Category Archives: Brock M. Erdahl

Outreach Coordinator, The Middle Ground Journal. Teaching Assistant, United International College, China. The College of St. Scholastica class of 2012, majored in history, political science, global, cultural, and language studies, and Catholic studies and minored in French.

by | January 6, 2016 · 4:03 AM

Meet Our NSR Student Editors — Brock Erdahl, Senior Editor. The North Star Reports: Global Citizenship and Digital Literacy, at NorthStarReports.org and facebook.com/NorthStarReports

Meet Our NSR Student Editors — Brock Erdahl, Senior Editor. The North Star Reports: Global Citizenship and Digital Literacy, at NorthStarReports.org and facebook.com/NorthStarReports

North Star Reports - Jama Masjid Profile Pic

My name is Brock Erdahl. I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with majors in History, Political Science, Global, Cultural, and Language Studies, and Catholic Studies and a minor in French in 2012. My involvement with the Middle Ground Journal and North Star Reports began in 2011.

I was born, raised, and educated in Duluth, Minnesota, which gave me a lasting appreciation of natural beauty. For about as long as I can remember, I have been interested in world history, international relations, and foreign languages and cultures. These interests inspired my academic pursuits and professional ambitions. Although I did not venture beyond the Great Lakes region before my twentieth birthday, I have made up for lost time by traveling the world and relocating in Zhuhai, China, where I have spent more than three years working at an international college. I find my job to be especially exciting and rewarding since every day presents me with a new opportunity to engage my students in discussion and gain new insights into American and Chinese culture.

The abovementioned interests are also what led me to the MGJ and NSR. I am enthusiastic about volunteering for the latter since it offers students a unique opportunity to share their experiences with and express their ideas on various global and historical issues. This sharing gives readers a window on a small part of different times and places. Hopefully, they also encourage readers to seek out further information on topics of interest, start conversations about what they have learned, and write their own articles for the NSR. This process not only helps me to learn more about the world and history but also reminds me why I loved these academic fields in the first place.
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Please contact Professor Liang if you wish to write for The North Star Reports — HLIANG (at) css.edu

See also, our Facebook page with curated news articles at http://www.facebook.com/NorthStarReports
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The North Star Reports: Global Citizenship and Digital Literacy (http://NorthStarReports.org) is a student edited and student authored open access publication centered around the themes of global and historical connections. Our abiding philosophy is that those of us who are fortunate enough to receive an education and to travel our planet are ethically bound to share our knowledge with those who cannot afford to do so. Therefore, creating virtual and actual communities of learning between college and K-12 classes are integral to our mission. In five semesters we have published 200 articles covering all habitable continents and a variety of topics ranging from history and politics, food and popular culture, to global inequities to complex identities. These articles are read by K-12 and college students. Our student editors and writers come from all parts of the campus, from Nursing to Biology, Physical Therapy to Business, and remarkably, many of our student editors and writers have long graduated from college. We also have writers and editors from other colleges and universities. In addition to our main site, we also curate a Facebook page dedicated to annotated news articles selected by our student editors (http://www.facebook.com/NorthStarReports). This is done by an all volunteer staff. We have a frugal cash budget, and we donate much of our time and talent to this project. We are sponsored by St. Scholastica’s Department of History and Politics and by the scholarly Middle Ground Journal: World History and Global Studies (http://theMiddleGroundJournal.org).

For a brief summary, please see the American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History, at: http://www.historians.org/perspectives/issues/2013/1305/Opening-The-Middle-Ground-Journal.cfm

Hong-Ming Liang, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, The North Star Reports; Chief Editor, The Middle Ground Journal; Associate Professor of History and Politics, The College of St. Scholastica.

Kathryn Marquis Hirsch, Managing Editor, The North Star Reports.

(c) 2012-present The North Star Reports: Global Citizenship and Digital Literacy http://NorthStarReports.org ISSN: 2377-908X The NSR is sponsored and published by Professor Hong-Ming Liang, NSR Student Editors and Writers, The Department of History and Politics of The College of St. Scholastica, and the scholarly Middle Ground Journal. See Masthead for our not-for-profit educational open- access policy. K-12 teachers, if you are using these reports for your classes, please contact editor-in-chief Professor Liang at HLIANG (at) css.edu

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by | October 25, 2013 · 12:10 PM

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Thirteen — Martyr’s Park, China, by Brock Erdahl

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Thirteen — Martyr’s Park, China, by Brock Erdahl

Martyr’s Park

Martyrs Park 2

Like any other country in the world, wars and other military conflicts have played an important role in shaping Chinese national identity and historical memory.  The influence of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and Chinese Civil War (1927-1936 and 1946-1950) are particularly strong due to their proximity to the present and the involvement of the Chinese Communist Party in both.  The veterans of these two wars are remembered today as heroes who helped to end the country’s century of humiliation at the hands of foreign invaders and establish communism in China.  Martyrs Park, which is located across the road from a shopping mall in downtown Zhuhai, pays tribute to these veterans.  It contains a series of tombstones, statues, relief, and small museum that connects local history with that of China at large.

Martyrs Park 1

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For all of the North Star Project 2013-2014 Reports, see https://mgjnorthstarproject.wordpress.com/

For all of the North Star Project 2013 Summer Reports, see http://www2.css.edu/app/depts/HIS/historyjournal/index.cfm?cat=10

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The North Star Project: Collaboration between The Middle Ground Journal Student Interns, The College of St. Scholastica, and North Star Academy 8th Grade Global Studies Classes, 2013-2014 School Year Reports.

Under the leadership of our North Star host teachers and student interns, The North Star Project has flourished for two years. For a brief summary, please see a recent article in the American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History, at:

http://www.historians.org/perspectives/issues/2013/1305/Opening-The-Middle-Ground-Journal.cfm

Having re-tooled and re-designed the collaborative program, we are drawing on the experience of our veteran student interns, ideas from our host teachers, and new projects provided by our incoming student interns. This school year The Middle Ground Journal will share brief dispatches from our North Star Project student interns, particularly from those who are currently stationed, or will soon be stationed abroad. As of the time of this report we have confirmed student interns who will be reporting from Mongolia, Southern China, Shanghai, northeastern China, The Netherlands, Tanzania, Ireland, England, Finland, Russia, and Haiti. We also have students developing presentations on theatrical representations of historical trauma, historical memory, the price individuals pay during tragic global conflicts, and different perceptions of current events from around the world.  We will post their brief dispatches here, and report on their interactions with the North Star students and teachers throughout the school year.

Hong-Ming Liang, Chief Editor, The Middle Ground Journal, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN, USA, 2013-2014 School Year

(c) 2013 The Middle Ground Journal, Number 7, Fall, 2013. See Submission Guidelines page for the journal’s not-for-profit educational open-access policy.

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by | October 9, 2013 · 1:17 PM

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Nine — New Yuan Ming Palace, China, by Brock Erdahl

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Nine — New Yuan Ming Palace, China, by Brock Erdahl

4. New Yuan Ming Palace

New Yuanming 2

In addition to restoring sites destroyed in the recent past, the creation of popular landmarks from around the world.  In fact, there are whole parks devoted to such reproductions in both Beijing and Shenzhen.  An amusement park in Zhuhai has one such reproduction.  The New Yuan Ming Palace is a partial reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace, a complex comprised of many buildings and gardens that was built in Beijing during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).  The original building was burnt to the ground by British and French troops at the conclusion of the Second Opium War (1856-1860).  It was never rebuilt and its ruins can still be seen in Beijing today.  The New Yuan Ming Palace, however, offers visitors a chance to catch a glimpse of the past glories of the complex as well as enjoy modern diversions, such as amusement park rides and a water-park, that were unthinkable for the emperors of old.

New Yuanming 1

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For all of the North Star Project 2013-2014 Reports, see https://mgjnorthstarproject.wordpress.com/

For all of the North Star Project 2013 Summer Reports, see http://www2.css.edu/app/depts/HIS/historyjournal/index.cfm?cat=10
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The North Star Project: Collaboration between The Middle Ground Journal Student Interns, The College of St. Scholastica, and North Star Academy 8th Grade Global Studies Classes, 2013-2014 School Year Reports.

Under the leadership of our North Star host teachers and student interns, The North Star Project has flourished for two years. For a brief summary, please see a recent article in the American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History, at:

http://www.historians.org/perspectives/issues/2013/1305/Opening-The-Middle-Ground-Journal.cfm

Having re-tooled and re-designed the collaborative program, we are drawing on the experience of our veteran student interns, ideas from our host teachers, and new projects provided by our incoming student interns. This school year The Middle Ground Journal will share brief dispatches from our North Star Project student interns, particularly from those who are currently stationed, or will soon be stationed abroad. As of the time of this report we have confirmed student interns who will be reporting from Mongolia, Southern China, Shanghai, northeastern China, The Netherlands, Tanzania, Ireland, England, Finland, Russia, and Haiti. We also have students developing presentations on theatrical representations of historical trauma, historical memory, the price individuals pay during tragic global conflicts, and different perceptions of current events from around the world.  We will post their brief dispatches here, and report on their interactions with the North Star students and teachers throughout the school year.

Hong-Ming Liang, Chief Editor, The Middle Ground Journal, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN, USA, 2013-2014 School Year

(c) 2013 The Middle Ground Journal, Number 7, Fall, 2013. See Submission Guidelines page for the journal’s not-for-profit educational open-access policy.

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by | September 30, 2013 · 8:52 PM

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Six — Jintai Temple, China, by Brock Erdahl

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Six — Jintai Temple, China, by Brock Erdahl

3. Jintai Temple

Jintai Temple 2

Buddhism has flourished in China since ancient times.  Over the centuries, a multitude of temples, monasteries, statues, and other invaluable sites and artifacts were created across the country.  Unfortunately, many of them were destroyed in whole or in part during the tumultuous period between the 1840s and 1970s.  The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) proved to be especially devastating.  Historical and religious relics of all sorts were demolished during this period in order to distance China from its supposedly shameful past, eliminate worldviews other than Maoism, and hasten the appearance of a communist utopia.  Jintai Temple, which was originally constructed in the south of Zhuhai during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), suffered the fate described above, though its ruin actually predated the Cultural Revolution.  Today it has been reconstructed and currently serves as a monastery, place of worship, and, for better or for worse, tourist attraction.  Similar renovations have been made to many other damaged sites of historical, cultural, or religious significance throughout China over the last three decades.

Jintai Temple 1

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For all of the North Star Project 2013-2014 Reports, see https://mgjnorthstarproject.wordpress.com/

For all of the North Star Project 2013 Summer Reports, see http://www2.css.edu/app/depts/HIS/historyjournal/index.cfm?cat=10

—

The North Star Project: Collaboration between The Middle Ground Journal Student Interns, The College of St. Scholastica, and North Star Academy 8th Grade Global Studies Classes, 2013-2014 School Year Reports.

Under the leadership of our North Star host teachers and student interns, The North Star Project has flourished for two years. For a brief summary, please see a recent article in the American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History, at:

http://www.historians.org/perspectives/issues/2013/1305/Opening-The-Middle-Ground-Journal.cfm

Having re-tooled and re-designed the collaborative program, we are drawing on the experience of our veteran student interns, ideas from our host teachers, and new projects provided by our incoming student interns. This school year The Middle Ground Journal will share brief dispatches from our North Star Project student interns, particularly from those who are currently stationed, or will soon be stationed abroad. As of the time of this report we have confirmed student interns who will be reporting from Mongolia, Southern China, Shanghai, northeastern China, The Netherlands, Tanzania, Ireland, England, Finland, Russia, and Haiti. We also have students developing presentations on theatrical representations of historical trauma, historical memory, the price individuals pay during tragic global conflicts, and different perceptions of current events from around the world.  We will post their brief dispatches here, and report on their interactions with the North Star students and teachers throughout the school year.

Hong-Ming Liang, Chief Editor, The Middle Ground Journal, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN, USA, 2013-2014 School Year

(c) 2013 The Middle Ground Journal, Number 7, Fall, 2013. See Submission Guidelines page for the journal’s not-for-profit educational open-access policy.

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by | September 24, 2013 · 10:02 AM

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Two — Qi’ao Island, China, Brock Erdahl

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Two — Qiao Island, China, Brock Erdahl
By Brock Erdahl

2.    Qi’ao Island
Zhuhai’s not so distant past has not faded away entirely.  Qi’ao Island, which is located at the northern end of the city, still contains some tiny villages that eke out a living thanks to farming, fishing, and tourism.  In spite of its impressive economic growth over the last three decades and the fact that this growth has helped to raise the living standards of every Chinese citizen in one way or another, income inequality remains a serious problem throughout China.  Even in the most prosperous parts of the country, it is still startlingly common to see abject poverty and extravagant wealth existing side-by-side.

Qi'ao Island 1

Qi’ao Island is also notable for White Stone Street.  Prior to the First Opium War (1839-1842), the villagers of the island fought against and prevailed over British opium smugglers.  The indemnity subsequently provided to the villagers was used to pave the street with white stones.  Given the humiliation of Chinese sovereignty being repeatedly infringed upon by opium smugglers throughout the 19th century and the Qing Dynasty’s (1644-1912) defeat at the hands of British and French forces in two wars over this matter, the battle at Qi’ao is understandably remembered quite favorably today.  The city of Zhuhai even decided to commemorate it with statues.
Qi'ao Island 2

For all of the North Star Project 2013-2014 Reports, see https://mgjnorthstarproject.wordpress.com/

For all of the North Star Project 2013 Summer Reports, see http://www2.css.edu/app/depts/HIS/historyjournal/index.cfm?cat=10

—

The North Star Project: Collaboration between The Middle Ground Journal Student Interns, The College of St. Scholastica, and North Star Academy 8th Grade Global Studies Classes, 2013-2014 School Year Reports.

Under the leadership of our North Star host teachers and student interns, The North Star Project has flourished for two years. For a brief summary, please see a recent article in the American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History, at:

http://www.historians.org/perspectives/issues/2013/1305/Opening-The-Middle-Ground-Journal.cfm

Having re-tooled and re-designed the collaborative program, we are drawing on the experience of our veteran student interns, ideas from our host teachers, and new projects provided by our incoming student interns. This school year The Middle Ground Journal will share brief dispatches from our North Star Project student interns, particularly from those who are currently stationed, or will soon be stationed abroad. As of the time of this report we have confirmed student interns who will be reporting from Mongolia, Southern China, Shanghai, northeastern China, The Netherlands, Tanzania, Ireland, England, Finland, Russia, and Haiti. We also have students developing presentations on theatrical representations of historical trauma, historical memory, the price individuals pay during tragic global conflicts, and different perceptions of current events from around the world.  We will post their brief dispatches here, and report on their interactions with the North Star students and teachers throughout the school year.

Hong-Ming Liang, Chief Editor, The Middle Ground Journal, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN, USA, 2013-2014 School Year

(c) 2013 The Middle Ground Journal, Number 7, Fall, 2013. See Submission Guidelines page for the journal’s not-for-profit educational open-access policy.

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