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Taiwan and the World (Thursdays, May 1 - May 29, 2025)

Session(s) date

Session(s) date: 
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 4:00pm to Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 5:00pm

This seminar for educators provides an in-depth exploration of Taiwan's rich history and diverse cultural landscape. Covering periods from early indigenous cultures to modern democratic governance, the course offers insights into Taiwan's unique political status and its significant technological advancements. Participants will delve into the dynamic intersections of culture, economy, and environmental literature, with a special focus on Taiwan's geopolitical narratives and ecological contexts. This seminar is particularly beneficial for those teaching history, social studies, art, and literature.

Instruction is provided by the distinguished scholar Dr. Ian Rowen. In addition to giving educators a solid foundation for understanding Taiwan, the seminar emphasizes ways to bring the island’s rich history, cultural dynamics, and geopolitical contexts alive for K-12 students. Participants are supplied with a variety of primary sources, film recommendations, and web resources. The seminar supports national education standards, making it a valuable resource for teachers aiming to enhance their curriculum with engaging and relevant content.

The course is sponsored by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. Funding from the Freeman Foundation enables us to offer the seminar for K-12 educators.

 

The online seminar includes:
  • Video presentations (1 hour/week) that you watch on your own schedule

  • Background and primary source readings

  • Mandatory online forum participation

  • 5 Weekly live online discussion with the specialist for that topic

Benefits:
  • 1 salary points for Los Angeles Unified School District.

  • For all other districts, 3 Continuing Education Units (processing fee applicable)

  • Online resources and materials

Register here! 

Schedule:

The seminar live discusssions will be held virtually on Thursday for the following dates (5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29). Reading assignments and pre-recorded lectures for each week will be available in an online forum and are to be completed prior to the discussion sessions. Access and log-in information will be provided upon acceptance into the course. Please refer to the Seminar Requirements Document for details on assignments and course completion.

Session

Date

Speakers/Topics

1

5/1

Introduction to East Asian Cultural Dynamics focusing on Taiwan

2

5/8

Capitalist Surrealism and Global Exchange

3

5/15

Political Systems and Ideological Conflicts

4

5/22

Taiwanese Ecological and Political Landscapes

5

5/29

Transnational Literature and Cultural Exchange