K-12 Seminars

Join us for a free one-day workshop for educators at The Huntington Library on November 9, 2025, hosted by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia and Japan Society. This enriching program will focus on the history, design, and cultural significance of The Huntington’s Japanese Garden, one of the most beloved and iconic landscapes in Southern California. Led by expert educators and garden specialists, the workshop will include a guided, inquiry-based tour of the Japanese Garden and discussions on how to bring East Asian garden aesthetics, history, and philosophy into the classroom. Participants will gain insight into how Japanese gardens reflect broader cultural values and historical developments—and how to connect these themes to art, literature, and social studies lessons. Attendees will receive classroom-ready teaching resources, a complimentary lunch, and a free pass for a future visit to The Huntington.

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.

Japan Society – Meiji Era: How Japanese Were Doing During 1931–1945 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 1931–1945. 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.

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.

Modern Japan Emerges: Tradition in Transition — Tea, Samurai, and Gardens in Japan’s 19th Century Join us for a 2-hour online seminar with Professor Morgan Pitelka as he explores how Japan’s rich cultural traditions evolved during a time of major political and social change. Focusing on tea culture, the samurai, and garden design, Professor Pitelka will shed light on how these practices both preserved heritage and adapted to Japan’s modernization in the 19th century. This seminar is ideal for K–12 educators in history, art, and cultural studies looking to expand their curriculum with engaging, globally relevant content.

Join us for a free one-day workshop for educators at The Huntington Library on September 20, 2024, hosted by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. This engaging event, led by Philip Bloom, June and Simon K.C. Li Curator of the Chinese Garden and Director of the Center for East Asian Garden Studies, offers a comprehensive introduction to Chinese gardens, including a lecture on Liu Fang Yuan and an inquiry-based docent tour. Participants will also receive educational resources, a free pass for a future visit, and a complimentary lunch.

Join us for a dynamic 10-week online seminar series exploring the major historical, cultural, and political developments in East Asia from 1800 to the present. Led by expert scholars from USC and UCLA, this program offers a rich, in-depth journey through key topics including early modern transformations, imperial encounters, revolutions, and the reshaping of East Asia in the modern world.

Join us for a fascinating five-week course that explores the key cultural moments, movements, and individuals who have shaped the urban and artistic landscapes of East Asia. Designed especially for middle school educators in history, art, geography, and cultural studies, this course invites participants to expand their global curriculum with compelling stories and case studies from China, Japan, and Korea.

Step into the world of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of our time. World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century brings the awe-inspiring legacy of China’s First Emperor to life with new findings that are reshaping what we know about the famed Terracotta Army. Hosted at the Bowers Museum, this special exhibition features newly unearthed artifacts and groundbreaking research from ongoing excavations in Xi’an, offering a rare opportunity to explore the historical, artistic, and cultural dimensions of this ancient wonder.

This half-day professional development event invites K–12 educators across disciplines to explore the history, exclusion, and resilience of Chinese Americans. Tailored to educators, the program highlights key moments in Chinese American history—from early immigration to contemporary identity—while introducing the acclaimed What Does It Mean to Be an American? curriculum. By integrating Chinese American narratives into subjects like history, civics, literature, and ethnic studies, educators can foster empathy, critical thinking, and a more inclusive understanding of the American experience. A comprehensive resource package and contact hours will support participants in bringing these powerful stories to life in the classroom.