Yan Long to present on AIDS politics in China on February 5

The Institute for Chinese Studies will present a lecture by Yan Long, University of California, Berkeley, on Friday, February 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Long will present "Failed Foreign Interventions? The Transnational Making and Unmaking of AIDS Politics in China."

Abstract: Do foreign interventions matter in changing China’s authority structure? Many scholarly models cast external interventions as “cures” for all that ails struggling local communities and activists in repressive environments by providing political opportunities or resources. Others argue that interventions are doomed to fail given that strong authoritarian states are not susceptible to foreign power. Instead of taking either a celebratory or cynical perspective, this talk highlights the multifaceted and often contradictory aspects of interventions. I argue that transnational programs may expand political participation while producing and exacerbating participatory inequality, which could ironically strengthen the authoritarian apparatus of governance. This argument is developed based on a longitudinal ethnographic study on the evolution of Chinese HIV/AIDS politics between 1989 and 2018. I demonstrate how, after investing one billion US dollars, foreign organizations that aimed at promoting community engagement ended up de-radicalizing AIDS activism and manufacturing a civil society represented by HIV negative urban gay men organizations who unwittingly served the Chinese government in the arena of infectious disease control.

Angie Stokes to present K-12 teacher workshop on South Korean geography, history on February 13

As part of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, a multi-year initiative to encourage and facilitate teaching and learning about East Asia in elementary and secondary schools nationwide, the East Asian Studies Center will present a workshop for K-12 teachers and administrators by Angie Stokes, Wayne Trace Junior/Senior High School, on Saturday, February 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST online (registration required). Ms. Stokes will present "More Than Just K-POP: Take the Journey of Korea."

Abstract: Uncover some of the most exciting cultural icons of this country through an interactive exploration of Korea. From the 7th century Cheomseongdae Observatory to the 15th century development of the Hangul writing system to today's efforts in preserving Moon Bear populations, join us on this virtual tour of South Korea's geography and history while learning how to use these activities in your own classroom. The participants will not only learn about how to incorporate Korean content in the classroom in a fun, engaging way, they will also learn how to modify the current game or create their own board game to explore other countries or subjects.

Young-mee Cho to present on Korean songs on February 17

The Institute for Korean Studies will present a lecture by Young-mee Cho, Rutgers University, on Wednesday, February 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Cho will present "Korean Songs: From Sijo to K-Pop."

Abstract: Professor Cho discusses one of the most prominent and enduring poetic forms of traditional Korea, sijo, a three-line verse form written to be performed in a musical setting, emerged in the latter part of the Koryŏ dynasty (918-1392), flourished through the Chosŏn dynasty (1392-1910). After chronicling the rise of this distinctive literary/musical genre, I will then explore its developmental into the 18th century sasŏl sijo as a narrative form and modern sijo as written both in Korean and English. Finally, I will examine the 20th century emergence of song lyrics as a new literary genre in the context of musical performance: art songs based on poems at one end and Korean popular music (yuhaengga & K-Pop) at the other.

Nianshen Song to present on Tibetan Buddhism in Qing’s Mukden on February 19

The Institute for Chinese Studies will present a lecture by Nianshen Song, University of Maryland, on Friday, February 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Song will present "A Sacred Capital for the Empire: Tibetan Buddhism in Qing’s Mukden."

Abstract: Many scholars talk about the Inner Asian nature of the Qing Empire, which was partially evidenced by Qing’s patronage of Tibetan Buddhism. But how did this patron-priest relationship start, construct and manage? This talk provides an answer by investigating the very first royal temples built in Mukden, the Qing capital before its conquest of inner China. Memories constructed by both the state and local people suggested that Mukden temples predicted the “great unity” of the Qing empire, and shaped Mukden into a mandala, an Esoteric Buddhist symbol that represented the universe. But why were they established? Who designed them? What did they symbolize? How were they institutionalized and mythicized? How did the Qing government support and supervise these temples? Locating the Mukden monasteries in Qing’s overall Buddhist network, this talk examines the interactions between multiple ethnic groups and between the state, lamas, and local society.

February 5 deadline approaching to apply for JASCO's Japanese Language Speech Contest

The Japan-America Society of Central Ohio will host the Japanese Speech Contest finals virtually on Saturday, March 13. The event aims to foster Japanese language education throughout the state of Ohio by supporting the continued effort of local public schools and colleges to improve the quality of the Japanese language learning environment.

Japanese language learners in Ohio are encouraged to apply to participate to showcase their achievements. Winners will receive scholarships and various other prizes to encourage them to continue studying the Japanese language. This competition not only provides highly motivated students across the state with the chance to improve their Japanese language skills, but also inspires and encourages others to broaden their understanding of Japan, its culture, and the strong ties between Japan and the United States.

High school and university Japanese language students from any school in Ohio are invited to submit their application by February 5.

UM accepting applications for post-doctoral research fellows