Asia 301: East Meets West is a course consisting of a series of lectures by instructors from various disciplines, perspectives, and ethnic backgrounds, as well as feature films and documentaries and interactive panels with international students.
All events are free and open to the public. Lectures are on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in Todd Hall 276, unless otherwise noted.
August 30
Course introduction, presented by Dr. Shawna Herzog.
“Asia in the Library,” by Librarian Marilyn Von Seggern.
September 6
“Human Commodities: The Western Demand for Asian Bodies,” presented by Dr. Shawna Herzog.
September 13 @ Kenworthy Theater in Moscow, 7:00–9:45 p.m.
“Bollywood on the Palouse: Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” presented by Dr. Lipi Turner-Rahman.
September 20
“Saudi Arabia Uncovered,” a film.
“A Middle Eastern Perspective of Western Practice,” a lecture presented by Dr. Marina Tolmacheva.
September 27
“French Secularism as a Target for Jihad,” presented by Dr. Steven Kale.
October 4
“China in Africa: Implications for the US Military,” presented by Lt. Col. Chris Heatherly (WSU Army ROTC).
“An Introduction to Contemporary China,” by Ph.D. candidate Sikang Song.
October 11
“Working with Refugees in Thailand and the US: A WSU Asian Studies Graduate’s Experience and Perspective,” presented by Tamber Hilton, Resettlement Program Manager, Refugee Focus, Tucson, AZ.
October 18, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
China Town Hall
Live webcast: “Local Connections, National Reflections,” Dr. Henry Kissinger (Todd 276, 4:00–5:00 p.m.).
Local keynote: “China’s President Xi Jinping: Reformer, Emperor, or Authoritarian Nationalist?” presented by Dr. Richard Ellings, president of the National Bureau of Asian Research (Todd 276, 5:00–6:00 p.m.)
October 25
“Islam as an Instrument of Civilization and Empire in Tsarist Russian Strategy among Central Asian Nomads, 1762–1917,” presented by Dr. Charles Weller.
November 1
“The Immigrant Oyster: Japanese and Japanese-Americans in Washington’s Oyster Industry, 1900–1941,” presented by Dr. Katy Fry.
November 4 @ Jones Theatre, Daggy Hall, 5:30–6:45 p.m.
“Rakugo with Katsura Sunshine,” a traditional Japanese “sit-down comedy” in English, organized by Kayo Niimi, M.A.
November 8
“Asia 301 Wrap-up,” a discussion of presentations, making connections, and explanation of assignments with Dr. Shawna Herzog.
For more information, please contact Asia Program Director Dr. Lydia Gerber at asia@wsu.edu or 509 335-7425.