Center for East Asian Studies
Promoting East Asian Studies throughout the Northeast by supporting the teaching of East Asian cultures in K-12 schools and higher education.
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.
Celebrating 25 Years of NCTA
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.
Upcoming Programs
Book Groups
African Samurai book group
June 24-July 2
Join us as we read African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan, by Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard. This book group is facilitated by Kelly McKee.
This group is now full and registration has been closed.
The Three-Year Swim Club book group
July 15-29
Asynchronous online (Moodle) discussion and three required webinars: July 16, 7-8pm ET, Author Julie Checkoway and Prof. Kelly Nakamura; July 18, 1-2pm ET, "The Phantom 1940 Tokyo Olympics", with Prof. Robin Kietlinski; July 22, 7-8pm ET, book group discussion. Participants are required to attend the July 22 discussion live via Zoom. Please check your schedule before signing up. Live participation in the July 18 and TBD webinars is strongly encouraged, but they will be recorded and may be viewed asynchronously.
More information and application.
Seminars
Precarious Japan
July 22-26
10-hour virtual mini-seminar, daily 10am-noon EDT via Zoom. With all the media emphasis on the growing influence of China, the Korean pop culture wave and the nuclear situation in North Korea, it is easy these days to overlook what is going on in contemporary Japan. This short summer seminar will examine selected critical issues in Japanese society such as current demographic trends, the experiences of various marginalized groups, the impact of “the lost decades”, the long term impact of the Triple Disaster and Japan’s relations with its neighbors. Facilitated by Lori Snyder.
Participants who complete all the mini-seminar requirements will receive a certificate of completion and a $100 stipend.
Webinars
The Three Year Swim Club and Soichi Sakamoto with Author Julie Checkoway and Prof. Kelli Nakamoto
July 16, 7-8pm ET. Author Julie Checkoway and Prof. Kelli Nakamoto discuss The Three Year Swim Club and Soichi Sakamoto. This webinar is part of The Three Year Swim Club book group, but we welcome anyone to participate. Registration link.
The Phantom 1940 Tokyo Olympics, with Prof. Robin Kietlinski
July 18, 1-2pm ET. This webinar is part of The Three Year Swim Club book group, but we welcome anyone to participate. Registration link.
Agriculture and Agricultural Products in Taiwan, with Prof. James Lin
July 23, 1-2pm ET. This webinar is part of the Cycling Taiwan program, but we welcome anyone to participate. Registration link.
Summer Online Programs
Walking the Tokaido (May 27-Sept. 2)
This program is now full, but feel free to read about it below.
Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will walk 318.9 miles (both virtually and the distance in reality) from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, stopping at ten required (and seven optional) milestones to complete readings, view webinars/videos, and respond to discussion prompts. This seminar is appropriate for those who are new to learning about Japan as well as those with previous knowledge and experience.
Cycling Taiwan (May 27-Sept. 2)
This program is now full, but feel free to read about it below.
Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will cycle (both virtually and the distance in reality) 612.1 miles around Taiwan, stopping at twelve required milestones to complete readings, view webinars/videos, and respond to discussion prompts. This seminar is appropriate for those who are new to learning about Taiwan as well as those who have previous knowledge and experience.
Receive the Weekly E-Bulletin
The Center publishes a weekly e-bulletin during the academic year. Each issue provides information about East Asia–related events, study and travel opportunities for teachers and their students, and educational resources. If you wish to receive the e-bulletin, please email: fcceas@fivecolleges.edu
Links to East Asia Departments at the Five College Campuses
Contacts
