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
Visit to the Hallyu! The Korean Wave Exhibit
May 4, 10am-12:30pm. Visit to the Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibit in person at the MFA in Boston. Limited to K-12 in-service educators (including administrators and specialists). More information and registration.
2023 Freeman Book Award Winner-Graphic Novels for Middle and High School, The Boy from Clearwater,
with translator Lin King
May 21, 7-8pm ET. Open to anyone. Join translator Lin King for a discussion of The Boy from Clearwater, winner of the 2023 Freeman Book Award for Middle and High School Graphic Novels. Register here.
Taiwan: A Contested Democracy Under Threat,
with author Lev Nachman
May 22, 7:30-8:30pm ET. Open to anyone. Join us as Prof. Lev Nachman, National Chengchi University, Taiwan, discusses democracy in Taiwan. Register here.
Summer (May 27 to Sep. 2) Online Programs
Walking the Tokaido
This program is now full, but we are continuing to take names for the waitlist.
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.
Notes: Accommodations are available for those who choose not to walk. Details will be provided to accepted participants. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all ten required units by September 2.
A sample Walking the Tōkaidō syllabus is available for download at www.fivecolleges.edu/walking-tokaido-curriculum; you will receive a syllabus specifically for the summer 2024 seminar in mid May. For in-service K-12 educators. We have space for a few auditors. E-mail us if interested.
More information and application.
Cycling Taiwan
This program is now full, but we are continuing to take names for the waitlist.
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.
Note: Some of the material is the same as previous FCCEAS Taiwan seminars. Participants from those previous seminars are welcome to apply for this seminar as we have greatly augmented and expanded those materials. Accommodations are available for those who choose not to cycle. Details will be provided to accepted participants. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all 12 required units by September 2. For in-service K-12 educators. We have space for a few auditors; e-mail us if interested.
More information and application.
The Three-Year Swim Club book group
July 15-29
Asynchronous online (Moodle) discussion and three required webinars: July 18, 1-2pm ET, "The Phantom 1940 Tokyo Olympics", with Prof. Robin Kietlinski; July 22, 7-8pm ET, book group discussion; TBD Author Julie Checkoway and Prof. Kelly Nakamura. Participants are required to attend the July 22 discussion live. 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.
*The July 18 Robin Kietlinski and TBD Julie Checkoway webinars will not be limited to book group participants; anyone may attend. Registration for those webinars will be available soon.
Precarious Japan 10-hour workshop
More information coming soon.
The African Samurai book group
More information coming soon.
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