Chungsook Kim to present on ancient Korean writing systems on March 1

The Institute for Korean Studies will present a lecture by Chungsook Kim, Korea University, on Wednesday, March 1 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. online (registration required). Prof. Kim will present "Korean Writing Systems Until the 15th Century." Note: This lecture will be presented in Korean.

Abstract: 1443년 훈민정음이 창제되기 전까지 한국인들은 중국의 글인 한문을 표기 수단으로 사용하였다. 그런데 한문을 적는 글자인 한자는 표의문자라서 배우기가 어려웠으며 한국어와 중국어의 구조가 매우 달라, 일부 지식인을 제외하고는 문자 생활을 하는 것이 불가능하였다. 이러한 문제를 해결하고자 세종대왕은 훈민정음을 창제하고 창제 원리를 기록으로 남겼다. 훈민정음은 11개의 모음 글자와 17개의 자음 글자로 구성된 음소문자이다. 먼저 상형의 원리를 적용해 기본자를 만들었고, 이 기본자에 획을 더하거나 기본자들을 결합하여 새로운 문자들을 만들었다. 훈민정음은 하나의 글자가 하나의 소리를 나타내는 음소문자이며, 상형과 가획, 결합의 원리에 의해 글자를 만드는 과정이 매우 과학적이고 체계적이라는 평가를 받는다. 이에 훈민정음 창제 이전에 한국인들의 문자 생활을 간략히 소개하고, 창제 원리를 중심으로 훈민정음에 대해 설명하고자 한다.

Before the invention of Hunminjeongeum in 1443, several different scripts were used on the Korean peninsula, including Gogyeol, Hyangchal, Idu, and Chinese characters. The existing writing systems based on Chinese characters could not properly represent the unique sounds and grammar of the Korean language. Chinese characters (or Hanja) were ideograms (meaning-based), and the structures of Korean and Chinese were very different. It was difficult for commoners to learn the Hanja writing system, making it only accessible to a small group of intellectuals and aristocrats. Recognizing the need for a new writing system that would be accessible to everyone, King Sejong invented a phonetic alphabet, Hunminjeongeum, and illustrated its underlying principles. Hunminjeongeum is regarded as a scientific and systematic writing system because the letters were designed based on the position and shape of the mouth and tongue when producing each sound. In this presentation, I will introduce various scripts used on the Korean peninsula before the creation of Hunminjeongeum and discuss the principles under which Hunminjeongeum was created.

Cheng Li to present on Shanghai's art scene, middle class on March 8

The Institute for Chinese Studies will present a lecture by Cheng Li, Brookings Institution, on Wednesday, March 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wexner Center's Film/Video Theater. Dr. Li will present "Contemporary Art and Shanghai's Middle Class."

Abstract: Cheng Li discusses topics from his book with a focus on “what Shanghai’s dynamic art scene reveals about the city’s middle class.” In his latest book, Middle Class Shanghai, the renowned scholar Cheng Li combines eclectic human stories with striking new data analysis to address the possibility that the development of China’s class structure and cosmopolitan culture—exemplified and led by Shanghai—could provide a force for reshaping U.S.-China engagement. Li argues that American policymakers must not lose sight of the expansive dynamism and diversity in present-day China. The caricature of the PRC as a monolithic Communist apparatus set on exporting its ideology and development model is simplistic and misguided. In this talk, Li discusses the empirical research in the realm of avant-garde art to highlight the strong, constructive impact of bilateral exchanges and reflects on the connection between this research and his new observations on the changing landscape of Chinese politics in the context of Sino-U.S. relations.

DEALL to offer intensive Japanese language program during Summer 2023

The Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures will hold its Summer Programs in East Asian Concentrations (SPEAC), an eight week intensive language program, from Monday, June 5 through Friday, July 28 on Ohio State's Columbus campus.

Courses to be offered:
Level I: Japanese 1101.02 (4 credits) & Japanese 1102.02 (4 credits)
Level II: Japanese 1103.02 (4 credits) & Japanese 2102.02 (5 credits)
Level IV: Japanese 5101.02 (3 credits) & Japanese 5102.02 (3 credits)

The deadline to apply is March 3 for non-OSU applicants, and March 21 for OSU applicants.

John Glenn College accepting applications for Washington Academic Internship Program

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs offers an opportunity for Ohio State students to study and work in the nation's capital. The Washington Academic Internship Program selects undergraduates from any major to spend a semester in Washington, D.C., as John Glenn Fellows. Students work in field placements that reflect their particular areas of academic interest.

While in Washington, John Glenn Fellows remain fully registered Ohio State students. Students earn academic credit hours for their internship, the research seminar in which a policy paper is developed, and a course on policymaking and public service in the Washington community. Students will deepen their understanding of policy issues through weekly policy salons with experts. Friday study tours each week will also allow students to explore and experience different aspects of Washington.

Participants in the program meet policy professionals and interact with Ohio State alumni in the region. This interaction has value far beyond the semester in which the students are involved in the program. Real opportunities are presented for career advice, professional development, and cross-generational exchange.

In order to participate in WAIP, students must submit an application and interview with WAIP program staff. There is one pre-requisite course students must take before their WAIP semester, which can be satisfied by enrolling in Public Affairs 2110: "Introduction to Public Affairs." Political Science 3115: "Introduction to the Policy Process" is also acceptable. Students do not have to enroll in the pre-requisite in order to apply, but they must successfully pass the requirement before their WAIP semester.

Applications for Fall 2023 must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 19. Prior to completing the online application, it is recommended you set up a meeting with Washington Academic Internship Program staff in order to review materials, ask questions and ensure your application is of the highest quality. All meetings will be remote.

March 1 deadline approaching to apply for Mershon funding

The Mershon Center for International Security Studies will be closing its first funding competitions on Wednesday, March 1 for graduate and individual faculty research projects, along with a new category of support for recently tenured Associate Professors.

Undergraduates are encouraged to apply to the Alger Peace and Conflict Resolution Scholarship. Calls for competitions with an April 1 or flexible deadlines will be added to the website soon.

Note: The overall granting structure has been redesigned, so applicants should examine Mershon's main funding page to determine the appropriate competition.

Scholars from any discipline are encouraged to consider how their research might shed light on the human, social, institutional, and other dimensions of international, national, and human security.