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
Ukiyoe: History, Art and ELA
April 6, 9am-3pm. Workshop in person, Easthampton, MA. For in-service K-12 educators. In collaboration with Moonlit Sea Prints. Register here.
Webinar: Kai the Dancing Butterfly
April 11, 7-8pm ET. Open to anyone. Kai the Dancing Butterfly celebrates Taiwan's natural scenic wonders, amazing animal species, and incredible Indigenous cultures. This children's book is a marvelous read for all those who love Taiwan, or for those who'd like to learn more about Taiwanese culture. Presented by author Crystal Z. Lee. Register here.
Visit to the Hallyu! The Korean Wave Exhibit
May 4, Visit to the Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibit in person at the MFA in Boston. Registration opens March 11. For K-12 in-service educators.
2023 Freeman Book Award Winner-Graphic Novels for Middle and High School, The Boy from Clearwater, with translator Lin King
May 21, 7-8pm ET. Open to anyone. Join translator Lin King for a discussion of The Boy from Clearwater, winner of the 2023 Freeman Book Award for Middle and High School Graphic Novels. Register here.
Summer (May 27 to Sep. 2) Online Programs
Walking the Tokaido
Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will walk 318.9 miles (both virtually and the distance in reality) from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, stopping at ten required (and seven optional) milestones to complete readings, view webinars/videos, and respond to discussion prompts. This seminar is appropriate for those who are new to learning about Japan as well as those with previous knowledge and experience.
Notes: Accommodations are available for those who choose not to walk. Details will be provided to accepted participants. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all ten required units by September 2.
A sample Walking the Tōkaidō syllabus is available for download at www.fivecolleges.edu/walking-tokaido-curriculum; you will receive a syllabus specifically for the summer 2024 seminar in mid May. More information and application available March 11. For in-service K-12 educators. We have space for a few auditors. E-mail us if interested.
Cycling Taiwan
Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will cycle (both virtually and the distance in reality) 612.1 miles around Taiwan, stopping at twelve required milestones to complete readings, view webinars/videos, and respond to discussion prompts. This seminar is appropriate for those who are new to learning about Taiwan as well as those who have previous knowledge and experience.
Note: Some of the material is the same as previous FCCEAS Taiwan seminars. Participants from those previous seminars are welcome to apply for this seminar as we have greatly augmented and expanded those materials. Accommodations are available for those who choose not to cycle. Details will be provided to accepted participants. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all 12 required units by September 2. More information and application available March 11. For in-service K-12 educators. We have space for a few auditors; e-mail us if interested.
Precarious Japan 10-hour workshop
More information coming soon.
The African Samurai book group
More information coming soon.
The Three-Year Swim Club book group
More information coming soon.
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