Center for East Asian Studies
Promoting East Asian Studies throughout the Northeast by supporting the teaching of East Asian cultures in K-12 schools and higher education.
Working with educators in elementary, middle, and high schools, and in colleges and universities, the Five College Center for East Asian Studies provides tools supporting the teaching of and learning about East Asian cultures. The Center draws on the resources of the Five College member campuses to conduct seminars, institutes, conferences, and workshops.
Celebrating 25 Years of NCTA
Did you know that the Freeman Foundation has funded NCTA for 25 years? We are grateful to the Foundation for understanding the importance of including East Asia in the curriculum. As a way to celebrate this anniversary and to thank the Foundation, the seven NCTA national coordinating sites, with the University of Pittsburgh taking the lead, produced this 8-minute NCTA 25th Anniversary video.
Upcoming Programs
Webinars
Mai and the Missing Melon with Author Sonoko Sakai
Nov. 6, 7-8pm ET. The Program for Teaching East Asia and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies offers a webinar with Sonoko Sakai, author of Mai and the Missing Melon. Through Sonoko Sakai’s storytelling and Keiko Brodeur’s illustrations, this picture book takes the reader on a journey to Kamakura, Japan in the 1960s.
Following along Mai’s adventure, K-8 students can explore Japanese geography, food, culture, and history as well as the special relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter and the power of kindness. In this webinar, Ms. Sakai will share her stories behind Mai’s story, the book’s embedded folktale, and her storytelling style. Mai and the Missing Melon has been recognized as a Freeman Book Award 2023 Of Note.
What is Nori? with Yoko Segerstrom
Nov. 12, 7-8pm ET. What do you know about seaweed? Join Yoko Segerstrom, who grew up in a family of Japanese nori (seaweed) farmers in Futtsu, Chiba, Japan, for a fascinating look at nori farming, types of nori, nori products, and more. This webinar will be of particular relevance to teachers interested in the environment, food production, and culinary arts.
Japanese, Russians and Ainu: Contacts before the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 with Dr. Viktor Shmagin
Jan. 28, 7-8pm ET. Join Dr. Viktor Shmagin for a fascinating look at interactions between Japanese, Russians and Ainu in Hokkaido prior to the 20th century. This webinar is part of the series of events commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Mass-Hokkaido Association.
Seminars
Modern China - Modern Japan - Modern Korea NCTA Virtual Seminar
January 8-February 12; February 19-March 19; March 26-April 30, 2024. Join us for a 3-module seminar on Modern East Asia. Participate in 1, 2 or all 3 modules. For each module, participants will receive materials, and upon completion of all module requirements, will receive a stipend and certificate of completion ($50 and 10 contact hours per module). Each module consists of weekly synchronous meetings and asynchronous online work. Facilitated by Wendy Wright. China Module: Jan. 8, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 6:30-8:00pm; Japan Module: Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 6:30-8:00pm; Korea Module: March 26, April 2, 9, 23, 30. Register separately for each module by clicking on the links above. Registration will remain open until each module is full. For in-service K-12 teachers in New England and New York only.
Summer Institute 2025
Ties that Bind: Honolulu
June 22-29, 2025
The Five College Center for East Asian Studies (FCCEAS) will conduct a summer institute in Honolulu, HI. Honolulu offers a unique opportunity to learn about China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea without needing a passport or worrying about currency exchange, but still with a dash of jet lag.
In this one-week NCTA Summer Institute, a maximum of 14 participants will explore Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese and Korean culture and history in Honolulu, with the goal of deepening their understanding of the connections between the U.S. and East Asia through the people, places and events found there--both in the past and the present. The institute will feature daily field trips, hands-on cultural experiences, and guided tours by local experts. Topics to be covered will include historical events in China, Japan and Korea with a Hawaii connection; where immigrants came from and why; current ties; prominent historical figures; and cultural identity. This institute is ideal for US History, World History and Geography teachers at the secondary level.
Additional information and application.
Study Tour to Taiwan
Layers of History and Identity
June 29-July 13, 2025
The Program for Teaching East Asia (TEA) at the University of Colorado Boulder and The Five College Center for East Asian Studies (FCCEAS) are organizing a two-week NCTA Study Tour to Taiwan. Fourteen participants will explore Taiwan's history and culture in Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The tour is open to full-time, in-service K-12 NCTA teacher alumni who have completed at least 20 hours of NCTA programming, ideally an introductory seminar. Participants must complete pre-departure online modules, attend an orientation webinar, and submit a follow-up curriculum project by Sept. 2, 2025.
More information and link to apply.
Receive the Weekly E-Bulletin
The Center publishes a weekly e-bulletin during the academic year. Each issue provides information about East Asia–related events, study and travel opportunities for teachers and their students, and educational resources. If you wish to receive the e-bulletin, please email: fcceas@fivecolleges.edu
Links to East Asia Departments at the Five College Campuses
Contacts
