Christopher Bae to present on East Asia during prehistoric times on November 18

The Institutes for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Studies will present a lecture by Christopher Bae, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, on Thursday, November 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (regstration required). Prof. Bae will present "The Peopling of East Asia: Early Prehistoric Perspectives."

Abstract: East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan) is contributing an increasing number of important findings to bettering our understanding of early prehistory. Here, I focus attention on the Late Pleistocene (~127,000-12,000 years before present) and provide examples of recent findings from the region. During the latter part of the Late Pleistocene, particularly when modern humans appeared in growing numbers in the region, much of East Asia served as a broader interaction sphere. This is evidenced by the human fossil and archaeological records. Such evidence includes the early appearance of anatomically modern humans [e.g., Zhoukoudian Upper Cave (China), Ryonggok Cave (Korea)] and the movement of artifacts (e.g., obsidian) over long distances. Further, the earliest peopling of the Honshu-Shikoku-Kyushu island group in Japan likely originated from dispersals from the Korean Peninsula sometime during the Late Pleistocene, indirect evidence of early watercraft. These and other recent findings from this region will be discussed.

Clio Society to host webinar on China's influence on Africa on November 9

The Department of History's Clio Society will present "China and Africa: Historical Perspectives on a Rising Power" on Tuesday, November 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). The webinar will feature panelists Katherine (Hyun-Joo) Everett, Patrick Nash, and Joe Parrott, all from The Ohio State University.

Abstract: China has expanded its global presence over the last decade much to the concern of U.S. officials. Africa is a major recipient of this new influence, building on Cold War relationships first forged during an earlier era of Sino-American competition. Yet looking at Chinese engagement in Africa over the last 50 years reveals that increased power has transformed Beijing’s foreign policies and strained its global relationships.

Voting open for 2021 International Photography Competition

Voting is open for People's Choice Awards in the 2021 International Photography Exhibition in each of three categories: People, Places and Arts & Culture. The 40 original photographs in the 2021 exhibition were taken overseas in 28 different countries by 33 Ohio State students, staff, faculty and alumni. Voting takes place on Facebook and Instagram and closes on Friday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

CLLC to host career event on translation, localization management on November 10

The Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, with support from the Institute for Japanese Studies, will present "Career Talk: MIIS Alumni on Translation and Localization Management" on Wednesday, November 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. online (registration required).

Abstract: Are you interested in putting your language skills to use in the field of translation and interpretation? Does the intersection of technology and translation interest you? If so, join Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) alumni to hear how they gained a competitive edge in the $50 billion language services industry as Localization professionals. Localization is the process of adapting the content related to an idea, service, or product to the language and culture of a specific market or region. Alumni Ren Yi, Autumn Smith, and Lucy Jobe will share their educational backgrounds, career paths, insights into the job field, and leave room for you to ask questions, network, and engage. Samantha Quintell-Lenzi and Serena Rapp of Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) will co-moderate the event.