Channel One News has gathered some of its best content about Asia from recent years to create a four-week-long short course. These videos and lesson plans introduce students to various Asian cultures, geography, history and geopolitical issues. The collected lesson plans help connect the history, people and modern-day issues of Asia to young people’s lives today. Recommended for grades 6–12.
original air date: 3.4.14
In Part 1 of our series on China, we explore how China became a superpower. Learn how Mao Zedong established the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and imposed communist ideals on the nation. After his death, new leaders opened the country up to the global economy. Our slideshow delves deeper into how China has been shaped by its leaders, from the time of dynastic rule through the modern day.
original air date: 3.12.14
In Part 2 of our series on China, we take a look at how China boosted its economy by producing cheap goods and is now the biggest trading nation. Our slideshow summarizes the long history of trade between China and the United States.
In Part 3 of our series on China, we meet with a high school student and her family to discuss how the rise of the middle class has affected the nation. We also examine the inequalities between the urban middle class and the rural poor. Our slideshow explains the reasons why many rural Chinese are moving to cities.
original air date: 3.18.14
In Part 4 of our series on China, we examine how China is building skyscrapers and infrastructure to support to support China’s growing middle class and how the building boom is creating a pollution problem. Our Media Literacy activity asks students to use an interactive website to analyze pollution levels around the world.
original air date: 3.26.14
In Part 5 of our series on China, we talk with young people in China about the changes that they want to see in the country, such as having more freedom. We also look back at the Tiananmen Square uprisings of 1989 in which protesters were killed for demanding a more open and democratic government. Our Write prompt asks students to write a short newscast about the history of censorship in China.
original air date: 4.2.14
In Part 6 of our series on China, we focus on the relationship between the United States and China, including clashes over environmental regulation, human rights laws, and intellectual property rights. We also explore how the two countries need each other. Our slideshow takes a look at how companies in China produce and sell fake versions of U.S. brands, violating international trade laws and hurting the U.S economy.
original air date: 12.11.17
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet and the reincarnation of Buddha, according to Buddhists. Yet, he cannot return to his home, the traditional region of Tibet, because China, which controls Tibet, sees him as a threat. Learn how Tenzin Gyatso was identified as the Dalai Lama when he was just a boy and how he grew up to become one of the most beloved leaders of the world.
original air date: 11.29.17
The first part of our two-part series on Korea explores the tensions between North Korea and the United States — and how that tension affects South Korea. Our slideshow explores how dividing Korea into two countries affected the region and led to the Korean War.
original air date: 11.30.17
The second part of our two-part series on Korea further explores how dividing Korea into two countries affected the region and how Kim Jong-un rules North Korea with an iron fist. Our slideshow explains the concept of juche — the belief system introduced by Kim Jong-un’s father that North Korea should exist in a state of complete and total self-reliance — and how it has shaped North Korea.
original air date: 1.18.18
The government of North Korea has complete control over media and access to information in the country. Channel One News meets one North Korean defector, Park Sang-hak, who is trying to bring information from around the world to North Korea — with balloons!
original air date: 10.14.15
North Korea is ruled by a dictator and cut off from the rest of the world. Channel One News interviews one young woman who managed to escape when she was a girl. She talks about having no access to electricity, running water, or any technology and how extreme hunger is common. Our slideshow looks at how the leader of North Korea maintains control over the people.
original air date: 8.20.15
Survivors of Hiroshima reflect on how the bombing affected them and Japan and discuss why it is important for younger generations to understand the power and danger of nuclear weapons. Our slideshow focuses the controversy over dropping the atomic bomb.
original air date: 9.26.17
In Part 1 of our series, we examine how British control of India had devastating consequences on the once independent and wealthy country. Peaceful resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi led to India’s independence, and today, India is one of the world’s most powerful democracies. Our Media Literacy activity has students analyze newspaper reports form 1947 about India’s independence.
original air date: 9.27.17
In Part 2 of our series, we look at how the British promoted discord between Hindus and Muslims in India in order to maintain control of India. The division was so deep that when India gained independence in 1947, the Hindus and Muslims split into separate countries — India and Pakistan — which led to a mass migration between the two new countries, chaos and violence. Today, India is one of the fastest growing economies, but tensions remain high between India and Pakistan. Our Media Literacy activity has students explore the website for the Gandhi Institute.
original air date: 11.13.17
Where is the Taj Mahal? In India, of course! The Taj Mahal was built between 1631 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan as the resting place for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous sites in the world. But that fame — and the visitors it attracts — brings pollution that is damaging to the marble building. What can India do to preserve this monument?
original air date: 10.09.14
Malala Yousafzai spoke out about education for girls in Pakistan and around the world. Because she spoke out, extremists shot her. But the shot that was meant to silence only strengthened her desire to fight for education for girls.
Where is Dahka? In Bangladesh! Bangladesh, a Muslim country, was once part of British-ruled India. Today, Bangladesh is home to 18 million people and is one of the poorest in the world. But the clothing industry, which makes of 80 percent of its economy, could lift the country out of poverty.
original air date: 10.24.17
On April, 1975, a Cambodian communist group called the Khmer Rouge — led by Pol Pot — took control of Cambodia. After taking power, the Khmer Rouge killed millions of Cambodians who did not fit their idea of what Cambodia should be. The genocide ended after four years, when the Khmer Rouge lost power.
original air date: 10.25.17
Part 2 of our series on the Cambodian Genocide focuses on the trials of Khmer Rouge members for the genocide and how the trials have affected the people of Cambodia. Our slideshow looks at how the people of Cambodia built a new country and government after the fall of the Khmer Rouge.
original air date: 11.17.17
Where is Angkor Wat? In Cambodia! Channel One News explores the history of Angkor Wat, which was built as a Hindu center of worship and later became a Buddhist temple — and today is a huge tourist attraction. Our slideshow delves deeper into how Angkor Wat was significant to different groups at different periods of time.
original air date: 11.19.14
Which country has the most Muslims? Indonesia! Channel One News explains how international trade routes of long ago transformed the once-predominantly Hindu country into the largest Muslim country in the world.
original air date: 5.5.15
Channel One News explores conservations efforts for saving the orangutan — found in nature only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra of Indonesia. Our slideshow explains how the expansion of palm plantations for producing palm oil destroys the natural habitat of the orangutan.
original air date: 5.6.15
Channel One News continues our series on orangutans with a focus on one group — the Sumatra Orangutan Conservation program — is trying to save orangutans from extinction. In our slideshow, we examine the family structure and social behaviors of orangutans.
original air date: 5.7.15
Channel One News wraps up our series on orangutans by examining how religious leaders in Indonesia have issued a fatwa to help protect the environment, including the orangutans. In our slideshow, we explore how other religious leaders have spoken out to protect the environment.
original air date: 2.7.17
Part 1 of our series on Myanmar explains how the country used to be closed to the outside world, but is now beginning to open up. Learn how international business is now bustling in the largest city in Myanmar, thought the nation is still one of the poorest in the world. Our slideshow gives an overview of the demographics and geography of the country.
original air date: 2.8.17
Part 2 of our series on Myanmar reviews how Myanmar has moved from a military dictatorship toward democracy — though some claim the country still has a long way to go. We also visit Myanmar’s capital, Naypyida — which is 40 times larger than Washington, D.C., and is located in an area that wall all jungle not long ago. Our Media Literacy activity focuses on why some people call Myanmar by its former name, Burma.
original air date: 2.9.17
Part 3 of our series on Myanmar focuses on the persecution of the Rohingya. The Rohingya are a group of about 1 million Muslims living in mostly Buddhist Myanmar. The Rohingya were stripped of their citizenship in the 1980s by the Myanmar government and are now a stateless people, forced to live in camps. Our slideshow looks at the origins of the Rohingya crisis.
original air date: 2.10.17
Part 4 of our series on Myanmar takes viewers inside the camps where the government forces the Rohingya to live. In the camps, people have no access to medical help and little access to food. Many around the world criticize the government for what is being called a genocide. Our Write prompt asks students to argue whether or not the international community should intervene to protect the Rohingya.
Learn more about Korea and the conflict between North and South Korea with these videos:
published on: 7.15.2010
published on: 6.15.2010