Japan Beyond the Samurai: History and Culture for the Classroom

This free evening workshop held on January 9, 2018 focused on modern Japanese history and culture for current and pre-service middle and high school teachers and librarians, and was offered at the University of Montana, Missoula.

During this workshop, teachers discussed how to connect students’ interest and knowledge of Japanese popular culture (anime and manga) with larger historical events and developments from the nineteenth century and beyond. Lectures detailed the end of the samurai, the shifting urban/rural divide, and related cultural developments within the context of war and peace. The workshop also introduced teaching ideas and activities to help students explore historical connections between Japan and Montana including mining, development, and agriculture.

National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Conference 2017

East Asia Resource Center seminar leaders Mary Roberts, Tese Wintz Neighbor and EARC Director Mary Bernson presented at the annual NCSS conference in San Francisco from November 17-19, 2017. The conference was well attended, allowing educators the opportunity to exchange knowledge, resources and best practices with one another.