“The Chinese Civil Service Exam System” by Ichisada Miyazaki Reading Questions & Discussion Prompts What evidence suggests that China’s society was highly patriarchal?

What were boys expected to learn and study as part of their preparations for the exams? List at least five things. (Hint: there are several examples from pgs. 288-290)

At what age did formal education begin?

How did some students and tutors find shortcuts to learning? How did the Chinese government react to these shortcuts?

How do students take shortcuts to learning today? Give an example.

What general purpose did the civil service exams play? Why did Sui rulers embrace this system?

What problems did the Chinese aristocracy cause?

What are some positive effects of the Tang Dynasty examination system?

What were some negative effects of the Tang Dynasty examination system?

How did the Sung (Song) Dynasty improve the examination system? Give three examples.

DISCUSSION TOPICS/THOUGHTS:
Pick five of the following questions to answer IN-DEPTH on a separate sheet of paper. These will help you organize your thoughts for our in-class discussion. Feel free to write down additional thoughts, feelings, or questions that you wish to include in the discussion.
How did the Chinese civil service exam influence Chinese cultural values, ideas, and education?
What effects did the examination system have on the goals and values of young people?
How was the civil service exam used to reinforce the patriarchy?
What are some differences between “third wave” Chinese and Western European civilizations?
Did the Chinese Civil Service Exam create a more democratic society?
What role does testing play in our society today?
How is modern testing culture in the West different from that in the East?
What influence does the Civil Service Exam continue to have on modern Chinese / East Asian societies?
Does modern testing culture create a more or less democratic society?
Is discrimination present in modern day testing practices? If so, how?
How has testing impacted your life? Is it a positive or negative influence? (Please explain your response and include examples)