Center for East Asian Studies

Promoting East Asian Studies throughout the Northeast by supporting the teaching of East Asian cultures in K-12 schools and higher education.

Working with educators in elementary, middle, and high schools, and in colleges and universities, the Five College Center for East Asian Studies provides tools supporting the teaching of and learning about East Asian cultures. The Center draws on the resources of the Five College member campuses to conduct seminars, institutes, conferences, and workshops.

Celebrating 25 Years of NCTA

Did you know that the Freeman Foundation has funded NCTA for 25 years? We are grateful to the Foundation for understanding the importance of including East Asia in the curriculum. As a way to celebrate this anniversary and to thank the Foundation, the seven NCTA national coordinating sites, with the University of Pittsburgh taking the lead, produced this 8-minute NCTA 25th Anniversary video(link is external)

Upcoming Programs

Webinars

The Color of the Sky is the Shape of the Heart, with translator Takami Nieda

April 2, 7-8pm ET. A Zainichi Korean teen comes of age in Japan in this groundbreaking debut novel about prejudice and diaspora.

Register here.(link is external)

Workshops

FCCEAS NCTA In-Person Workshop in VT

Local Connections to Japan In-Person Workshop, St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, St. Johnsbury, VT, April 5, 2025, 10am-2pm. Explore the Japanese scroll and print treasures at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum and discover how these resources can be used as tools to learn about the history and culture of pre-20th century Japan. Are there hidden resources in your town that can be used to teach about Japan? Information and registration.(link is external)

Summer Programs

Cycling Taiwan: A Multidisciplinary Exploration of History and Culture

May 19-Sept. 1, 2025

Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will cycle (both virtually and the distance in reality) 612.1 miles around Taiwan, stopping at twelve required  milestones to complete readings, view webinars/videos, and respond to discussion prompts. This seminar is appropriate for those who are new to learning about Taiwan as well as those who have previous knowledge and experience. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all of the required units by September 1.

Note: Accommodations can easily be made for those who do not wish to cycle. Accepted participants will be provided with details.

In addition to receiving access to the My Virtual Mission route and the milestone e-mails you will also receive a free set of the required seminar books. You will have access to supplementary materials on the seminar Moodle, where you will also respond to the discussion prompts for each of the milestones. Participants who complete all the requirements will receive a certificate of completion for 40 contact hours and a $150 completion stipend. 

Limited to 20 in-service K-12 educators. Additional information and registration.(link is external)

Walking the Tōkaidō: A Multidisciplinary Exploration of History and Culture

May 19-Sept. 1, 2025

Using the My Virtual Mission platform, participants will walk (both virtually and the distance in reality) from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, stopping at ten required (and seven optional) stations to complete readings, view webinars/videos, and respond to discussion prompts.  This seminar is appropriate for those who are new to learning about Japan as well as those who have previous knowledge and experience. There is some freedom to progress at your own pace, but you must complete all ten required units by September 1.

Note: Accommodations can easily be made for those who do not wish to walk. Accepted participants will be provided with details.

In addition to receiving access to the My Virtual Mission route and the seventeen milestone e-mails you will also receive a free set of the required seminar books. You will have access to supplementary materials on the seminar Moodle, where you will also respond to the discussion prompts for each of the milestones. Participants who complete all the requirements will receive a certificate of completion for 30 contact hours and a $150 completion stipend.

Limited to 20 in-service educators. Additional information and registration.(link is external)

 

Junk in Hong Kong Harbor

Receive the Weekly E-Bulletin

The Center publishes a weekly e-bulletin during the academic year. Each issue provides information about East Asia–related events, study and travel opportunities for teachers and their students, and educational resources. If you wish to receive the e-bulletin, please email: fcceas@fivecolleges.edu 

Contacts

A smiling woman with short light brown hair and blue sweater.

Anne Prescott

Director

General Inquiries

fcceas@fivecolleges.edu

Come visit us in person! You can find us at...

 
Young Library, Bass Hall, Room Y102
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063