Activity 4-3

Activity 4-3: Perspectives of a Scholar in the Camps Through His Writings

Introduction

In this activity, students examine the writings of Stanford University Professor Yamato Ichihashi, who was incarcerated during World War II. His writings are contained in the book, Morning Glory, Evening Shadow, written by Professor Gordon Chang, also of Stanford University. Students are introduced to the importance of Ichihashi's writings in a letter to students written by Professor Chang.

Time

One to two class periods

Materials

Handout 4-3a: Letter from Professor Gordon Chang (one copy per group of three students)
Handout 4-3b: Diary Entry of 27 May 1942 (one copy per group of three students)
Handout 4-3c: Letter to Edgar Robinson (one copy per group of three students)
Handout 4-3d: Letter to Payson Treat (one copy per group of three students)

Download printer-friendly (PDF) file of Activity 4-3 handouts

Download printer-friendly (PDF) file of lesson page and activity procedures

Procedure

1. Download and print the PDF file of Activity 4-3 handouts. Make copies as indicated above.

2. Have students form groups of three. Point out to students that they will be examining the writings of one of the few scholars incarcerated during World War II.

3. Distribute copies of handout 4-3a: Letter from Professor Gordon Chang, to each group. Professor Chang wrote the book Morning Glory, Evening Shadow: Yamato Ichihashi and His Internment Writings, 1942–45, and has provided this letter to introduce students to Professor Ichihashi and to help them understand the importance of Ichihashi’s writings. Allow students 10 minutes to read this handout and discuss the questions included on the handout. Take a few minutes to discuss these questions as a whole class.

4. Mention to students that they will now have a chance to read either a diary entry or a letter written by Professor Ichihashi. Distribute one of the handouts 4-3b through 4-3d to groups of three students. Allow students a class period to read the handouts and to complete the small-group tasks.

5. Have each group to share the results of its group task.