How have histories of colonialism and their foundational language of gender, race, sexuality, and nation shaped the language, terminology, and theories of the modern plant sciences? How and why do botanical theories remain grounded in the violence of their colonial pasts? Join feminist botanist, Dr. Banu Subramaniam, who develops the concept of migrant ecologies to retheorize plant migration and reproductive biology. This lecture explores new biological frameworks that harness the power of feminist thought to reimagine and reinvigorate our love of plants.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Banu Subramaniam is the Luella LaMer Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Wellesley College. Trained as a plant evolutionary biologist, Dr. Banu engages the feminist studies of science in the practices of experimental biology and is author of Botany of Empire (2024), Holy Science (2019) and Ghost Stories for Darwin (2016).

Co-sponsors and Partners: Social Science Forum, The Center for the Social Sciences Scholarship, and the Department of Geography and Environmental Systems

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

Congratulations to our Spring 2025 graduates!

Amanda Lynne Evans
Asmaou Thiam
Alyssa Thomas
Sarah Jeannette Siskind

It's a busy time of the semester and year, and there's a lot happening on campus! Before you dive into studying for finals, be sure to see below for the latest Asian Studies news. 

Winter 2025 Registration Continues

As your Fall 2024 classes wind down over the next few weeks, you may want to turn your attention to the Winter session. Winter courses offer a great opportunity to catch up or get ahead of the 30 credits per year pace to maintain in order to graduate in four years. You can view the entire Winter 2025 course offering list, and learn more about how to register, on the Winter session website. 

Dr. Kim is offering ASIA 300: Topics in Asian Studies (Modern East Asia) as an online, asynchronous course this winter. This course examines China, Japan, and Korea from the mid-19th century to the present in terms of their history, politics, society, and culture. Seats are still available; check out the attached flier for more information! 

Summer Study Abroad Opportunity: Japan

Dr. Oakes is leading a study abroad trip to Japan this summer! UMBC's Faculty-Led Study Abroad is a great opportunity to add a study abroad experience to your studies without needing to worry about fitting it in with your other academic plans. 

The three week Art and Power in Japan program will visit some of Japan's most historic cities and sites, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. Participants will learn not only about the historic importance of these places and the art and architecture there, but will also explore their relevance to Japanese culture today. 

Learn more about Dr. Oakes's trip, and how to apply for it, on the Education Abroad portal. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025, which will be here much sooner than you think! 

Finals are Coming!

The Fall 2024 semester is drawing to a close, and finals will take place soon. Don't miss the library's StudyCon on Reading Day, December 11! Join library staff and community partners for snacks, giveaways, tutoring information, and more, to help you relax and breathe before diving into last-minute studying and preparation! 

Check out the details on the Library's myUMBC page.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

They're calling for snow flurries, or at least "winter precipitation" of some kind, here at the tail end of this week. If you're looking for more winter than a few stray flakes, though, the Shuangfeng Forest Farm in Heilongjiang province, China, may be of interest! Learn more about it in this 2023 Xinhua article. 

Closer to home, there's a lot happening on campus - keep reading for more info! 

International Education Week Events

International Education Week is happening now! If you're interested in study abroad, continuing your studies and research overseas after graduation, or other opportunities outside the United States, there is an event for you! 

Highlights include info sessions about the prestigious U.S. Fulbright Student Program (fully funded long-term opportunities in one of 140 countries around the world, to teach English, conduct research, or earn a graduate degree); the table fair to learn about a variety of programs (and how to fund them), and more! 

Visit the International Education Week website for more information!

Faculty-Led Study Abroad: Japan, June 2025

Are you thinking about Study Abroad, but aren't sure how to juggle a full semester or academic year at a different school amidst your other plans? Consider a Faculty-Led Study Abroad trip! 

Asian Studies affiliate faculty member Dr. Oakes is leading a trip in June 2025 called "Art and Power in Japan." This special opportunity will give you a chance to gain first-hand experience abroad while also earning academic credits towards your studies at UMBC! 

Dr. Oakes is hosting a virtual info session for the program on Friday - see the attached flier for more details, and feel free to send her an email at <juloakes@umbc.edu> with any questions you might have! 

Spring 2025 Advising Still Available

It's not too late to make an advising appointment with Dr. Vaporis or Dr. Kim for Spring 2025 registration. You cannot add classes to your Spring 2025 schedule until you have advising clearance. Email Dr. Vaporis <vaporis@umbc.edu> or Dr. Kim <kimsy@umbc.edu> for an appointment today - don't wait! 

Winter 2025 Registration Available Now

Students need to take an average of 15 credits per semester (30 credits per academic year) to graduate in four years. Winter can be a great opportunity to catch up or get ahead - and you don't need advising clearance to register for a winter class! 

Learn more about the Winter 2025 session, including course offerings, dates and deadlines, and fees, on the Winter Session website.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Happening Now: International Education Week (see above)
• Thursday, Nov 28: Thanksgiving (UMBC Closed)
  
• Friday, Nov 29: American Indian Heritage Day (UMBC Closed)
• Tuesday, Dec 10: Last Day of Classes; last day for Full Semester Withdrawal
• Dec 11-18: Finals

[thumbnail image description: a view over the snowy streets and rooftops of China's Shuangfeng Forest Farm. Bright red lanterns hang from lampposts along the streets.]

If you are a currently enrolled UMBC undergraduate or graduate student interested in a year of research, study, or teaching in more than 140 countries around the world, attend this special Fulbright U.S. Student Program information session during International Education Week.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, funded by the U.S. State Department, allows graduating seniors, currently enrolled graduate students, and recent alumni to study, research, or teach for a year throughout the world. For more information on the program, check out the Fulbright website at <us.fulbrightonline.org>.

You can email Dr. Brian Souders, UMBC's Fulbright Program Advisor, with questions at <souders@umbc.edu>.

To register for this special information session, co-sponsored by UMBC and the U.S. Student Fulbright Program, head to the link below:

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 5:00 PM-6:15 PM EST

https://apply.iie.org/register/GPS1

**This information has been cross-posted from the Global Studies myUMBC page.

The days are shorter now, and a bit colder, but campus remains lively and exciting as ever for Asian Studies students. Here are a few events, dates, and deadlines of interest for you in the coming weeks: 

Spring 2025 Advising and Registration

Did you forget to sign up for advising for Spring 2025, and you still need your registration clearance? Never fear - Dr. Vaporis and Dr. Kim can meet with you during their normal office hours to assist you with any questions you might have! You can reach them by email (click their names above) to schedule an appointment. 

New Spring 2025 Course - ASIA 300: Asia Pacific Worlds

Still looking for an elective for the coming Spring semester? Consider signing up for Dr. Thornburg's ASIA 300: Asia Pacific Worlds! 

Explore the histories, experiences, representations, and contemporary issues of the islands and archipelagos connected by the Pacific Ocean—from Hawaiʻi, the Philippines, and Japan to Vietnam, the Marianas, and Indonesia.  Using a variety of texts and genres—such as graphic novels, memoirs, and guidebooks—we will think about the connections, exchanges, and movements between that knit this region together from a "Global Asias" perspective, examining migration, diaspora, identity, colonialisms, popular culture, and tourism. 

The class is filling up fast - register today, don't miss your chance!

International Education Week is Coming!

Study abroad and other international experiences can provide life-changing opportunities for you to connect your interests with people and places around the world. International Education Week brings many of those experiences and opportunities to campus for you in a whirlwind of events ranging from information sessions to table fairs and guest speakers. 

You can learn more about International Education Week on the Center for Global Engagement's website. A few events may be of particular interest for ASIA students and may require pre-registration: 

• Monday, Nov 18, 4:30pm: Meet Maryland's Director of International Affairs
• Monday, Nov 18, 7:30pm: Fulbright English Teaching Program/English Language Fellows Program Virtual Info Session
• Tuesday, Nov 19, 5pm: Fulbright Hays Info Session
• Wednesday, Nov 20, 7pm: The English Program in Korea (EPIK) Info Session

Additional details about these programs are available on the CGE website as well as the attached flier. 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

Today is Election Day! If you haven't voted yet, polls are open now until 8pm tonight. Maryland has same-day voter registration, so even if you aren't already registered, you may be able to cast a ballot today! Find your polling place on the state's Voting Location Lookup site here. 

Last Chance for Advising!

Remember that you cannot register for your Spring 2025 classes until you get clearance from your advisor, and you can't get clearance from your advisor until you have an advising appointment with them. 

Have you signed up for an advising appointment with Dr. Vaporis or Dr. Kim? They've emailed an advising sign-up sheet a few times. This week is the last opportunity to meet with them during special extended office hours. If you haven't received the sign-up sheet, or are unsure how to complete it, please contact us as soon as possible. 

Registration for Spring 2025 is happening now, and we anticipate that many classes will fill up quickly. Don't miss your chance to sign up for the courses you need and want - get advised today! 

New Spring 2025 Course Offering: ASIA 330/ART 355 - The Dao of Intermedia

Prof. Chan is offering her popular "Dao of Intermedia" class again this spring. The course, crosslisted as ASIA 330 and ART 355, explores the connection between art and the everyday through lectures, and readings of Asian philosophy. The course consists of discussions about the philosophy and how traditional and contemporary artists/craftspeople have related the philosophy to their work. Students learn traditional arts/crafts such as brush-painting, papermaking, paper/textile decorative arts as well as creating art that is both physical material and performative. Seats are extremely limited - sign up today! 

Winter Session Registration Continues

Are you interested in taking a class during the Winter 2025 session this coming January, but aren't sure which one is the best option? Consider an asynchronous class that will count towards your Asian Studies requirements!  

ASIA 300 - Modern East Asia 
HIST 381 - From Samurai to Salariman: Japanese History Through Film and Literature

Unlike the Spring and Fall semesters, you do not need advising clearance to register for Winter Session classes. For more information about Winter Session, visit their website. 

Don't Forget: Guest Lecture with Dr. Anita Mannur on Monday, Nov 11!

We hope to see many of you in the Library Gallery on Monday afternoon, Nov. 11, for Dr. Mannur's lecture "From Pandan Donuts to Masala Chai Ice Cream." Dr. Mannur will explore the ways that a new generation of chefs is bringing the cuisine of Asia to a global audience - and we'll have refreshments for the lecture attendees, as well! 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Ongoing: Winter 2025 Registration
• Ongoing: Spring 2025 Advising & Registration
• Tomorrow (November 6): Last Day to Withdraw from Individual Courses with a "W" 
• Monday, Nov 11: Guest Lecture, Dr. Anita Mannur (see above)
• Thursday, Nov 28: Thanksgiving (UMBC closed)
  
• Friday, Nov 29: American Indian Heritage Day (UMBC closed)

Halloween is here! Will you be dressing up on Thursday? In Japan, 2024 is the 10th anniversary of "Mundane Halloween," where people dress up not as witches or zombies or ghosts but as everyday people, places, or things you might encounter across Japan. This blog has a rundown of some of the best offerings this year, as well as archived posts of highlights from previous years. Be sure to check it out! 

New Process: Spring 2025 Advising and Registration

Don't miss your chance to register for popular classes! Spring 2025 advising is happening now, and as of this week, we've modified the process! 

You no longer need to make an appointment via Calendly. Dr. Vaporis has distributed a Google Doc with appointment times - virtual and in-person - for students to select. If you did not receive this message yesterday (Monday, Oct 28) afternoon, please let us know as soon as possible (m.power@umbc.edu). 

Don't wait to sign up - registration began yesterday and we expect many classes to fill up quickly. You can't register for classes until you've received your advising clearance. 

Upcoming Events, Dates, and Deadlines