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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Message

I. Background

  1. China Factsheet with a Spotlight on Inner Mongolia
    Blank Fact Sheet
    Completed Fact Sheet
  2. Big Maps
  3. The Chinese Flag
    Flag Terminology Handout
  4. China's National Anthem
  5. History of the Mongol Empire (1200-1300)

II. Music

  1. An Da Union
  2. Instrument Making for Students and Adults
  3. World and American Music Links
  4. World Culture Links

III. Culture

  1. The Beijing Olympic Mascots
  2. Chinese Poetry
  3. Chinese Philosophy
  4. Nomadic Dwellings

IV. Here and Now

  1. Past vs. Present
  2. Sustainable Growth and the World's First Eco-City
  3. Electronic Waste Recycling and Toxic Exports
  4. Mongol Nomads in the Modern World

V. Community Connections

  1. Before and After Questions
  2. Intercultural Connections
  3. The Heritage Project and Oral History
  4. The Student Curator Project
  5. Class Newspaper or Web site
  6. Culture on Parade
  7. Student Participation in Arts Midwest World Fest

This curriculum was written by Jeanne Paliatka and Olaf Nelson for Arts Midwest.

China

I: BACKGROUND

Part 4: China's National Anthem

Introduction:
Like flags, anthems are important national symbols that provide an avenue for the exploration of a culture's values and history.

Overview:
Students will analyze the anthems of the United States and China to discern the values of both countries. Students will also write an individual, family, school or community anthem.

Objectives:
Students will analyze and interpret the words of the national anthems of China and the United States.
Students will discern the values and history of China through an analysis of its anthem.
To gain an understanding and appreciation of the national anthem of China, students will listen to the anthem and view its lyrics.
Students will identify ideas and themes they find meaningful and write an individual, family, school or community anthem.

Grade Level:
Elementary through high school

Time Required:
One to two class periods

Materials:
A copy of the lyrics of the anthems of China and the United States
An audio copy of the Chinese national anthem
Notebook paper
Pencils or pens
Teachers may direct students to the Student Resources Pages where they can follow relevant links without having access to lesson plans.

Procedure:

  1. Ask students to review the words to "The Star Spangled Banner." Ask students the following questions: What is the purpose of a national anthem? How do you feel when you hear the "Star Spangled Banner"? What do you know of its history? What conclusions could someone unfamiliar with the United States draw based on "The Star Spangled Banner"? Would those conclusions be accurate? Why or why not?
  2. Give students a copy of the words to the Chinese national anthem, "March of the Volunteers." (provided below) Ask them to read the words while they listen to a recording of it.
  3. Ask them the following questions: How did the music make you feel? What do the lyrics mean? What qualities or values do the lyrics highlight about China? What conclusions could we draw about China from its anthem? Do you think these conclusions are accurate? If not, why include these ideas and values in the anthem? Do you see any similarities between the anthems of China and the US?
  4. To extend the lesson, ask students to brainstorm a list of objects and values that are important to them, their family, school or community. Have them choose a popular song, with which most of the class would be familiar. Utilizing their list, have them write an individual anthem, or an anthem for their family, school or community. They should create several verses and a chorus. This can be done in class or as homework. They could work in groups in writing an anthem for the school or community. Otherwise they will most likely need to work individually.

Extensions:
Depending on the age of students and time constraints, students could

  • give an oral explanation of the symbols and colors of their anthems
  • write an explanation of their anthems
  • turn in their individual anthems and the teacher could read them to the class, asking students to match the anthem to the students in the class
  • re-write the Chinese national anthem into their own words (perhaps utilizing a certain number of vocabulary or spelling words as practice)
  • illustrate the Chinese national anthem
  • create a comic strip based on the Chinese National anthem

Resources:
(Links will open in new windows.)

Lyrics of the Chinese National Anthem in Chinese and English

Audio link to two versions of the Chinese National Anthem, with and without lyrics

A short history of the Chinese National Anthem

Wikipedia Entry for "March of the Volunteers"

Lyrics (in Mongolian, Cyrillic, and English) and brief history of the Mongolian National Anthem

Audio link to the Mongolian National Anthem

Lyrics to "The Star Spangled Banner" to use for comparison