Available courses
Dynamic 10-week online seminar series exploring the major historical, cultural, and political developments in East Asia from 1800 to the present. Led by expert scholars, this program offers a rich, in-depth journey through key topics including early modern transformations, imperial encounters, revolutions, and the reshaping of East Asia in the modern world.
This seminar for educators covers the history and cultures of East Asia from the neolithic past to 1800. The course includes an overview of the region’s geography and demography, early ideologies as well as links between China, Korea and Japan. Participants will examine social hierarchies and expectations through literature and art, and explore the technological breakthroughs, economic rise and political systems of the region. Those teaching history, social studies, art and literature will find the course particularly relevant.
Fascinating five-week course that explores the key cultural moments, movements, and individuals who have shaped the urban and artistic landscapes of East Asia. Designed especially for middle school educators in history, art, geography, and cultural studies, this course invites participants to expand their global curriculum with compelling stories and case studies from China, Japan, and Korea.
This seminar offers educators a comprehensive journey through modern Japanese literature, covering significant historical periods and cultural developments. Participants will engage with key literary figures, explore the transformation of Japanese society, and examine influential works in various genres. The seminar includes live discussions on topics such as the interplay of culture and economy, the impact of political systems, and the evolution of literary trends from the Meiji era to the present. Educators will gain insights into using primary sources, film recommendations, and web resources to make the themes and issues com alive for K-12 students. This seminar supports national education standards and is particularly valuable for those teaching history, social studies, art, and literature.
China’s rise has already reshaped our world and its influence continues to grow. Many welcome this. Some worry about it. K-12 educators are encouraged to learn more about China and its global reach in this five week online course. It is aimed at equipping teachers to bring more about these vital developments into their own classrooms.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.