Inho Lee to present on South Korea's robot industry on February 14

The Institute for Korean Studies will present a lecture featuring Inho Lee, Pusan National University, on Wednesday, February 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. online (registration required). Prof. Lee will present "K-Robots: Navigating the Cutting Edge of South Korea's Robot Industry."

Abstract: This presentation offers an overview of the diverse array of robots currently under development in South Korea, a country renowned for its high level of robot integration worldwide. This integration owes much to the country's advancements in the electronics industry, particularly in semiconductors and automobiles. South Korea's proactive stance towards the introduction of service and industrial robots stems from its desire to address societal challenges such as aging demographics and a shrinking workforce. During this presentation, Prof. Lee will highlight ongoing robot projects within his CAMEL lab (Computer And Machine Engaged Lab). These projects include Autonomous Aerial Manipulation, which involves equipping drones with arms to perform various tasks, four-legged patrolling robots, and guide dog robots designed to assist the visually impaired. Furthermore, he will delve into the concept of a robot-friendly society, a topic of significant interest in South Korea given its status as one of the world's fastest-aging and declining population nations.

Mei Li Inouye to present on China's 1930s drama reforms on February 16

The Institute for Chinese Studies will present a lecture featuring Mei Li Inouye, Centre College, on Friday, February 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in 125 Mendenhall Lab. Prof. Inouye will present "May Fourth Legacies in the Cultural Revolution Model Works: Jiang Qing and 1930s Drama Reforms."

Abstract: During the Cultural Revolution, Jiang Qing, also known as the wife of Mao Zedong, persecuted prominent dramatists and prevented modern dramas from being performed. The banning of the model works and the revival of modern drama after Mao’s death have led to the assumption that modern drama’s influence on the model works was limited. However, Jiang studied performance in the 1920s and 1930s with some of China’s most prominent dramatist figures. This talk examines Jiang’s training in modern spoken drama over multiple decades at three modern drama schools or organizations where she encountered China’s most famous modern drama practitioners and their experiments. It demonstrates how the porosity and experimental nature of the field of modern spoken drama gave her opportunities to develop as an actress and to participate in the public sphere. It argues that an understanding of the Cultural Revolution model operas as modern dramas makes visible specifically modern and May Fourth era legacies in the model works as well as Jiang Qing’s role in the institutionalization of certain aesthetic and organizational reforms. This talk is part of a larger project supported by archival documents, print media, and oral histories gathered from over 40 archives, private collections, and libraries in the People’s Republic of China and the United States.

William T. Tsutsui to present on Japanese pop culture, globalization on February 20

The East Asian Studies Center will present a National Consortium for Teaching About Asia workshop featuring William M. Tsutsui, Ottawa University, on Tuesday, February 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. online (registration required). Prof. Tsutsui will present "Take & Go Into the Classroom: Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization."

Abstract: Japanese popular culture and globalization is woven into so many different disciplines and grade levels. The Take & Go Into the Classroom Series introduces teachers to interactive modules that bring together a variety of visuals, content experts, reading, activities, and assessments. William M. Tsutsui, author of the Key Issues in Asian Studies book, Japanese Popular Culture & Globalization will give an overview and then discuss this topic with the group. Take & Go Into the Classroom Series resources related to China will be highlighted that connect with Social Studies, Language Arts, Science, Visual Arts and other content areas, providing educators with an opportunity to use the resources either as stand-alone or cross-curricular learning opportunities. While supplies last, Japanese Popular Culture & Globalization will be sent to workshop participants.

CLLC to hold American Factory film screening on February 19

The Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures will hold a screening of American Factory on Monday, February 19 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in 050 Hagerty Hall.

Synopsis: The documentary focuses on an Ohio factory opened by a Chinese billionaire, exploring the cultural and class tensions that arise.