Course Description:

The course will explore the past and present of Korea, diving into its history and contemporary issues with a balanced and engaging approach. It will be a great session for anyone interested in understanding the two Koreas:

This course is designed to help students develop a solid background of contemporary history, politics and society of two Koreas and their impact on the broader context of Asia. The course explores key historical processes that have shaped the contemporary societies of two Koreas through multidisciplinary lenses. The course will help students understand the origins of, and influences stemming from, the stark political, social and economic differences between the two Koreas, amidst their underlying core cultural similarities. Themes to be covered in this course include modernization, colonialism, nationalism, democratic transition and consolidation, industrialization, reunification, and gender relations.

Make 2025 the year you decide to study abroad in Asia! There are more scholarship opportunities to fund your trip than you imagine. 

The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship is now open for students who are interested in studying abroad and demonstrate financial need. The application closes on February 5th, 2025 at noon. You can find more information here:

https://fundforeducationabroad.org/apply/

Please read prior postings for other opportunities and of course visit the Asian Studies website for still more.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to study overseas in Asia. It will change your life!

The CAHSS Dean’s Scholarship for Education Abroad is NOW OPEN!

Apply now if you’re planning to study abroad in 2025!

The Education Abroad Office has announced an upcoming Study Abroad 101 session, happening online on January 7. From their myUMBC post: 

Study Abroad 101 is the first step to studying abroad at UMBC! Attend this session to learn the basics such as different program options, study abroad scholarships, and how to find programs through our website.

If you've been contemplating Study Abroad, but aren't sure how it works, where to go, or how to fund it, this is a great opportunity to answer those questions! 

Visit the Study Abroad Office's myUMBC post for the sign-up link.

It's a busy time of the semester and year, and there's a lot happening on campus! Before you dive into studying for finals, be sure to see below for the latest Asian Studies news. 

Winter 2025 Registration Continues

As your Fall 2024 classes wind down over the next few weeks, you may want to turn your attention to the Winter session. Winter courses offer a great opportunity to catch up or get ahead of the 30 credits per year pace to maintain in order to graduate in four years. You can view the entire Winter 2025 course offering list, and learn more about how to register, on the Winter session website. 

Dr. Kim is offering ASIA 300: Topics in Asian Studies (Modern East Asia) as an online, asynchronous course this winter. This course examines China, Japan, and Korea from the mid-19th century to the present in terms of their history, politics, society, and culture. Seats are still available; check out the attached flier for more information! 

Summer Study Abroad Opportunity: Japan

Dr. Oakes is leading a study abroad trip to Japan this summer! UMBC's Faculty-Led Study Abroad is a great opportunity to add a study abroad experience to your studies without needing to worry about fitting it in with your other academic plans. 

The three week Art and Power in Japan program will visit some of Japan's most historic cities and sites, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. Participants will learn not only about the historic importance of these places and the art and architecture there, but will also explore their relevance to Japanese culture today. 

Learn more about Dr. Oakes's trip, and how to apply for it, on the Education Abroad portal. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025, which will be here much sooner than you think! 

Finals are Coming!

The Fall 2024 semester is drawing to a close, and finals will take place soon. Don't miss the library's StudyCon on Reading Day, December 11! Join library staff and community partners for snacks, giveaways, tutoring information, and more, to help you relax and breathe before diving into last-minute studying and preparation! 

Check out the details on the Library's myUMBC page.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

They're calling for snow flurries, or at least "winter precipitation" of some kind, here at the tail end of this week. If you're looking for more winter than a few stray flakes, though, the Shuangfeng Forest Farm in Heilongjiang province, China, may be of interest! Learn more about it in this 2023 Xinhua article. 

Closer to home, there's a lot happening on campus - keep reading for more info! 

International Education Week Events

International Education Week is happening now! If you're interested in study abroad, continuing your studies and research overseas after graduation, or other opportunities outside the United States, there is an event for you! 

Highlights include info sessions about the prestigious U.S. Fulbright Student Program (fully funded long-term opportunities in one of 140 countries around the world, to teach English, conduct research, or earn a graduate degree); the table fair to learn about a variety of programs (and how to fund them), and more! 

Visit the International Education Week website for more information!

Faculty-Led Study Abroad: Japan, June 2025

Are you thinking about Study Abroad, but aren't sure how to juggle a full semester or academic year at a different school amidst your other plans? Consider a Faculty-Led Study Abroad trip! 

Asian Studies affiliate faculty member Dr. Oakes is leading a trip in June 2025 called "Art and Power in Japan." This special opportunity will give you a chance to gain first-hand experience abroad while also earning academic credits towards your studies at UMBC! 

Dr. Oakes is hosting a virtual info session for the program on Friday - see the attached flier for more details, and feel free to send her an email at <juloakes@umbc.edu> with any questions you might have! 

Spring 2025 Advising Still Available

It's not too late to make an advising appointment with Dr. Vaporis or Dr. Kim for Spring 2025 registration. You cannot add classes to your Spring 2025 schedule until you have advising clearance. Email Dr. Vaporis <vaporis@umbc.edu> or Dr. Kim <kimsy@umbc.edu> for an appointment today - don't wait! 

Winter 2025 Registration Available Now

Students need to take an average of 15 credits per semester (30 credits per academic year) to graduate in four years. Winter can be a great opportunity to catch up or get ahead - and you don't need advising clearance to register for a winter class! 

Learn more about the Winter 2025 session, including course offerings, dates and deadlines, and fees, on the Winter Session website.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Happening Now: International Education Week (see above)
• Thursday, Nov 28: Thanksgiving (UMBC Closed)
  
• Friday, Nov 29: American Indian Heritage Day (UMBC Closed)
• Tuesday, Dec 10: Last Day of Classes; last day for Full Semester Withdrawal
• Dec 11-18: Finals

[thumbnail image description: a view over the snowy streets and rooftops of China's Shuangfeng Forest Farm. Bright red lanterns hang from lampposts along the streets.]