• Click here to learn more about any of these programs and others: content, date, available credit, and registration. 

Available courses

Japanese Religions (October 8- November 12, 2024)
5-week seminar

This 5-week online seminar will overview the content about Buddhism and its influence on Japanese religions. We'll start with the establishment of Buddhism in India and follow its spread to East Asia and Japan. Learn about the integration of Buddhist principles with Shintō, the aspects of monastic culture in early Japan, and the development of Heian Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Zen. We'll also discuss new religious movements and how traditional beliefs coexist with modern practices in Japan today. Connect with peer educators, engage in discussions, and access resources to bring these content knowledge to your classroom.

Objects and Ritual in Japanese History (Feb.20 - Mar.27, 2025)
5-week seminar

This 5-week online seminar will use objects from art, industry, technology, and war to consider the richness of the Japanese past. From court ceremonies to samurai rituals on the battlefield, daily gift exchanges to Buddhist mortuary markers, Japanese communities have expressed their dreams, fears, power, and imagination using material culture and rituals focusing on objects. Join us to explore Japan’s history through the study of things.

Understanding Korean Society Through Popular Culture (August 20- September 24, 2024)
5-week seminar

This course discovers the Korean Wave's impact in our seminar for educators! Learn how Korean films, K-pop, and other music genres captivate students worldwide. Explore the popularity of K-dramas and Korean TV shows. Delve into Webtoons, K-sports, and K-esports, bridging tradition and modern entertainment. Equip yourself with insights to engage and inspire your students with Korea's vibrant culture!

East Asian Design: Architecture and Urbanism, Spring 2024
5-week seminar

This course examines East Asia's architectural and urban evolution, highlighting key historical epochs and cultural insights that counterpoint the West and remain relevant in a globalizing world. 

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Japanese Classical Literature (Tuesdays, April 30 - May 28, 2024)
5-week seminar

This 5-week course explores a range of literary forms across various historical periods, examining themes like customs, gender, and social structure, and includes teaching materials such as manga adaptations for classroom use.

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East Asia Since 1800 (Fall 2024)
10-week seminar

This seminar is intended for all k-12 educators eager to bring more of East Asian history and culture to their students. It also explores what makes the region so dynamic and important today. This accredited seminar is complimentary for qualified teachers.  This seminar is completely online. It includes recorded lectures, assigned readings and live discussion sessions via Zoom.

Asia in Your Classroom Resources Page - Lesson plans/Movies/Websites
Resources

The "Asia in Your Classroom Resources Page" section is designed to provide educators with valuable resources, including lesson plans, film recommendations, web resources, and museum-based materials. Teachers can explore and share content that supports teaching about Asia across various subjects and grade levels. The platform also includes forums for discussing Asia-focused films, reviewing educational websites, and sharing ideas tailored specific education level. If you'd like to recommend it to peers who never join us before, you can register by sending you name, school and teaching subjects to hsiac@usc.edu/ asiak12@usc.edu. This forum fosters collaboration and the exchange of innovative teaching strategies.

Exploring East Asian Visual Culture (July 29 – August 2, 2024)
Summer Institute

This seminar explores the dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation in East Asian visual arts, contemporary urban culture, and the growth of film, manga, and other media, highlighting their relevance and contributions to global cultural development.