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
Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story with Co-Author/Illustrator Kōdo Kimura
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.
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