March 1 deadline approaching to apply for EAS MA Program

The Interdisciplinary East Asian Studies Master of Arts (EAS MA) Program at The Ohio State University allows students to develop their Chinese, Japanese or Korean language skills while also designing their own personalized interdisciplinary study of East Asia. Established in 2005, the program builds on the rich resources at OSU, affording students the opportunity to study with 58 faculty members in 27 different disciplines. Flexibly tailored to the backgrounds, interests and objectives of each student, the program prepares students for future careers in government, non-governmental organizations, business and education.

The final deadline to submit applications for Autumn 2023 entry into the program is Wednesday, March 1. Questions about the EAS MA program may be directed to Chris White, graduate studies coordinator.

Deborah Shamoon to present on comic, manga studies on March 2

The Institute for Japanese Studies will present a lecture by Deborah Shamoon, National University of Singapore, on Thursday, March 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. online (registration required). Prof. Shamoon will present "Approaches to Manga Studies and Comics Studies."

Abstract: Manga and comics are perhaps the most creatively rich, diverse, and compelling media in Japan and the US in the past 75 years. Many of the most popular films, television, and animated series began as manga or comics. Yet comics studies lags behind film studies in terms of legitimacy, engagement, and institutional recognition. Why is this? This talk will discuss the current issues and opportunities in comics studies in the US and manga studies in Japan. Given the hybrid nature of comics, combining text and image, one important area for expansion is in formal visual analysis, that is, how form makes meaning and how visual narratives are constructed. This talk will consider two examples of formal analysis in terms of narration and panel division. Looking at techniques of first and third person narration allows for innovative comparisons between shōjo manga, and American alternative and superhero comics. This kind of formal analysis can help break down rigid division of genre and nationality, and brings marginalized genres into the mainstream of comics studies. Looking at the form of yonkoma (comic strips) also sheds light on an aspect of manga that is often overlooked. Finally, we will also look briefly at how recent developments in digital comics/webtoons are driving new development of narrative techniques.

William Kirby to present on the modern university on March 3

The Institute for Chinese Studies will present a lecture by William C. Kirby, Harvard University, on Friday, March 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 150 Pomerene Hall. Prof. Kirby will present "Empires of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China."

Abstract: America’s preeminence in higher education is relatively new, and there is no reason to assume that U.S. schools will continue to lead the world a century from now. Will China challenge its position in the twenty-first? The modern university was born in Germany. In the twentieth century, the United States leapfrogged Germany to become the global leader in higher education. Today, American institutions dominate nearly every major ranking of global universities. However, America’s supremacy in higher education is under great stress, particularly at its public universities. At the same time, Chinese universities are on the ascent. Thirty years ago, Chinese institutions were reopening after the catastrophe of the Cultural Revolution; today they are some of the most innovative educational centers in the world. Will China threaten American primacy?

Arnold Chang to present a demonstration on Chinese painting on Feb. 9

The Department of History of Art, with support from the Institute for Chinese Studies, will present a painting demonstration by Arnold Chang, independent artist, on Thursday, February 9 from 9:35 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. online. Mr. Chang will present "A Demonstration of Chinese Painting Techniques, Discussion of Materials, and Q&A."

Abstract: A Chinese art curator, researcher, scholar, and teacher of Chinese painting and connoisseurship, Arnold Chang (b. 1954, New York City) applies the materials, tools and techniques that were widely used in China since the tenth century, and is dedicated to exploring the beauty of balance in water, ink, brushwork, and linear rhythm. While Chang’s painting technique adheres closely to tradition, his analysis of Chinese landscape painting is informed by the present. In 2010, in response to curator Hao Shen’s invitation to create a painting in dialogue with a work in the Boston Museum of Fine Art’s collection, Chang chose Jackson Pollack’s No. 10 (1949). Chang’s creation was exhibited alongside the Pollack, both lying flat in a case like a Chinese handscroll. Both works read well when viewed from any direction, and provided audiences with a visual pairing of Eastern and Western abstract art.

In his writing, Chang proposes that both the techniques of Chinese literati painting and western abstract expressionism possess a similar principle—fractal expression, Chinese painted landscapes’ tendency to be composed of forms within like forms. Hence, Chang analyzes orthodox Chinese painting from the lens of Western abstract expressionism. He explores the ever-changing viewpoint and angle of vision in Chinese landscape painting and argues that there is no fixed viewpoint, creating, instead, a non-directional image in space. In the realm of abstract expressionism, Chang still practices traditional Chinese literati painting’s principle of handling the brushwork in a balanced and fused manner while breaking away from the limitations of traditional compositional structure.

March 6 deadline approaching to apply for Engagement Grant

The Office of Outreach and Engagement is seeking proposals from faculty and/or faculty-led teams, and university staff that hold PI status, for the 2023 Engagement Grants. Grants will be awarded at a maximum amount of $20,000 to support development of impact reports for programs, performances or exhibits; development of a public policy document or impact report; development or implementation of a program, performance, exhibition, or initiative based upon previous research, assessment, or public input; or enhance or expand a program that extends community access to the university.

Proposals are due Monday, March 6.