December 1, 4:30-7:30pm. School Life in Asia: K-8 Educator Workshop Series: School Life in India. University of Colorado-Boulder campus. Register by November 24! $15 donation. Explore what it is like to go to school in India through the eyes and voices of children. Experience “Hindi 101 for Kids” and receive curriculum, including the award-winning DVD and book, “Going to School in India.” For more information, contact Courtney Zenner, SSEWA Outreach Coordinator, (303) 735-5124.

December 4, 7:00pm. “The Music of the Japanese Biwa: Stories from the Tale of Heike Performed and Sung by Yoko Hiraoka,” a CAS special musical event. Old Main Chapel, CU-Boulder. Yoko Hiraoka, a senior master performer of biwa, koto, shamisen, and jiuta voice, will perform four classic biwa (an ancient lute-like instrument from Japan) compositions. She will be accompanied by projected scenes from the Tale of Heike, bringing to life the Tale as it has been done for centuries, with singing voice and a dynamic and expressive biwa accompaniment.

December 7, 2008, 2:00-4:00pm. Visual Pleasure and Cultural Contact: The Yokohama Album. An Unexpected Adventure into Japanese Photography. The Lab at Belmar, 404 S. Upham Street, Lakewood, CO 80226. A Gallery Talk by Mark Sink followed by autumn-inspired beverages and desserts. Curator Mark Sink will narrate this collection of hand-tinted albumen photographs depicting studio and scenic views of Japan. It was assembled by his great-grandfather, James L. Breese, while traveling in Japan in the mid-1890s. Breese was the New York Society photographer who founded the Camera Club of New York, one of the earliest fine art photography groups in America. Sink recently made great progress researching the history of these prints while experimenting with wet plate collodion, one of the earliest technologies in photography. We will be treated to a discussion of methods used for making the Yokohama Album prints, as well as the history behind the prints and the collector.$12.00 for Asian Art Association members and students, $15.00 for all others. For reservations, please call (720) 913-0040 and leave a message stating the number of attendees.

The “It’s Elementary” Service Project Expands. The Program for Teaching East Asia is pleased to announce that, as it enters its 12th year, the “It’s Elementary” Service Project is expanding to offer free, hands-on and engaging presentations to Boulder Valley K-5 classrooms on India, in addition to Japan, China, and Taiwan.  The project provides elementary teachers the opportunity to invite CU student interns studying Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, and related cultures, and international students from China, Taiwan, and Japan into their classrooms for one to five presentations on a variety topics connected to their curriculum. This year, with the addition of lessons on India and larger numbers of undergraduate recruits, elementary students at all grade levels will have the opportunity to learn about Asian elementary school and family life, foods, songs, children’s literature, traditional games, arts and crafts, written language, and other fun topics. The CU student interns have access to a large selection of children’s literature and artifacts to enhance their lessons.  While this is commonly the undergraduates’ first experience with teaching, district teachers comment that their well-prepared, active lessons geared to meet district curriculum standards are an excellent opportunity to engage young students in the study of Asia.  Selected CU students will attend trainings with experienced students and Teaching East Asia staff in January and will be able to offer presentations beginning Feb. 1, 2009.  Please visit http://www.colorado.edu/cas/TEA/  for a presentation request form and to view a flyer with further information. 

Previously Mentioned Opportunities

February 6, 2009 (Deadline). Religious Pluralism in India: Islam, Hinduism and Other Traditions. A Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad in India for Colorado High School Teachers, June 30 – July 29, 2009. The Center for Asian Studies is pleased to announce an opportunity for high school teachers in the state of Colorado. The Religious Pluralism in India four-week study tour is the first of its kind offered by the South, Southeast and West Asia Outreach Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Join CU Professor of Religion Loriliai Biernacki, as well as project advisor Philip Lutgendorf  (Hindi and Religious Studies, University of Iowa),  in a tour of North India that examines Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and other traditions through contemporary and historical lenses. The group will gain insight into these traditions as they are lived today through numerous visits to pilgrimage sites, temples, and other places of worship, as well as guest lectures by Indian scholars in New Delhi and Varanasi. Teachers may apply their experience to enhance World Geography, World History, World Religions, Asian Studies and more. Cost to participants is approximately $1,300 for the entire four-week program. Please note: participants in Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad study tours over the last three years are not eligible to apply. For more information, contact Courtney Zenner, SSEWA Outreach Coordinator, 303-735-5124.

Presenters on Japan, China, and India Are Ready to Come to Your Secondary Classroom! The Center for Asian Studies at CU-Boulder, in cooperation with TEA, is again offering its educational outreach program to middle and high schools. The program has expanded this year to presentations on India, China, and Japan. The presentations cover a variety of subjects from performing and visual arts to religion and ethics and are carried out by graduate and undergraduate Asian studies majors in the respective fields. This year we have five presenters speaking on six specific topics (adding four more topics on China and India in November). Having one or all five of our presenters visit your class will not only stimulate your students’ interest in cross-cultural learning and pursuing foreign languages, but will also add new dimensions to your curriculum. The content covered by these presentations may easily be applied to History, World Civilizations, Art, and Literature classes. Presentations are available free of charge and presenters may visit individual classes (preferred) or assemblies. Here are the available presentations and contact information to request a speaker for your class:

Japan

“Bushido: The Way of the Samurai”
Contact: Ben Grafström

“Manga: The Story of Japanese Literature and Cartoons”
Contact: Ben Grafström

China

“Traditional Chinese Culture Taught through the Art of Paper Cutting”
Contact: Lydia Halvorson

“Understanding the China of Today: Dispelling Cold War Myths” (tentative title)
Contact: Amy Sereda

India

“Bhakti: Hinduism and the Performing Arts”
Contact: Alison Clowes

“Traditional Indian Values and the Teachings of Gandhi”
Contact: Mark Wiebers

April 30 - May 2, 2009. National Chinese Language Conference, Chicago. Asia Society, Chicago Public Schools, and College Board are pleased to announce the 2009 National Chinese Conference.This year's conference will bring together K-16 educators to advance the field of Chinese language education by fostering high-quality programs, teacher development, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. Updates and more details will be posted at the Asia Society's website. Highlights and presentations from the 2008 Conference are also available online.

July 6 - August 8, 2009. From Chang'an to Xi'an: Ancient Capital to Modern Metropolis. An institute for school teachers, typically led by a team of core faculty and visiting scholars, is designed to present the best available scholarship on important humanities issues and works taught in the nation's schools. Institute locations are in Beijing and Xi'an, China. The 25 to 30 participating teachers compare and synthesize the various perspectives offered by the faculty, make connections between the institute content and classroom applications, and often develop improved teaching materials for their classrooms. Hsin-Mei Agnes Hsu, China Institute, and Annette Juliano, Rutgers University. For information, contact: Kevin Lawrence, China Institute, 125 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065, (212) 744-8181, ext. 129.

August 3 - 7, 2009. The Fifth Annual Seminar on Korean History & Culture and the Korean American Experience for K-12 Educators in Los Angeles. This five-day seminar offers a unique opportunity to learn about Korean history and culture and the Korean American experience. The curriculum provides an understanding of Korean history, fosters an awareness of its rich culture, and makes available outstanding resources and lessons. Participants learn about Korea from prominent scholars, view engaging and informative films, explore Koreatown, savor delicious food, visit a Buddhist temple, view exquisite art, hear the unique sounds of Korean music, enjoy a lesson on the Changgo drum, observe teens performing traditional dances, learn the theory and experience the practice of martial arts, observe a traditional tea ceremony, and create art that reflects ancient tradition. Educators of all disciplines and grade levels are welcome. UCLA Extension credit is available. Fellowships (airfare, hotel stay in Koreatown, and additional funds for meals) will be available for teachers who live over 60 miles from the Los Angeles area. The seminar is free, but requires a $75 refundable deposit. Sponsors: The Korean Cultural Center & the Korea Academy for Educators. For information, contact Mary Connor.

International Education Week (IEW) 2008 Website Has Launched! The site includes promotional materials, an interactive quiz, and opportunities to post and view planned events around the world. In addition, IEW has a Facebook page and group this year, both of which can be accessed through the IEW website. Individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, associations, and community organizations, are welcome to participate in celebrating IEW 2008. If you have any questions or comments regarding IEW, please send them to feedback@state.gov.

iEARN-USA Scholarship Opportunities. iEARN-USA has received financial support from the U.S. Department of State through the Global Connections and Exchange program to increase U.S. teacher and classroom interaction with peers in countries with significant Muslim populations. As part of the grant guidelines, schools that receive scholarship assistance are expected to engage in interaction with peers in the following countries: Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Israel, Kenya, Oman, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Algeria, Belarus, China, Iraq, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Syria, Thailand, and UAE. Scholarships are available for the following opportunities:

• Engaging in online communication and collaborative project work through an iEARN membership
• Participation in an online professional development course on how to integrate online collaborative Project-Based Learning in the classroom
• Participation in a three-day "Master Trainer" seminar in Morocco with colleagues from the participating countries, in July 2009
  

If you are interested in applying for these scholarship opportunities, please contact Tina Habib, Director of Government Grant Programs.

Previously Mentioned Opportunities

December 1 (Deadline). The Goldman Sachs Foundation Prizes for Excellence in International Education 2008 Call for Applications. The Goldman Sachs Foundation and Asia Society are seeking applications for the 2008 Goldman Sachs Foundation Prizes for Excellence in International Education. The prize program was created in 2003 to raise awareness of the growing importance of international knowledge and skills for U.S. students and annually awards prizes totaling $150,000 in five different categories. The 2008 Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

• Elementary/Middle School ($25,000)
  An elementary or middle school that engages all or most of its students in learning about other world regions, cultures and languages.
• High School ($25,000)
  A secondary school that engages all or most of its students in learning about Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Middle East, or about international affairs through its curriculum and through partnerships with other countries or local organizations.
  
• District/State ($25,000)
  A state or one of the 100 largest school districts that is actively promoting the development of international knowledge and skills on a wide scale through the creation of robust policies and specific programming initiatives.
  
• Media/Technology ($25,000)
  A program within a U.S. based public or private for-profit or non-profit organization that has developed outstanding programs that use media/technology to educate students or teachers about other world regions and cultures, or international issues.
  
• Youth (Up to $10,000)*
  Five high school students who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of key issues in international affairs and the global economy. * Please note that the 2008 Youth prize competition is now closed. Winners for the Youth prize will be announced in November 2008.

February 1, 2009 (Deadline). Elgin Heinz Award Open for Nominations. The US-Japan Foundation invites nominations for the 2009 Elgin Heinz Award, which annually recognizes outstanding teachers of Japan studies at the K-12 level in the areas of humanities and Japanese language instruction. The award carries a $2500 monetary award as well as  $5000 to support a curriculum project. For details and application guidelines, contact David Janes, US-Japan Foundation, 145 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016; djanes@us-jf.org. Teaching East Asia is proud to note that the 2007 and 2008 Elgin Heinz Awards were received by Colorado teachers Alex Echevarria, Academy 20 district, and Michelle Pearson, Adams 12 district, each of whom has been very active in TEA and NCTA workshops, seminars, and summer programs. Find out more about this year's winner Michelle Pearson in October's issue of TEA Enews.

February 6, 2009 (Deadline). Journey to the Interior. A Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Seminar for Teachers of Japanese Language, Literature, and History, June 28 - July 28, 2009. The Center for Asian Studies at the University of Colorado announces a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Seminar in Japan designed for secondary teachers of world literature or history, teachers of AP Japanese Language and Culture, and university instructors of Japanese. Participants will spend four weeks studying Japan through the lens of the famous travel diary Journey to the Interior (Oku no hosomichi), composed by the haiku poet Matsuo Basho after his journey through northern Japan in 1689. As they travel, they will build their Japanese language and culture skills, expand their knowledge of Japanese history and literature, and collect materials for use in preparing curricular units. Please contact Laurel Rasplica Rodd, Project Director, 303-492-1138, or Catherine Higbee Ishida, TEA Japan Project Coordinator, 303-735-5115. 

March 2, 2009 (Deadline). The National Committee on United States-China Relations is now seeking applications for an exchange program for teachers in American and Chinese schools. This is an unusual opportunity for schools and districts wishing to begin or to strengthen Chinese language and culture programs and for teachers wishing to live and teach in China. The National Committee sponsors orientation programs in the United States and in China during the summer before the exchange year. For American teachers this covers “survival” Chinese, the teaching of English as a foreign language, and an introduction to China and its schools. The orientation session for Chinese teachers covers the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language, instruction on American teaching methodology, and an introduction to the United States and its schools. Those interested in the exchange should write to tep@ncuscr.org or send a letter to the Teachers Exchange Program, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, 71 West 23rd Street, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10010, for more information and an application package. The application deadline for the 2009-2010 school year will be March 2, 2009.

November 2009 (Deadline). Laurasian Institution Overseas Programs for Secondary Groups. The Laurasian Institution offers overseas programs in China and Japan. New Perspectives: Japan and New Perspective: China take teacher-led secondary-student groups to Japan and China respectively, to study the cultures of these countries over a two-week period each summer.  Homestays and school visits are included. The application deadline for each program is late November 2009.

Join a National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) 30-hour professional development seminar on East Asia in your area in 2008-09, offered through the NCTA national coordinating site at Teaching East Asia, University of Colorado.

Winter/Spring 2009
North Denver (Adams 12), CO
South Denver (Cherry Creek), CO
Charlottesville, VA
Beloit, WI
Omaha, NE
St. Louis, MO
Orange County, CA
Sonoma County, CA
Iowa (statewide)

School Life in Japan Opens Workshop Series

On November 5, the School Life in Japan K-8 workshop kicked off the first half of a two-part series, School Life in Asia. During the session, participants explored video, internet, and artifact resources they could use to teach their students about school life in Japan. They learned how lesson study is conducted in Japan and discussed applications for their own professional learning communities.

Catherine Ishida presented an Overview of the Japanese Education System and Lesson Study in Japan and the United States. Jessica Rodd covered School Life in Japan through Artifacts and Photos. During dinner, participants watched video clips of school life. At the end of the workshop, they received those clips on Dvds, along with other resources.

The next session, School Life in India, will take place on Monday, December 1. Some spots are still open, so register today!

To launch a Korea Project at the Program for Teaching East Asia, this October TEA’s Japan and Korea Projects Coordinator, Catherine Ishida, had the honor to travel to South Korea with the Korea Society’s Fall Fellowship program. 

Yong Jin Choi, the Korea Society’s Senior Director for the Korean Studies Program led the study tour, and Professor Mark Peterson of Brigham Young University provided mini-lectures on the historical and cultural context of each place visited and each speaker met.  Sharon Park served as the onsite guide, introducing the group to a variety of Korean cuisine and always keeping the participants informed of the logistics. Catherine’s travel and study colleagues were comprised of four Asian studies professors from U.S. universities and four textbook specialists.

2008 Fall Korea Society Fellowship participants and leaders with Confucian family heir.

The 12-day program focused on religions in Korea and pre-modern Korean history. The program began at the Academy of Korean Studies with lectures by scholars on Korean art, economy, and international relations in regards to North Korea. Site-visits in Seoul included Myeongdong Cathedral, Gyeongbok Palace, the National Museum of Korea, and the Leeum Museum.

Travelling south across the peninsula, the group:

• Visited the Samsung Research and Development facilities in Suwon
• Toured the Cheongju Early Printing Museum to learn the history of the Jikji, the oldest book printed with metal, moveable type
• Visited Haein Temple, to see the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks
• Did an overnight stay at a Son temple and Buddhist university

TEA will be sponsoring a K-12 workshop in early spring 2009 looking at several periods of Korean history that highlight Korea’s role in East Asian and world affairs. TEA plans to develop the collection of resources about the Korea peninsula available to borrow at the TEA Resource Center.  Teachers and administrators interested in participating on a Korea Society study tour may view information and download applications on their site.

The Program for Teaching East Asia
University of Colorado at Boulder
595 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309

(303) 735-5122

"Dragon's Gift: Sacred Art of Bhutan." Currently on exhibit at the Rubin Museum of Art, New York City, September 19, 2008 - January 5, 2009. Online images and descriptions include: Buddha Shakyamuni and Other Buddhas; Bodhisattvas; Personal Deities and Deity Yoga; Padmasambhava; Masters of the Drugpa Kagyu School; Shabdrung Ngagwang Namgyal; and Masters of the Nyingma Tradition.

New Books in Asian Studies from Random House:

The Art of Buddhism: An Introduction to Its History and Meaning. Written by Denise Patry Leidy, October 2008, 320 pages, $45.00. More than two hundred photographs — most in stunning full color — provide the visual context for this tour of the world of Buddhist art. From the earliest second-century BCE archaeological evidence to the nineteenth century, this book showcases the marvelous variety of Buddhist art through the ages, from every country and region where Buddhism has influenced the culture in a significant way, including India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and all the regions of Southeast Asia. Included in the rich variety of forms are architecture and monumental art, statuary, paintings, calligraphy, fresco, brushwork, and textile arts.

Footprints in the Snow: The Autobiography of a Chinese Buddhist Monk. Written by Master Chan Sheng Yen, October 2008, 224 pages, $24.95. In this landmark memoir, a renowned Buddhist master traces his spiritual journey against the panoramic story of China from the pre-Communist era to the present. Master Sheng Yen has devoted much of his life to spreading the teachings of Chinese Buddhism — a practice that antedates the more familiar Japanese and Tibetan traditions — throughout the world. He became known in the United States after he began founding meditation centers here in 1980.

To subscribe to Random House Inc.'s Asian Studies Newsletter that includes new titles and advance copy giveaways, send a blank e-mail to sub_acmart-asian@info.randomhouse.com.

The Asia Society's Store has a great listing of Asia-related reads for kids, teenagers, and adults. Check out their list arranged by country or all of Asia. Click on titles for descriptions.

China

Japan

Asia (full list, by category, including an "On Sale" section)

To subscribe or unsubscribe from this list, please contact spolnik@colorado.edu.