Past K-12 Seminars

Join us for an insightful discussion on When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee, a poignant picture book that contrasts the Korean Demilitarized Zone’s natural beauty with its harsh reality of division. Hosted by Nancy Hope, Executive Director of the Freeman Book Awards, this event explores how the book’s themes—separation, resilience, and hope—can enrich classroom discussions. Sponsored by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, this program offers educators a powerful resource for teaching about history, borders, and the vision of reunification.

This seminar introduces K-12 educators to East Asia’s cultural and historical richness from the Neolithic period to 1800. Specifically crafted for educators, the course explores the region’s philosophical, historical, and artistic developments, offering ways to integrate these stories into teaching. Whether in history, literature, art, or social studies, participants will gain tools to inspire student curiosity and global perspective. With contact hours and a robust resource package, this program helps educators illuminate East Asia’s interconnected legacy.

This workshop is designed to introduce K-12 educators across all subject areas to the Chinese Garden ("Liu Fang Yuan"). It was created by teachers, for teachers. Participants will learn ways to incorporate these unique cultural assets into their curriculum, enriching student engagement and promoting cultural literacy across subjects like history, literature, art, science, and language. This experience will include contact hours and offer a full curriculum package centered on the cultural and educational potential of Chinese gardens.

Through this seminar, K-12 educators will discover Japan’s history as reflected in its material culture and rituals. The program highlights how objects—from samurai artifacts to Buddhist symbols—capture Japan’s values, traditions, and imagination. Educators across all subjects will find practical strategies to integrate these elements into lessons on history, art, literature, and social studies. Designed to foster student engagement and a broader cultural awareness, this course provides resources and techniques to convey Japan’s historical narrative vividly.

Join us for an engaging, educator-driven workshop at the Huntington Library’s stunning Chinese Garden, "Liu Fang Yuan," on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Designed for K-12 educators across all subjects, this hands-on workshop offers practical ways to incorporate the Huntington Library's unique resources into your curriculum, enriching lessons in history, art, literature, science, and more. Created by teachers, for teachers, this immersive experience allows participants to dive into group project development and curriculum-building activities that bring cultural literacy to life.

Join us for an engaging, educator-driven workshop at the Huntington Library’s stunning Chinese Garden, "Liu Fang Yuan," on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Designed for K-12 educators across all subjects, this hands-on workshop offers practical ways to incorporate the Huntington Library's unique resources into your curriculum, enriching lessons in history, art, literature, science, and more. Created by teachers, for teachers, this immersive experience allows participants to dive into group project development and curriculum-building activities that bring cultural literacy to life.

Japan Society and the USC U.S.-China Institute are excited to offer a professional development workshop for K-12 educators. It is offered in partnership with the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia and with support from the Freeman Foundation. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights from leading experts and explore educational resources that bring history to life and explore global issues.

Join the 1990 Institute and USC U.S.-China Institute for an illuminating two-part webinar series on China’s economic landscape. This series, designed with educators and the public in mind, provides a comprehensive view of the policy decisions, challenges, and societal impacts that have shaped China’s economy over the past four decades. The first session, titled “China's Economic Transformation: Policy, Challenges, & Domestic Impact,” is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 4 pm PT / 7 pm ET. In this initial session, expert speakers will delve into the evolution of China’s economy, focusing on the government’s role in its transformation, as well as key challenges such as rising national debt, unemployment, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will gain insights into how China’s policies are adapting to internal pressures, as well as the implications these changes have for everyday life in China. This session is tailored to equip educators with the context needed to discuss China’s economic developments in the classroom, fostering deeper understanding among students. The second session, taking place in March 2025, will expand the focus to examine how China's economic trajectory impacts the United States and the global community. Both sessions are free and open to secondary school educators and anyone interested in China's economic influence. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain practical insights from leading experts, including Dr. Susan Shirk and Dr. Feng Wang. Secure your spot today for “China's Economic Transformation: Policy, Challenges, & Domestic Impact” and join us in exploring this critical topic.