K-12 Seminars

This seminar is designed to introduce K-12 educators across all subject areas to Taiwan’s rich history and cultural diversity. Created with educators in mind, participants will explore ways to integrate Taiwan’s unique cultural, political, and ecological narratives into their curriculum, enriching student engagement and promoting global awareness in subjects like history, literature, art, social studies, and science. This experience will include contact hours and provide a comprehensive resource package to help educators bring Taiwan’s stories and innovations to life in the classroom.

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.

The U.S. and China represent the two largest economies in the world, with deeply interconnected yet often competing interests. Their economic relationship involves trade, investment, and technology exchanges, shaped by regulatory, cultural, and geopolitical factors. This March 2025 workshop will explore the economic interdependencies between these two powers and provide a discussion into the impact of these unique yet interwoven economic landscapes.

This seminar equips K-12 educators with insights into China’s Cultural Revolution, a pivotal chapter in modern history. Designed for teachers, the program examines the period’s causes, events, and enduring effects through primary sources, firsthand accounts, and cultural artifacts. Participants will learn how to enrich lessons in history, government, economics, and the arts by incorporating the Cultural Revolution into their curriculum. This experience includes curated resources to help educators encourage critical thinking and global awareness while presenting this complex era in a meaningful way.

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.