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.

Did you know that the Freeman Foundation has funded NCTA for 28 years? We are grateful to the Foundation for understanding the importance of including East Asia in the curriculum. In celebration of 25 years, the seven NCTA national coordinating sites, with the University of Pittsburgh taking the lead, produced this 8-minute NCTA 25th Anniversary video. 

Webinars

Oct. 13, 7-8pm ET, Wild Greens, Beautiful Girl, with author Erica Lee Schlaikjer, Register here. On the eastern plains of Taiwan, a young girl and her mother pick wild greens before a rainstorm drenches them and their garden. When she goes to pull at the roots of a spiky, stalky weed, she learns that the plant is not what it seems. A lyrical story that shows young readers how to appreciate the bounty of nature and the beauty of identity. Chinese and Pinyin translations are included in pages and backmatter features additional information on the indigenous Amis people of Taiwan. 

Submit a request here for a copy of this book. Books will be sent after the webinar. Must attend and be attentive to receive a book.

Oct. 27, 7-8pm ET, Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce, with author Andrea Wang, Register here.  Born in Canton, China, Joseph Pierce's journey began when he was traded for six silver coins as a child. He embarked on a months-long voyage to Connecticut, where he was raised by a ship captain and his family in the 1850s. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Joseph was determined to prove his worth. He enlisted in the Union Army, fighting bravely in key battles such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Appomattox, and ultimately became an American citizen and a true American hero.

Oct. 29, 7-8pm ET, Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp, with author Jolene Gutiérrez. CO TEA and FCCEAS. Register here.

Nov. 4, 7-8pm ET, Exploring Handscrolls: Tradition and Transmission, with Melanie King, Register here. In this session we will examine the historical and contemporary significance of the handscroll within an East Asian context. Through a deep dive into this singular, yet dynamic format, we will consider it as an artistic creation, a transmitter of culture, religion, and tradition that continues to play an important role in contemporary art historical productions.

Please note: this presentation will not be recorded.

Nov. 7, 10am ET. Miss Kathi: Saving Lives in North Korea, with authors Kathi Zellweger and Mike Chinoy. Register here. North Korea is one of the world’s poorest and most reclusive countries, and one of the most challenging places to deliver humanitarian aid. Yet for nearly three decades, Swiss aid worker Kathi Zellweger has been traveling to North Korea, providing aid during 75 visits and living there for five years. There are thousands of people alive today because of her work. This remarkable woman has co-written a memoir, Miss Kathi: Saving Lives in North Korea, along with Mike Chinoy, a former CNN correspondent and repeat visitor to North Korea.

Book Groups

Miss Kathi: Saving Lives in North Korea

Oct. 30-Nov. 13, required synchronous webinar Saturday, Nov. 7, 10am ET.

North Korea is one of the world’s poorest and most reclusive countries, and one of the most challenging places to deliver humanitarian aid. Yet for nearly three decades, Swiss aid worker Kathi Zellweger has been traveling to North Korea, providing aid during 75 visits and living there for five years. There are thousands of people alive today because of her work. This remarkable woman has co-written a memoir, Miss Kathi: Saving Lives in North Korea, along with Mike Chinoy, a former CNN correspondent and repeat visitor to North Korea.

Join us for a book group Oct. 30- Nov. 13. Participants will receive an autographed copy of Miss Kathi: Saving Lives in North Korea, participate in a required synchronous webinar on Saturday, Nov. 7, 10am ET with Kathi Zellweger and Mike Chinoy, and respond to discussion prompts on Moodle prior to and after the webinar. In addition to a copy of the book, participants who complete the program requirements by the established deadlines will receive a certificate of completion for 5 contact hours and a $25 stipend.

This book group is for in-service K-12 educators (including specialists and administrators) in the United States. This program will be of special interest to those interested in environmental issues, agriculture, international aid, medicine, and disability aid. 

Register here.

Young Library, Bass Hall, Room Y102

Smith College

Northampton, MA 01063