EASC, ICS, DEALL co-sponosor symphonic oratorio with Wittenberg University on March 11

The East Asian Studies Center, Institute for Chinese Studies, and Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures are co-sponsoring the Virtual Colloquium "Men of Iron and the Golden Spike" with Wittenberg University on Thursday, March 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (registration required). This symphony was commissioned to commemorate 150 years since the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, where tens of thousands of men, many of whom were Chinese immigrants, labored under perilous, often deadly conditions. Yale Professor Wei Su will introduce the oratorio and answer questions after the video of the musical performance is complete.

EASC, CSCC to present When East Meets West Symposium on March 25

The East Asian Studies Center and Columbus State Community College will present the When East Meets West Symposium: "Pandemics: Past, Present, and Future - Coronavirus in Historical Context" on Thursday, March 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. online (registration required). The event will feature guest speakers Amy Welling Gregg and Jim Harris, both of The Ohio State University:

Amy Welling Gregg: “East Asia, Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases from Dengue to COVID-19”
Zoonotic and vector-borne diseases have existed between animals and humans for centuries. From the Black Plague, to dengue fever, to smallpox, to yellow fever, to malaria and to COVID-19, this lecture explores the impact that the exchanges between animals and humans had on the development of public health and the social and political relationships between East Asia and the West.

Jim Harris: "From 1918 to COVID‐19: Pandemics in Modern American History"
This talk presents a broad introduction to the history of pandemics and their response in 20th/21st century America. Examining in turn the history of influenza pandemics since 1918, HIV, and SARS (2003) this lecture will examine the ways in which public health systems have adapted and evolved with advances and science and biomedicine as well the continuities and even failures in modern medicine, and what these lessons history might teach us about how we have/should respond to COVID‐19.

Charles Stevens to present on business, economics during the Reiwa era on March 26

The Institute for Japanese Studies will present a lecture by Charles Stevens, Lehigh University, on Friday, March 26 from 2:20 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Stevens will present "Business & Economics in Japan in the Reiwa Era: Current trends and future directions."

Abstract: As the ‘Reiwa era’ began in mid-2019, the business and economic landscape of Japan was undergoing significant transformations regarding issues ranging from women in the workforce, international trade relations, immigration, and an aging population. Only a year later, Japan faced two additional momentous events: the arrival of COVID-19 and the departure of Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history. Although “Reiwa” translates roughly to “beautiful harmony”, the era has so far been anything but harmonious! In this lecture, Dr. Stevens will discuss the current trends and future directions of business and economic issues happening in Japan at the dawn of the Reiwa era, many of which contradict long-held stereotypes and assumptions about Japan. As a proud DEALL alumnus (BA 2005), Dr. Stevens will also discuss his journey from undergraduate student of Japanese at Ohio State to current role as a researcher and teacher of international business at Lehigh University.

Jonathan Cheng, Elizabeth Shim to present "Careers in Journalism" seminar on March 30

The East Asian Studies Center, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, will present the Midwestern Professionalization Seminar in East Asian Studies: "Careers in Journalism" featuring guest speakers Jonathan Cheng, The Wall Street Journal, and Elizabeth Shim, United Press International (UPI), on Tuesday, March 30 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST online (registration required). The series is aimed at sharing skills for advancing one’s career and introducing various career paths utilizing East Asian language and area studies expertise.

DEALL releases statement about rise in anti-Asian racism

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures has released a statement regarding the rise in racism toward Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in the country since the start of the pandemic.

Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowships competition now open

China-U.S. Scholars Program competition now open