How did an island roughly the size of Indiana become the flashpoint of a tense geopolitical standoff pitting China’s aggressive territorial claims against Taiwan’s stubborn claim of independence? In Rebel Island, Jonathan Clements examines the complicated history of the island, providing a helpful context for understanding the conflict and what is at stake for this diverse and proud nation.
“Jonathan Clements examines the unique conditions of Taiwan’s archaeology and indigenous history, and its days as a Dutch and Spanish trading post. He delves into its periods as an independent kingdom, Chinese province, and short-lived republic, and the transformations wrought by 50 years as part of the Japanese Empire. He examines the traumatic effects of its role as a lifeboat in 1949 for two million refugees from Communism, and the conflicts emerging after the suspension of four decades of martial law, as its people debate issues of self-determination, independence, and home rule. Rebel Island is an essential guide to Taiwan’s past and present, providing invaluable context at a time of escalating tension over its future.”
This free discussion group will be conducted asynchronously (using the Proboards platform) beginning January 26 (with a first post due February 3), and will continue through April 14 in eleven one-week modules. Two optional live discussions will be offered on Zoom: March 3 and April 14.
This discussion group is for NCTA Alumni in the University of Pittsburgh Coordinating Site region (PA, OH, MI, WV, MD, AL, MN, DE, LA, IL, KY)
For Pennsylvania teachers, completion of this book discussion will be worth fourteen Act 48 hours. For teachers in other states, we can provide you with a certificate of completion.
All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
After you register, we will send you a confirmation email and will (depending on your response below) a complimentary copy of the book. You will also receive information on logging on to the Proboards Discussion Board site and a schedule of the readings and assignments.
Deadline to apply for this Book Group is January 10, 2025
