We had a glimpse of spring earlier this week, but winter is back this morning. In Japan, plum blossoms are out in full force! These bright pink flowers - an earlier cousin of the more famous sakura - are a tantalizing hint that the warmer weather is on the way. Closer to home, take a look at some of the springtime deadlines and opportunities for Asian Studies students:

URCAD Deadline - Friday, March 1

Have you been working on a big research project? Do you want to share your discoveries and insights with a wide audience? Apply to present at URCAD, UMBC's Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Day! 

You can apply here; if you worked with a particular faculty member for your research, let them know that you're applying! 

URCAD will take place on Wednesday, April 10, this year. 

Summer 2024 Registration Begins Friday, March 1

Are you thinking about a summer class this year? Registration for Summer 2024 begins tomorrow, Friday, March 1! Review information about the session at the Summer Session website - or browse the available courses here! 

Of particular interest for Asian Studies students, the following courses are available this summer: 

- ASIA 100 (six weeks, Session I)
- HIST 103 East-Asian Civilization (four weeks, Session II)
- HIST 381 From Samurai to Salariman: Japanese History Through Film and Literature (four weeks, Session I)
- JPNS 102 Elementary Japanese II (six weeks, Session II)

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

March 1 - URCAD application deadline
March 1 - Summer 2024 Registration Begins
March 16-24 - Spring Break; no classes

[thumbnail image: vibrant pink plum blossoms on a tree on the grounds of Nara's Himuro Shrine in February 2020]

The WInter Session is wrapping up and Spring 2024 is just around the corner. We hope that you've had a productive, relaxing January, and are looking forward to welcoming you to campus next week, whether you're returning or just joining us for your first semester! 

Winter Welcome Week 2024

Check out some of the special events taking place around campus next week as part of Winter Welcome Week 2024! From breakfast socials and opportunities to visit and chat with organizations and offices around campus to basketball games and the returning favorite Big Breakfast with Bingo, there's something for everyone on the schedule! Learn more on the Winter Welcome Week website. 

Gilman Study Abroad Scholarships - Application Open

Have you thought about study abroad, but wonder about how to pay for it? If you receive Pell grants as part of your financial aid, or are the child of an active duty service member in the military, the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship program may be just the thing for you! 

The Gilman scholarships award up to $8000 to support study abroad for students with demonstrated financial need. UMBC's Education Abroad Office will host several information sessions about the program in February - be sure to attend! The Gilman scholarship application deadline is March 7! 

Other Study Abroad Opportunities - Start Planning Now!

If the Gilman program isn't a good fit, but you still want to consider study abroad this summer, or for some or all of the 2024-25 academic year, start planning now! The Education Abroad office has created a useful road map of the steps you'll need to take to plan the perfect study abroad experience - check out their myUMBC post today, and contact them for more information!

Internships Available - Maryland Public Service Scholars

Do you have any plans this summer? Consider applying for one of the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program's summer internships!  These paid opportunities give students a chance to explore careers in government agencies and nonprofit organizations and make a difference in the lives of Marylanders. 

Applications for this competitive program are due March 1 - and more information is available at one of the Program's information sessions. 

Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall foliage is on full display on campus and around town, and the semester continues! Here's the latest from Asian Studies.

Guest Lecture - Dr. Yunwoo Song, "Why Be Moral?" 

Asian Studies is pleased to welcome American University's Dr. Yunwoo Song to the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery for a special lecture about Confucian influences and thoughts on morality. 

Please join us on Wednesday at 1pm for this exciting event - refreshments will follow the presentation! For more information, visit the myUMBC events page. 

Spring 2024 Advising and Registration are Here!

The Spring 2024 schedule is available online, and advising is happening now! Undergraduate students can begin registering for classes as early as tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct 31). 

Have you had your advising appointment yet? Check out our Advising Guide for Asian Studies students to make sure you're ready to register as soon as possible - signing up for classes early is the best way to make sure you have a seat in popular offerings, or to get a spot in that one class you might still need before you graduate! 

Winter Session 2024 registration is ongoing, too - visit https://winter.umbc.edu/ for more information! 

Upcoming Dates, Deadlines, and Events

• Spring 2024 Advising and Registration - ongoing; see above
• This week: The Major Event 
• Dr. Yunwoo Song Lecture "Why Be Moral?" - Weds, Nov 1, 1pm
• Deadline to withdraw from individual courses with a "W" - Weds, Nov 8
• Thanksgiving and American Indian Heritage Day - Nov 23 and Nov 24 - campus closed, no classes

It's that time again - Spring 2024 Registration starts next week, Oct 31! Are you ready to sign up for your classes? Here's a checklist of things you can do to prepare! 

Online Schedule Available Now

Students who are logged into their myUMBC accounts can review the entire Spring 2024 schedule online by visiting https://umbc.edu/go/schedule 

Additionally, a list of classes that count towards an Asian Studies major, minor, and certificate is available on our website. 

New Courses - ASIA 333 and ASIA 353

Looking for something different this spring? Check out Dr. Kim's two new course offerings! 

ASIA 333 - International Relations in East Asia - In Person, Thursdays, 4:30-7
The course aims for a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues in Asia, facilitating an understanding of the political, social, and economic dimensions of the region in the contemporary era. It places particular emphasis on regional and international relations. Throughout the course, students will acquire valuable insights into the political structures, ideologies, and movements shaping Asian nations. Additionally, the course will delve into the intricate dynamics of societal transformations, economic realities, and pressing issues, encompassing domestic challenges and regional conflicts, along with an added emphasis on U.S. engagement with Asian nations. 

ASIA 353 - Contemporary Society in Two Koreas - In Person, Tues/Thurs 10-11:15
This course is designed to help students develop a comprehensive background of contemporary history, politics, society, economy and security 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, economic, and social differences between the two Koreas, amidst their underlying core cultural similarities. Themes to be covered in this course include modernization, colonialism, nationalism, authoritarianism, democratization, industrialization, reunification, and gender relations.

Advising Information - Sign Up Early!

You must have registration clearance from their advisor before you can add classes to their schedule. Asian Studies students work with Dr. Oyen for advising. 

To receive registration clearance, complete this Google form for Dr. Oyen to review. If you would like an appointment to go over any questions or concerns about your Spring 2024 schedule or other details about your Asian Studies plans, you can schedule a meeting with Dr. Oyen via her Calendly. 

Account Holds - Check with Student Business Services

Account holds can prevent you from registering or graduating. Holds can be placed for several reasons, from overdue library books to parking fines to everything in between. Check with Student Business Services for help with resolving any account holds early, so that you can register on time! 

Winter Session Registration Ongoing

Thinking about the Winter session to stay busy during January? Consider signing up for one of these Asian Studies classes today - Winter registration is available now through the start of the session! Learn more about Winter 2024 at the session's website

ASIA 300 - Modern East Asia - Prof. Kim - Online, asynchronous
HIST 381 - From Samurai to Salariman - Prof. Vaporis - Online, asynchronous
MUSC 230 - Musics of the World - Prof. Beck - Online, T/W/TH 9-12:10

Advising Questions or Concerns? Let us know! 

Send us an email any time, or stop by Mon-Thurs 8:30-1:30 in person, with any questions you might have about Spring 2024 advising. 

The semester is hurrying along, and October is in full swing this week. So much is happening on campus and elsewhere - here are some highlights. 

Homecoming This Week! 

UMBC celebrates Homecoming 2023 all week this week, from Oct 8-14. You can find a listing of all the exciting events taking place as part of the festivities - from this weekend's Carnival to a Lego competition - on the Homecoming website. 

Spring 2024 Registration is Coming! 

The Spring 2024 schedule of classes will be available online on October 23, and registration begins on October 31. Visit our website's Advising Info page for more details, and stay tuned for additional information regarding advising appointments and a list of Spring 2024 classes that will count towards your Asian Studies major, minor, or certificate goals. 

Remember that only students who have clearance from their advisor will be able to add classes to their schedule during the registration period. 

Consider the Critical Language Scholarship Program 

Have you been thinking about study abroad for Summer 2024? Consider the Critical Language Scholarship Program! This prestigious program provides students with an opportunity for immersive, intensive language study abroad. Several virtual sessions this month will give students information about the various options the program offers, including an info session for the Chinese language program taking place today at 1pm. 

For more information, including links to the virtual sessions, visit our myUMBC post.

Save the Date - Guest Speaker Event - Dr. Yunwoo Song, Wednesday, Nov 1

Asian Studies is pleased to welcome American University's Dr. Yunwoo Song to campus for a special lecture event. Dr. Song will give a talk titled "Why Be Moral? Confucian Perspectives on the Origin of Morality," which will explore the significance of Confucian discourse on human nature and consider some philosophical problems that arise from these views. 

The talk will take place in the Library Gallery on November 1, at 1pm, and will be followed by a reception with light refreshments. We hope to see you there! 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• All week - Homecoming [see above] 
• Ongoing/various: CLS program info sessions [see above]
• Oct 23 - Spring 2024 Schedule available online
• Oct 31 - Spring 2024 registration appointments begin