Cultural Geography of Asia Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Students may address male-dominated traditions in some countries. They may address issues such as dowries, property rights, and inheritance rights. Their responses may also address literacy rates and equal access to educational resources.)

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Both China and Japan have compulsory education through middle school, literacy rates over 90%, and large numbers of students who attend college. In India, less than 10% attend university, and the literacy rate is less than 66%.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The Khmer Empire dominated the region from 800 – 1431. The empire mandated the practice of Hinduism, so the religion spread in the region during this time. The capital city, Angkor, was the largest pre-industrial city in the world. It was built on a man-made lake designed to control and store seasonal rains in order to produce enough food for the empire. It is also home to a large and elaborate temple.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Both China and Japan were isolated geographically. Japan is an island, China is surrounded by mountains and a desert, and both nations are halfway around the world from Europe and the Middle East. Neither country was extensively colonized by a European power, and China was so concerned about the influence of trade with Europe that the emperors cut off as much contact as possible. As a result, East Asian culture developed in isolation. There is little influence of Christianity or Islam in the region. China's Confuscianist ethical philosophy dominates in place of religion, although Buddhism is influential. Both languages, Chinese and Japanese, developed a very different writing style than that seen in Europe, and throughout the region, martial arts, theater with elaborate costumes, and traditional dress is quite different from what is seen in Europe.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Students might discuss India’s long-lasting caste system. Students might also discuss the country’s religious and colonial influences, or issues of women’s rights in the country.)