Francis Troyan to present workshop for Chinese language teachers on February 20, 27

The East Asian Studies Center will present a two-part workshop by Francis Troyan, The Ohio State University, on Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, February 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. online (space limited, registration required). Professor Troyan will present "Developing Interpersonal Communication through Genre Theory: A Core Practice for Chinese Language Teaching."

Abstract: Developing Interpersonal Communication is a core practice for world language teaching that has been identified by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). This workshop will use genre theory as a means for helping Chinese teachers to implement effective instruction related to the interpersonal mode of communication.

As global assessment frameworks the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning, and the Can-Do Statements have helped teachers to shift instruction and assessment toward functional ability in the target language. However, these frameworks do not describe the specific linguistic and organizational features of communication in context.

Situated within the recent scholarship on core practices for world language teaching, task-based performance assessment and instruction of world languages that addresses the Can-Do Statements, this workshop introduces participants to a genre theory and pedagogy that views spoken and written texts—all instances of communication—as genres that can be made visible and systematically taught to students. Participants will learn how to integrate genre into a backward design (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005) approach for the assessment and instruction of a world language that is centered on the development of the learner’s ability to communicate in written and spoken genres.

Christina Davis to present on Japan's role in global governance on February 22

The Institute for Japanese Studies will present its annual Brad Richardson Memorial Lecture, featuring guest speaker Christina Davis, Harvard University, on Monday, February 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. online (registration required). Professor Davis will present "The Challenge of Global Governance and Japan’s Role."

Abstract: Nationalist populism pushes against liberal internationalism even while economic and health crises demand international cooperation. The core pillars of Japanese foreign policy -- multilateralism, the US-Japan alliance, and engagement in Asia – remain central to how Japan can contribute to global governance. First, Japan must reinforce multilateralism. International organizations support cooperation when peer pressure and enforcement mechanisms uphold compliance. Japan’s experience as a member of international organizations offers lessons for how to use multilateralism to induce reforms. Second, strong U.S.-Japan relations defend principles of free markets and democracy. New leaders in the US and Japan must rebuild confidence in these ideals both at home and in their alliance. Finally, Japan lies at the hub of the trade regime complex. It can balance US and Chinese rivalries through skillful diplomacy with other states in Asia to set a middle path for open engagement.

Mershon Center accepting proposals for faculty and student research grants

The Mershon Center is pleased to offer faculty and student research grants for the 2021-2022 academic year to advance the study of international, national, and human security. Faculty applicants are encouraged to develop collaborative interdisciplinary proposals that fit within the Mershon Center's three research clusters: Recovering from Violence, Security and Governance, and American Foreign and Military Policy. Student applications are not required to be collaborative or to fit within the three clusters but special consideration will be given to those that do.

The deadline to apply is February 28.

Ohio Craft Museum to present tea ceremony lecture by Dick Lehman on February 6

Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit accepting applications for MEXT Scholarship