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
From Joseon to Gen Z: Geographics and Generations of Korean Sound with Dr. Hilary Finchum-Sung
April 28, 7-8pm ET
Book Groups
Young Mongols Book Group
June 8-19, 2026
Join Kelly McKee in exploring the book Young Mongols, by Aubrey Menard. Participants will participate in asynchronous online discussions and attend two required synchronous Zoom meetings: June 9, 7-8:30pm EDT presentation by and discussion with author Aubrey Menard; and June 16, 7-8:30pm EDT group discussion about the book with Kelly McKee. The second session will also include sharing teaching materials, resources and travel opportunities to Mongolia.
A copy of Young Mongols will be mailed in early May. Participants agree to read the book prior to the June 9 meeting, respond to online discussion prompts in a timely manner, and attend both required synchronous Zoom meetings.
Please check your schedule carefully before registering for this program.
Limited to 20 in-service K-12 educators, specialists, and administrators. Register here.
Workshops
Religions of China: Homegrown and Foreign, Contemporary and Historical
Virtual Workshop
Synchronous required meetings: July 14-17, 11am-1pm EDT
Asynchronous discussion forum: July 14- 17
Open to in-service K-12 educators (including specialists and administrators)
Prof. Jonathan Lipman, instructor; Lynn Parisi, facilitator
This program will introduce participants to four millennia of religious history, from the earliest evidence—Neolithic grave goods, astronomical practices, and oracle bones—to today’s multiple possibilities and dangers under an overtly atheistic state governed by the Chinese Communist Party. We will survey both indigenous and foreign traditions, examining their historical roots in China and their modern expressions. Readings include primary and secondary sources, enabling participants to compare these diverse faiths and their places in Chinese culture.
Additional information and registration.
Vietnam Is Not a War: Ancient Roots to Modern Nation
July 20-24, 10am-noon, synchronous meetings each day with asynchronous online discussions
For in-service K-12 educators, including specialists and administrators
Facilitated by Lori Snyder
Join us for an immersive one-week workshop exploring Vietnam's rich 4,000-year history, vibrant culture, and strategic position in Southeast Asia, moving beyond the narrow lens of conflict to discover a civilization shaped by resilience and adaptation. We'll examine Vietnam's complex thousand-year relationship with China, the forging of its own distinct identity and its emergence as a dynamic player in contemporary geopolitics.
Participants will receive all required books, and those who successfully complete all program requirements will receive a certificate of completion for 10 contact hours and a $50 stipend.
Additional information and registration.
Summer Programs
Walking the Tōkaidō: A Multi-Disciplinary Experience in History and Culture
Winner of the 2022 Association for Asian Studies Buchanan Prize for curriculum materials.
Walking the Tōkaidō Seminar, Summer 2026 for K-12 in-service educators, specialists and administrators (includes books, access to supplementary materials, completion stipend).
Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will walk (both virtually and the distance in reality) from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, stopping at ten required (and seven optional) stations 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 who have previous knowledge and experience. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all ten required units by September 7.
Note: Accommodations can easily be made for those who do not wish to walk. Accepted participants will be provided with details.
In addition to receiving access to the My Virtual Mission route and the seventeen milestone e-mails you will also receive a free set of the required seminar books. You will have access to supplementary materials on the seminar Moodle, where you will also respond to the discussion prompts for each of the milestones. Participants who complete all the requirements will receive a certificate of completion for 30 contact hours and a $150 completion stipend.
Limited to 20 in-service educators. May 25-Sept 7. Apply here. Download the curriculum here.
Cycling Taiwan: A Virtual Multi-Disciplinary Introduction to the History and Culture of Taiwan
Created by Anne Prescott and Yurika Kurakata
Special thanks to
Prof. Li-Hsin Chen, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan
Sherry Tsou, Cycling Culture Museum, Taichung (Giant Bicycle)
Sheron Wang, Cycling Lifestyle Foundation, Taipei (Giant Bicycle)
Funded by a generous grant from the Freeman Foundation
Participants cycle (both virtually and the distance in reality) 612.1 miles around Taiwan, completing readings, viewing webinars/videos, exploring websites, and responding to discussion prompts for an introductory unit and twelve location-based milestones. In addition, text and photos with general information as well as links to information and resources for each milestone can be used independently, or as introductions to or in conjunction with the readings, videos and assignments. The milestone texts are available at the end of this document. Ideally users will explore each location using Google Street View as well.
Individual units may be used independently, and instructors may select from the readings, other resources and discussion prompts as appropriate for their classrooms. Users are strongly encouraged to utilize Google Street View to enhance their learning about the human and physical geography of Taiwan.
When doing the entire program, accommodations can easily be made for those who do not wish to cycle. For example, you may choose to walk (double or triple the number of miles you walk—whatever seems right to you); swim (adjust the number of miles accordingly—choose an equivalency that makes sense to you); or do another type of activity. The point of cycling is for you to have some sense of the distance around Taiwan, but you should feel free to do what is comfortable for you if you choose not to cycle.
Participants enrolled in the seminar will receive access to My Virtual Mission, all milestone emails, required books, and supplementary materials on Moodle. Those who complete the seminar will receive a certificate of completion for 40 contact hours and a $150 completion stipend.
Registration for the summer 2026 seminar, running from May 25-Sept 7, can be found here. Download the curriculum here.
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
