Past K-12 Seminars

Organized by the 1990 Institute and co-sponsored by the USC U.S.–China Institute, this seminar brings together educators and experts to explore how AI is reshaping global power, especially in the U.S.–China context. The session will examine the social, ethical, and geopolitical impacts of technology and offer strategies to promote digital literacy in a rapidly evolving world.

Join us at The Huntington Library on November 9, 2025, for a free one-day educator workshop examining Japan’s wartime history, diplomacy, and cultural influence. Featuring a keynote by Professor Tosh Minohara on World War II and U.S.–Japan relations, a session with Professor Miya Elise Desjardins on Japanese aesthetics and gardens in Southern California, and a guided tour of The Huntington’s Japanese Garden, this program offers educators fresh perspectives and classroom-ready insights on Japan’s global and local legacies.

China’s rise has already reshaped our world and its influence continues to grow. Many welcome this. Some worry about it. K-12 educators are encouraged to learn more about China and its global reach in this five week online course. It is aimed at equipping teachers to bring more about these vital developments into their own classrooms.

Join us for a morning of tranquility and cultural discovery. Learn the art of chanoyu and explore the rich material culture behind it—from teabowls and utensils to subtle aesthetics. This immersive experience is designed for educators to inspire new ideas and deepen cultural understanding in your classrooms.

Join us for an exciting webinar that brings the future to the forefront of classroom discussion through the lens of Chinese and Sinophone science fiction. This 90-minute professional development session will explore how speculative fiction reflects the global challenges of today while inspiring students to think critically and creatively about tomorrow.

Join us on October 8, 2025 for an engaging book talk on A Bánh Mì For Two by Trinity Nguyen, winner of the 2024 Freeman Book Award for Children’s Literature. Set in the bustling streets of Sài Gòn, this heartfelt young adult novel follows Lan, a devoted daughter hiding her passion for food blogging, and Vivi, a Vietnamese American student searching for her family’s roots. As the two girls navigate the city’s vibrant flavors and layered histories, they uncover identity, healing, and an unexpected romance.

This seminar invites K-12 educators across disciplines to explore Japan's modern literary legacy and cultural transformation. Tailored to educators, the program delves into Japan’s history, societal evolution, and literary milestones, offering strategies to integrate these themes into the classroom. By weaving Japan’s stories and creative voices into subjects like history, literature, art, and social studies, educators can inspire deeper engagement and global understanding among students. A comprehensive resource package and contact hours will equip participants to bring these narratives vividly to life.

Japan Society – Meiji Era: How Japanese Were Doing During 1868–1912 Join us for a 2-hour online seminar with Professor Mark Jones as he explores how Japanese society experienced daily life, cultural change, and historical upheaval during 1868-1912. While rooted in the legacy of the Meiji Era, this period saw Japan navigating modernization, war, and shifting global dynamics. Designed especially for educators in history, social studies, and cultural studies, this session offers valuable insights and context to enrich classroom teaching on modern Japan.

Join us for a special 2-hour online seminar with Professor Morgan Pitelka as he examines how Japan’s cultural traditions developed and transformed during the Edo period. Through the lenses of tea culture, the samurai, and garden design, Professor Pitelka will explore how these practices preserved heritage while also adapting to the rise of popular culture—driven by merchants, townspeople, and new art forms—in early modern Japan. This program offers rich historical and cultural insights for K–12 educators in history, art, literature, and cultural studies, providing globally relevant content and classroom-ready ideas.