting of money and power with the new rising middle-class.

The US State Department is optimistic, no travel warnings or restrictions have been imposed.  But we're all keeping a close eye.  Bangkok has a couple of important English-language papers that I invite you to visit (though, keep in mind, media there is highly politicized and must be read with healthy skepticism): The Nation and The Bangkok Post.  Please feel free to visit the US Embassy in Bangkok's website as well. 

We thought we'd explain briefly what's at the heart of the protests in Thailand right now and how we will assuredly avoid them.

Thailand's oldest political party, the Democratic Party, has grown weary of losing elections.  They haven't wielded power since the early 90s, and their old Bangkok, old money, pro-market membership is disgruntled.  The party has thus taken to the streets (as they have in the past), to air their grievances.  They have formed the People's Democratic Reform Committee under Suthep Thaugsuban and are calling for the majority party, the PTP, led by Prime Minister Yingluck and her powerful family the Shinawatra, to step down. 

Suthep Thaugsuban, Leader of the PDRC (protest)

Abhisit Vejjajiva, Opposition Leader and Leader of the Democratic Party

The much younger, more rural, pro-farmer majority party, the Pheu Thai (PTP), has accommodated the demands of the PDRC and has called for reelections.  By royal decree, seats in the House will be decided upon again in early February.  Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has become caretaker premier of the government until February 2014, but she is now being asked by the opposition to step down entirely and cede power over to a make-shift, non-elected People's Council.  Analysts and academics have no faith in that proposal.       

 Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister

Jarupong Ruangsuwan, PTP Leader

The situation on the streets of Bangkok:
Currently there are political protests surrounding government buildings in Bangkok.  Brief violence did break out on November 30, but police have since retreated and allowed protestors to voice their dissent and occupy previously barricaded areas. 

Given this state of affairs, our group will steer entirely clear of government buildings and political gatherings.  If numbers and dissent continues to increase, we will divert our stay in Bangkok to some of the country's more quiet, frankly more beautiful, quarters to the north and south (Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, etc.).

For now, we are taking careful note.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Situation Update is a good place to stay linked into. 

What to bring

The following is a list of items we recommend you bring to Shanghai and Bangkok with you this January.  Remember, it's best to consolidate and go mobile.  Fewer items to haul in the most efficient manner is the best way to go.  Thus we suggest you bring a big, heavy-duty backpack with a simple day-pack/carry-on.  Best to veer away from luggage.  You'll be much happier hands-free winding your way through Asia.

One big hiking backpack (Northface, Berghaus, Vangon and other cheaper options here:)

Small carry-on day pack
Knife (not in carry-on or on your person)
Earplugs
Small pillow
Eye cover
One sheet
Wipes/antibacterial solution
Safety pins
String
Small first aid kit with neosporin
Ziplock bags
Empty bottles
Toiletries (especially lady things--hard to find in Asia)
Baby powder
Vaporub (it can get smelly sometimes)
Cologne
Tylenol
Tylenol PM/Cold medicine (to knock you out when needed)
Anti-diarrheal medicine
Anti-malarial pills (not absolutely necessary, a precaution)
Mosquito sleeper
Mosquito repellant
Sunblock (you will get fried in Thailand if you skimp on this)
Sunglasses
Big hat

Some snacks (pack of powerbars)
Airborne or vitamin-packs for water

Heavy jacket (for Shanghai)
Good walking shoes
Flip-flops
One nice outfit
Couple pairs of pants and long sleeves (for Shanghai and Temple visits)
Tees and shorts
Socks
Undies
Swimsuit
Towel
Light cottons and linens

Camera/tablet/phone (we discourage bulky laptops)
Cords and batteries
Card games
Guidebooks
Business cards
Small Journal & 3 Pens
Money for food and souvenirs (~$400)
Credit and debit cards (call and inform your banks first)

It's a long list but it can all comfortably fit into a 50-60liter backpack.