Meiji Japan: From Feudalism to Modern Nation (September 23, 2024)

What the talk will cover: The Meiji Restoration (1868) marked a transformative era in Japan's history, transitioning from a feudal society ruled by the samurai to a centralized modern nation-state. Influenced by Western powers, Japan rapidly industrialized, adopting new technologies, political reforms, and social changes. This period saw the abolition of the class system, the establishment of a constitutional government, and the emergence of Japan as a formidable global power.

Overview: 

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. 

 
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Teaching the Japanese American Experience Through Primary Sources: Free One-Day Workshop for Educators at the Japanese American National Museum (October 26, 2024)

Join us for a free one-day workshop for educators at the Japanese American National Museum, hosted by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. This workshop will include a guided tour of the beloved exhibition Common Ground: The Heart of Community, slated to close permanently in January 2025. Following the tour, learn strategies for engaging students in the primary source artifacts, images, and documents found in JANM’s vast collection and discover classroom-ready resources to support teaching and learning about the Japanese American experience.

Overview: 
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM — 4:30 PM
Location: 100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost: FREE. The admission to the Japanese American National Museum and the docent tour will be covered by U.S.-China Institute.
Format: There is a presentation, Q&A session and a docent-led tour.
 
In this workshop, educators will:
     
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    Freeman Awards Book Talk: "An Echo in the City" by K.X. Song (November 13, 2024)

    Join us for an insightful book talk on An Echo in the City by KX Song, a powerful novel that offers a unique perspective on the 2019 Hong Kong extradition bill protests. Tailored for educators, this discussion will explore how the book’s themes of identity, belonging, and the personal cost of revolution can be integrated into the classroom. Learn how An Echo in the City can serve as a valuable tool for fostering critical discussions about global issues, cultural identity, and the power of individual agency among your students.

    Overview: 

    Join us for a profound exploration of An Echo in the City, a powerful novel by KX Song that immerses readers in the turbulent landscape of the 2019 Hong Kong extradition bill protests. Through the intertwining lives of Phoenix and Kai, the story offers a poignant reflection on identity, belonging, and the personal costs of revolution. This program is sponsored by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia with the special collaboration with the Freeman Book Awards.

     
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    Freeman Awards Book Talk- "Chinese Menu: The History, Myths and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods" (October 2, 2024)

    Join us for a book talk with the children's writer and illustrator Grace Lin, where K-12 educators will explore Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods. Lin will share how her book brings Chinese culinary traditions and culture to life through engaging stories and illustrations. Discover how this resource can enrich your classroom and promote cultural awareness among students. Don’t miss this chance to gain insights from the author herself!

    Overview: 

    Dive into the world of Grace Lin's Chinese Menu: The History, Myths and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods with our exclusive book talk with the author designed for K-12 educators! This engaging session will spotlight Lin's work, which brings to life the rich and diverse culinary traditions of China through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling. 

     
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    Learning and Teaching About the Japanese American Incarceration (October 26, 2024)

    Japan Society, the USC U.S.-China Institute and the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) are excited to offer a professional development workshop for K-12 educators.

    Overview: 
     
     
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    Free One-Day Workshop For Educators At The Huntington Library On Chinese Gardens with Philip Bloom (September 28, 2024)

    Join us for a free one-day workshop for educators at The Huntington Library on September 28, 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.

    Overview: 

    Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

     
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    Japanese Religions (October 8- November 12, 2024)

    Join the new 5-week online seminar on Japanese Religions! Designed specifically for educators, this course runs from October to November 2024 and offers a deep dive into the historical, cultural, and socio-political significance of Buddhism and Shintō in East Asia. Equip yourself with insights to effectively integrate diverse perspectives into your curriculum and instructional practices. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of East Asian religions!

    Overview: 

    Sessions meet on Tuesdays for the following dates: 10/8, 10/15, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12  

     
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    Understanding Korean Society Through Popular Culture (August 20- September 24, 2024)

    Discover the Korean Wave's impact in our seminar for educators! Learn how Korean films, K-pop, and other music genres captivate students worldwide. Explore the popularity of K-dramas and Korean TV shows. Delve into Webtoons, K-sports, and K-esports, bridging tradition and modern entertainment. Equip yourself with insights to engage and inspire your students with Korea's vibrant culture!

    Overview: 

    Sessions meet on Tuesdays for the following dates: 8/20, 8/27, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24 (skip September 3rd for the labor day weekend)

     
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    Spring Online Book Club Explores Taiwan via Graphic Novel /Manga (April 17th, 2024)

    Join us for an engaging book talk with graphic artist Mark Crilley as he shares his captivating graphic novel, "Lost in Taiwan." Designed specifically for K-12 educators, this innovative work takes readers on an immersive journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Taiwan.

     
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    The War for Chinese Talent in the United States

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    AI-generated image of a panda scientist working with an eagle scientist in a chemistry lab.
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    David Zweig examines China's talent recruitment efforts, particularly towards those scientists and engineers who left China for further study. U.S. universities, labs and companies have long brought in talent from China. Are such people still welcome?

     
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