Yoonhee Hong to present on myth in contemporary China, Korea on November 4

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, Institute for Chinese Studies, and Institute for Korean Studies will present a lecture by Yoonhee Hong, Yonsei University, on Thursday, November 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Hong will present "The “Nowness” of Myth in Korea and China Today."

Abstract: What can myth do today? Myth has been the source of inspiration for creating literature and art for a long time, but with the advancement in science and technology and the rapidly changing media environment, myth in the twenty-first century is being utilized as a sort of cultural resource, and the manner in which it has been utilized has become more complex and diversified. This talk will introduce the concepts that emerged in the mythological circles of Korea and China under these circumstances such as the "return of myth," "neo-mythologism," and "mythologism", examine a few examples of myth being utilized as resources to get a glimpse of the economic, academic, and national desires that can be found in the myth resourcization, as well as finding possibilities for new creation that is beyond these desires, and discuss how we should understand the "nowness of mythology."

Grace M. Cho to present on her new book Tastes Like War on November 5

The Institute for Korean Studies will present a a lecture by Grace M. Cho, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, on Friday, November 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Cho will present "Trauma, Memory, and the Afterlives of the Korean War."

Abstract: Professor Cho will discuss her new book, Tastes Like War, which is part food memoir, part sociological investigation. It’s a hybrid text about her search through intimate and global history for the roots of her mother’s schizophrenia, which she locates in the Korean War and its afterlives, as well as her family’s immigration experience to the U.S. In her mother’s final years, she learned to cook the dishes from her mother’s childhood, in order to invite the past into the present, and to hold space for her mother’s multiple voices. And over these shared meals, Grace discovered not only the things that broke her mother, but also the things that kept her alive.

Myung-Rae Cho to present on Korea's environmental and sustainability strategies on November 9

The Institute for Korean Studies will present a lecture by Myung-Rae Cho, Dankook University, on Tuesday, November 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Cho will present "2050 Carbon Neutrality in South Korea - A Way to the Green Transformation of Society?"

Abstract: Korea's green new deal and 2050 carbon neutrality were decided to begin in 2020 after heated debate. Scenarios and strategies for carbon neutrality in 2050 are currently being prepared under the direction of the Presidential Committee on Carbon Neutrality. The Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth will take effect early next year. Carbon net-zero in 2050 is only possible when Korea’s energy-intensive industrial system is reorganized. This means that achieving the goal of carbon net zero in 2050 presupposes a green transition in Korea's high-carbon society. This lecture focuses not only on the introduction of the Korean government's carbon neutrality policy in 2050 but also on promoting carbon neutrality for green transformation in Korean society.

October 15 deadline approaching to join OIA's Global Engagement Certificate Program

The Global Engagement Certificate Program is a new opportunity for students to enhance their college experience while becoming global citizens. Students must indicate their desire to pursue the certificate by October 15 by filling out the intent form. Students will be exposed to different cultural perspectives, develop skills and confidence to communicate with others from different cultures and foster meaningful relationships.

OIA seeking applicants for FY2022 Fulbright-Hays DDRA Fellowship competition

The Office of International Affairs is soliciting applicants for the FY2022 U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship competition. This program provides grants to colleges and universities to fund individual doctoral students to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies for periods of six to 12 months. Interested students must contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser before October 31 to discuss the application process.