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Digital Humanities Component

     The digital humanities component was definitely one of my favorite parts of this class. I appreciated learning about these tools and having a large variety to choose from when working on our research excursions. I also appreciated using Neatline, Voyant, and StoryMap JS. Overall, all of the digital humanities tools were unique in their own way and I definitely appreciate how each differed from each other and allowed us to be creative with our research. My favorite digital humanities tool would definitely either be Omeka or Timeline JS. I guess I would say these are my favorite because they are easy to navigate which is one of the reasons why I am including both tools in my final printing press project. I appreciated seeing the work of my classmates as well because it opens my eyes to how we can customize these sites and make them our own.                Learning about these tools also allowed me to practice my listening skills and I was able to practice my ability to carry out dir
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Literatures of the World Reflection

         Now that our 20 week course is at the end, I will reflect on my thoughts and surprise regarding this class. I appreciate the class dynamic we had as our discussions felt safe, and we were free to add any commentary on the particular topic we were focusing on. The most unexpected thing about this course would definitely be the grading contract because many of my other classes in college and mainly in high school had multiple tests regarding the novels we were reading at the time. For example, in AP English Lit, we would have weekly quizzes on the designated chapters that were assigned to read, but in this class our discussions allow us to go over many concepts and themes without having the stress of a quiz.  I appreciated the discussions a lot because I was able to listen to the thoughts and opinions of everyone which is something I did not get in high school. I also was not expecting to learn about the digital exhibits in this class, but that was a highlight from this class as
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Relationship Between Korea and Japan

  As I have been reading this novel, I have made some connections between the different relationships and how these relationship dynamics are similar or different from each other. To begin comparing and contrasting Sunja and Hansu’s relationship to Akiko and Noa’s relationship, Sunja is a Korean woman and Hansu is a Korean man. In Akiko and Noa’s relationship, we all understand that Akiko is Japanese and Noa is Korean. The upbringings of these characters definitely differ as well because Yumi comes from a very poor family with many issues, and Akiko grew up in a very wealthy family where her issues during her childhood do not compare to any of the experiences Akiko faced as she was growing up.       I do realize that as a Japanese woman, Akiko’s “issues” she faces do not compare to the issues some of the other characters have faced and are currently facing in their lives. Akiko should be content as a Japanese woman in Japan, but of course she must become a savior and be with Noa in ord
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Yumi's Quote

  When Mozasu’s wife described being Korean as "just another horrible encumbrance, much like being poor or having a shameful family you could not cast off. Why would she ever live there? But she could not imagine clinging to Japan, which was like a beloved stepmother who refused to love you,” I was shocked, but after thinking more about the deeper meaning, I understand why she stated that. Yumi describes Japan as a “beloved stepmother who refused to love you” which is very significant and highlights Yumi’s relationship with Japan as a whole. Stepmothers are not blood related and the connection is not direct which is how Yumi feels about Japan. She does not feel close to Japan and she also feels detached. Yumi does have respect for Japan as she states “beloved stepmother,” but she also does not have a deep connection with japan simply as some stepmother to child relationships are. Yumi also could not imagine clinging to Japan because as much as she could connect to Japan and get co
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Biblical Names in Pachinko

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  I believe Min Jin Lee included these biblical names not only to spread awareness of the names coming from the bible, but to show the impact Christianity had on everyone during this time. I also recognized that only the male names were included in the text as the female names did not have any association with women in the bible. This is very interesting to me, and I believe the families chose to name their sons after biblical figures to have more importance and the women were plain and not as important as the men which made sense due to the gender roles during this time. I recognize the versions of Biblical names included in this novel, but I primarily would like to focus on Isak(Isaac in the bible). In the bible, Isaac was very loyal as he followed the commands from God and he was an amazing husband to his wife Rebekah. He also has two sons, and these sons were miracles because it took a large amount of prayer and time for them to eventually be born. After quickly learning about Isaa
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Gender in Pachinko

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  Over time, I definitely noticed various patterns regarding gender roles. One main issue I noticed regarding gender roles in the novel relates to the role a woman has regarding working, as women during this time primarily stayed at home and took care of the children as well as preparing meals for their husbands. The men were expected to go to work every day to provide for their families, and this was an expected duty as being a caretaker is an expected duty of women. One main difference I noticed between Sunja and Kyunghee is how it was okay for Sunja to work outside the home due to her status as a woman, but Kyunghee wa to remain in the home. One passage I would like to focus on is on page 123 when the novel speaks about Kyunghee’s dream of owning her own kimchi business. It states,” Kyunghee’s dream was to own her own business selling kimchi and pickles… Yoseb disapproved of her working for money. He liked coming home to a rested and pretty housewife who had his supper ready–an idea
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Sunja's Relationship with Hansu and Isak

     Although Hansu and Isak both have different relationships with Sunja, while reading, I could definitely tell who Sunja truly likes more and who she wants to be with. Both men differ from each other in different ways, but Hansu is on the wealthier side and he is very powerful, but he is seen as a hero to Sunja due to him saving her from the high schoolers. When Sunja speaks about Hansu, she speaks in a manner that shows her appreciation and affection towards him, but when she speaks about him there is a sense of love and adoration that is not present when she speaks about Isak. In the novel I believe it mentions that when Sunja is with Hansu, she feels like time goes by too quickly which shows the deep connection they have. On the other hand, Isak is a bit more basic and he does not cause issues, but he is seen as a stereotypical husband that does not invoke feelings from his wife, creating an almost bland marriage. With Isak, it seems like Sunja only loved him because she is his w
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