Arnold Chang to present painting demonstration, lecture on September 30

The Department of History of Art, with support from the Institute for Chinese Studies, will present two events with artist Arnold Chang on Wednesday, September 30: a painting demonstration with commentary from 9:35 a.m. to 10:55 a.m., and a lecture, "Chinese 'Literati' Landscape Painting in the 21st Century: a Personal Exploration," from 5:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. (online; registration required for both).

Abstracts: (Painting demonstration) The New York-born, New Jersey-based painter Arnold Chang (Zhang Hong) will discuss formats and materials used in Chinese ink painting and will present two short pre-recorded videos that demonstrate his painting techniques.

(Lecture) What possible relevance could the centuries-old art form of Chinese ink painting have for a contemporary artist, let alone for an artist who has never lived in China? Or, to put it another way, how did a kid from New York master a classical art form that in earlier times was practiced and appreciated only by members of the educated literati class in China? Arnold Chang (Zhang Hong) will recount his artistic journey, which revolves around issues of identity, creativity, originality, perception, and history. He explains how his study of Chinese literati painting informs his own work as he attempts to update the tradition of ink painting while remaining true to its roots.

Levi McLaughlin to present on discipleship in Japanese religion on October 1

The Institute for Japanese Studies will present a lecture by Levi McLaughlin, North Carolina State University, on Thursday, October 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (online; registration required). Professor McLaughlin will present "Discipleship through Classical Music in a Japanese Religion: Beethoven, Buddhism, and Youth Cultivation in Soka Gakkai."

Abstract: Soka Gakkai is Japan’s largest lay Buddhist organization. With a claimed membership of 8.27 million households and close to two million adherents in 192 other countries and territories, it is Japan’s largest following of the medieval Buddhist reformer Nichiren (1222-1282) and Japan’s most successful religious export. This presentation draws on McLaughlin’s years as a non-member researcher and musician within Japanese Gakkai communities to consider striking aspects of the group’s institutional construction and adherent practices around the category of “culture.” Why is the only museum at Soka Gakkai headquarters filled with pianos? Why did Ikeda Daisaku, Soka Gakkai’s Honorary President, sing the praises of Ludwig van Beethoven? And how did Gakkai adherents transform playing Beethoven into a Buddhist practice? This presentation will reconsider definitions of what counts as “religious” as it proposes an alternative history of Japanese aspirations for social legitimacy, cultural sophistication, and enlightenment.

OIA to host International Student Experience Workshop Series in AU2020

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) will virtually host the International Student Experience Workshop Series for faculty and staff, a three-part sequence to educate participants about life as an international student and offer guidance on how to best work with this population. The workshops will include presentations by staff from OIA and other offices, as well as a panel of international students who will answer questions and share their experiences. Those who complete the three-part series will receive a training certificate.

Mershon Center accepting faculty research grant proposals

The Mershon Center for International Security Studies is pleased to offer faculty research grants through the center's three research clusters. The center’s understanding of international security draws from a wide range of perspectives, approaches and substantive foci; therefore, successful applicants may come from a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, communications, economics and other disciplines that engage international security broadly conceived.

Applicants are encouraged to develop collaborative interdisciplinary proposals including a statement on how their project will contribute to the interdisciplinary development of knowledge. Faculty who receive awards will be expected actively participate in the Mershon Center and its activities. Grant recipients will be encouraged to participate in various center functions throughout the academic year and are welcome to request office space. They will be responsible for submitting a close-out report on project publications and other accomplishments, including submissions of external funding applications, and assistance with publicity related to Mershon projects by providing photos or other graphic materials.

Interested faculty should contact Christopher Gelpi, director of the Mershon Center and chair of peace studies, at gelpi.10@osu.edu or 614-292-1631, to discuss any questions or ideas about potential project proposals. Any questions about budgets or expenditures can be directed to Kyle McCray at mccray.44@osu.edu or 614-292-3810.

University of Pittsburgh accepting applications for Japanese studies fellowship