Seminar leader: Melanie King, Art History faculty at Seattle Central College 

Art and Politics: Episodes in East Asian History will consider key moments in the history of East Asia as told through visual and literary responses by artists and writers of the time. Our approach will examine moments in the history of East Asia, beginning with a grounding in philosophical and religious traditions and their influence across space and time. Building on this foundation, we will examine representations and artistic responses to conflict, revolution, and war, which will lead us to a discussion of how we remember and memorialize the past. As we remember, whose stories are told? How do memorials help us remember or forget? Our study will also consider art movements and protests of change that are taking up issues with the government, international relations, the military, the environment, human rights, and a complex, interconnected history of East Asia.

Our course material will include primary and secondary source materials, art historical approaches, in addition to resources for inclusion in your classroom. No prior knowledge of the subject matter is required.

Seminar leader: Mary Roberts with guest segments led by authors, librarians and EARC master teacher, Oralee Kramer Hear from authors, librarians and fellow teachers and make children’s and young adult books on East Asia a part of your teaching tool kit.   Discover how authors do research for their books and how book titles and cover illustrations are selected.  Gain confidence in making close readings and exploring character motivations with your students.   Find out how to authenticate the reliability of the material and learn about new databases on children’s literature.  Using three separate books on East Asia, including Freeman Award winners, teachers will examine three different genres with frameworks to support students’ critical thinking and inquiry.  Please refer to the application for additional details and eligibility requirements.