Deliberation on Korea and Gabo Reforms

Structured Academic Controversy

You are a member of the old aristocratic class in Korea, the yangban. Your family has
fallen upon hard times. It is the summer of 1894. Western powers have been demanding
treaties. Peasants have risen in rebellion, seeking economic relief, espousing a
complicated message that includes both traditional and progressive elements. Japan and
China have both sent troops. Right now, the Japanese seem to have the upper hand, and
their influence on the Court is undeniable. Yet Korea has always looked to China for
guidance. What should be done?

Position 1: Look outwards. To the future. To Japan. To the United States. To Christianity.
To economic progress and a new social order. There is no other way . . .

Position 2: Look inwards. To the past. To China. To Confucian values. The Chinese
model has worked in the past and it is the only one that will allow us to maintain social
harmony at the same time as we seek to adapt to an increasingly changing world . . .

Please consult this website as you form your arguments: http://library.schreiner.edu/idst-

korea
Time allotted Activity

20 30 minutes 1) Each student will read and evaluate their given material individually, taking
notes and underlining important ideas. Then, pairs will come together to compare
notes and prepare points to defend their position.

2 minutes 2) Position 1 will present their views and arguments. Position 2 will listen
QUIETLY to the views and arguments given and will WRITE DOWN points they
feel are important.

2 minutes 3) Position 2 will present their views and arguments. Position 1 will listen
QUIETLY to the views and arguments given and will WRITE DOWN points they
feel are important.

5 minutes 4) The two positions will clarify the arguments made. For example, you can ask
that a particular point be repeated, clarified, or further explained. This is a time for
QUESTIONING AND CLARIFYING, not ARGUING.

5 minutes 5) Teams will switch positions: teams will physically stand up and switch seats.
Teams will look over their notes and prepare several important points to support
their new position. NEW ARGUMENTS should be constructed if at all possible.

2 minutes 6) New position 2 will present their views and arguments. Position 1 will listen
QUIETLY to the views and arguments given and will WRITE DOWN points they
feel are important.

2 minutes 7) New position 1 will present their views and arguments. Position 2 will listen
QUIETLY to the views and arguments given and will WRITE DOWN points they
feel are important.

5 minutes 8) The two positions will clarify the arguments made. For example, you can ask
that a particular point be repeated, clarified, or further explained. This is a time for
QUESTIONING AND CLARIFYING, not ARGUING.

20 minutes 9) Teams will drop the assigned positions and try to reach a CONSENSUS. What
direction should Korea look and what reforms should it undertake? Teams should
generate alternatives and then choose one, thereby developing an understandable
and practical course of action. If after twenty minutes you cannot reach
consensus, then you will be asked to identify the important value(s) which are
dividing you.