Working with educators in elementary, middle, and high schools, and in colleges and universities, the Five College Center for East Asian Studies provides tools supporting the teaching of and learning about East Asian cultures. The Center draws on the resources of the Five College member campuses to conduct seminars, institutes, conferences, and workshops.

Did you know that the Freeman Foundation has funded NCTA for 25 years? We are grateful to the Foundation for understanding the importance of including East Asia in the curriculum. As a way to celebrate this anniversary and to thank the Foundation, the seven NCTA national coordinating sites, with the University of Pittsburgh taking the lead, produced this 8-minute NCTA 25th Anniversary video. 

Seminars

Three Frontiers of China: An Introduction to Tibet, Xinjiang, and Mongolia

October 1-22

"Frontiers" have held a critical geopolitical and cultural place in Chinese history and figure significantly in contemporary China's domestic policies, world view, and global relations. This three-part webinar/discussion course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to images and realities of three historical frontiers--now Autonomous Regions--Tibet, Xinjiang, and Mongolia. The course will introduce histories, cultures, national government policies, and current tensions and issues. Participants will take part in three webinars and have the opportunity to discuss topics and resources in online, asynchronous forums offered via Moodle. Our course instructor is Jonathan Lipman, History Professor Emeritus, Mt. Holyoke College. Dates: Live webinars October 1, 8, and 15, 2024. Asynchronous discussions take place each week from October 1-22, 2024. Stipend and Certificate of Completion for 15 hours of professional development will be provided for full participation.

Additional information and registration.

Webinars

A History of Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples and the State, with Prof. Kun-Hui Ku

Sept. 24, 7-8pm ET. Join Professor Kun-Hui Ku as she discusses Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and their relationship to the state through different historical periods, including Tsai Ing-wen’s apology on behalf of the state in 2016 and the new administration under William Lai. Kun-Hui Ku is professor of Anthropology at National Tsing Hua University where she is a committee member for the Center for World Austronesia and Indigenous Peoples. Professor Ku earned her PhD in Social Anthropology at King’s College, University of Cambridge, UK. Register here.

Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story with Co-Author/Illustrator Kōdo Kimura

Oct. 1, 7-8pm ET.  The Program for Teaching East Asia and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies offers a webinar with Kōdo Kimura, co-author and illustrator author of Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story.

Kōdo Kimura and his in-law and Newbery Honor author, Steve Sheinkin, collaborated to narrate and illustrate the memories of Kōdo’s mother, Yukie Kimura, when she lived as young girl on a small island off the coast of Nemuro, Hokkaido in the last two years of World War II. Reading about Yukie’s everyday life at home, school, and play, students gain understandings of Japanese geography and cultural aspects.

In this webinar, Mr. Kimura will share his process to share his mother’s story and the experiences of island life to young readers through both text and art.

Yukie’s Island has been recognized as a Freeman Book Award 2023 Of Note, a 2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Book, and a 2024 Bank Street Best Book of the Year. 

Register here.

Mai and the Missing Melon with Author Sonoko Sakai

Nov. 6, 7-8pm ET. The Program for Teaching East Asia and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies offers a webinar with Sonoko Sakai, author of Mai and the Missing Melon. Through Sonoko Sakai’s storytelling and Keiko Brodeur’s illustrations, this picture book takes the reader on a journey to Kamakura, Japan in the 1960s.

Following along Mai’s adventure, K-8 students can explore Japanese geography, food, culture, and history as well as the special relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter and the power of kindness. In this webinar, Ms. Sakai will share her stories behind Mai’s story, the book’s embedded folktale, and her storytelling style. Mai and the Missing Melon has been recognized as a Freeman Book Award 2023 Of Note.

Register here.

What is Nori? with Yoko Segerstrom

Nov. 12, 7-8pm ET. What do you know about seaweed? Join Yoko Segerstrom, who grew up in a family of Japanese nori (seaweed) farmers in Futtsu, Chiba, Japan, for a fascinating look at nori farming, types of nori, nori products, and more. This webinar will be of particular relevance to teachers interested in the environment, food production, and culinary arts.

Register here.

Young Library, Bass Hall, Room Y102

Smith College

Northampton, MA 01063