Welcome from the Director
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| Greetings!
I hope everyone is having a great fall term! The PSU campus feels more vivid with beautiful colors of the trees and the return of our many students and faculty. I am happy to say that we have been hosting and sponsoring many interesting and exciting lectures and events that have attracted not only our PSU community but also many people in the larger Portland area.
In this newsletter, we share snapshots from several events we hosted on campus over the summer, including the K-Pop academy in August and a sold-out Daejeon Metropolitan Dance Theater Performance in September, which were extremely successful in so many ways. I believe these events served to introduce some of the Asian culture to our community, and to increase the visibility of our institute in the Oregon/Washington areas and beyond.
It is also my great honor to announce that we recently received a donation of $2,500 from Friends of Korea! I will ensure to put this fund towards developments of Korean Studies programs, as a way for us to continue to thrive in our mission to promote studies of Asia and Asian America, and to support the members of our community.
Looking ahead, we have three upcoming lectures in November 2023, which should be of interest to many members of the IAS. In addition, a series of lectures touching on important topics across different disciplines have been already scheduled for winter and spring terms, and I look forward to seeing many of you at these events.
To stay tuned, follow us on Instagram and like the page on Facebook – we look forward to connecting with you!
Hyeyoung Woo, Ph.D.
Director of IAS and Professor of Sociology
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IAS Executive Committee
Meet our new Committee members!
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Pronoy Rai
Associate Professor of Geography
Liberal Arts and Sciences
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| Introduction of yourself with your position at PSU and your research and teaching area.
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I am an associate professor of Geography at PSU. I am a human geographer with scholarly interests in global development, labor, migration, gender and sexuality, and climate and agroecological change with a regional focus in India.
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What does the IAS and Asian Studies community mean to you?
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I have a strong record of service both to IAS and the Asian Studies community at PSU. I have served as an associated faculty of IAS since I arrived at PSU and the Institute’s scholarships committee occasionally. I was also among the IAS faculty who drafted our statement in the aftermath of the racial justice movements in the Summer of 2020. Last Spring, I gave a talk in the Institute’s lecture series. I regularly teach GEOG/INTL 325U Contemporary India, an Asian Studies course that meets both the junior cluster general education requirement and the Race and Ethnic Studies requirement, thus making content on Asian Studies accessible to the broader PSU student body.
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What do you hope for the new AY 2023-2024 (either professionally or personally, or both)?
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I returned to rural India this past summer to restart fieldwork for two new projects after a long four years away due to COVID and travel restrictions. I will analyze the data from that project over this year. I look forward to serving my home department, Geography, as the curriculum chair and the university on the Faculty Senate Budget Committee in this pivotal year. Finally, my partner and I were fortunate to be able to buy a new house in SW Portland earlier this summer that we hope to continue to improve and build into a loving, caring, and sharing space (home!) for us, our families, and friends!
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Jon Holt
Professor of Japanese
Japanese Section Head.
World Languages and Literatures
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| Introduction of yourself with your position at PSU and your research and teaching area.
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Expertise areas: Japanese literature (modern), Japanese comics (manga), Japanese Buddhism, poetry
I teach both language (3rd and 4th year Japanese) as well as literature & culture courses. Lately I teach manga courses regularly each of the 3 quarters and even summer. I'm affiliated with the Comics Studies Program. I used to teach UNST SINQ (Global Perspectives: Asia). I also regularly teach UNST junior-cluster classes.
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What does the IAS and Asian Studies community mean to you?
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The IAS is one of PSU and CLAS' greatest assets as it brings together Asia specialists from across so many different programs and colleges. We have so many strengths we share collectively and can leverage our work and activities to help PSU students have deep, meaningful learning experiences about Asia. Hopefully, all of our work turns more people onto Asia, to learn about its countries, and to go there and experience Asia themselves. The IAS brings in great speakers to supplement our work and support Asian research.
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What do you hope for the new AY 2023-2024 (either professionally or personally, or both)?
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I will continue to publish more research articles and translations about manga. These pieces help others in Comics Studies (Anglophone) learn about more Japanese manga -- and thereby expand awareness of how comics work in other parts of the world. I'm considering a book that collects a lot of my already published work. Most of my work involves partnerships with M.A. students (past and present) in Japanese so I can train them how to publish -- a part of the profession.
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Faculty News
Here's what some of our faculty have been up to:
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| Masami Nishishiba (Public Administration) was appointed as the Director of Mark O. Hatfield School of Government in July 2023.
Dr. Nishishiba and her team at the Center for Public Service successfully organized a 20th anniversary event (virtual) for the Japanese Local Governance and Management (JaLoGoMa) program on August 25, 2023.
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Pronoyy Rai (Geography) was Appointed a member of the American Association of Geographers' Awards Committee for 2023-26.
Elected Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect of the American Association of Geographers' Development Geographies Specialty Group for 2023-25.
Served as a Leadership Fellow in the PSU Office of Academic Affairs from July-September 2023 focusing on strategic curricular and resource management.
In Summer 2023, received a University of Washington Population Health Initiative Climate Change Planning Grant ($10,000) as a co-PI with Sameer Shah and Celina Balderas Guzman (both at UW). The grant helped Dr. Rai conduct fieldwork among smallholder farmers in rural western India in August 2023.
Visited Gopikabai Sitaram Gawande Mahavidyalay, a rural community college run by farmers in rural Maharashtra state in India in August 2023, where on August 17, gave a talk on "Research Methodology and Methods" for graduate students and on August 19, led a roundtable discussion among faculty on “U.S Undergraduate Programs, the 2020 (Indian) National Education Policy, and Lessons and Challenges for Indian Higher Education Institutions."
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| Ji Woon "June" Ryu (Business) co-presented with R. Raveendhran and C Guarana "Critical Feedback from Artificial Intelligence: Reactions of Women and Men to Algorithm-driven Feedback" at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management. Boston, MA (August 2023).
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Hyeyoung Woo (Sociology) co-authored with Lindsey Wilkinson and Soo-Yeon Yoon “Education, Employment, Family Formation Behaviors, and the Gender Health Gap: A Cross-National Comparison of Korea, the United States, and Finland" in The Journal of Korean Studies, 28(2), 281-313.
Organizer, An international conference on Lives of Women (and Men) in Contemporary Korea, Korea University on June 21, 2023.
Session Organizer/Presider, “Experiences of Transnational Asian Immigrants” for the Annual Meetings of American Sociological Association, Philadelphia, PA, August 18-21, 2023.
Appeared to discuss South Korea's low fertility on Arirang TV (a nation-wide broadcast in Korea) on July 11, 2023, UN-designated World Population Day. Link to video:
https://youtu.be/8lfyA4h0ZQA?si=Rjd8ec9mBwOHOOW9
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A Look Back at Summer Events
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This summer, we hosted the Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles K-Pop Dance and Vocal Academy, a free week-long program of dance and vocal classes for those interested in K-POP and its culture. Students were taught by a professional South Korean dancer and singer. They performed in a final showcase on the last day of classes to demonstrate and celebrate what they learned in the classes. From surveys, we discovered we had substantial participation from the broader community and from those who were not Korean. We would also like to share some photos and quotes from students:
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It was a very fun and memorable experience! The dance instructor was a great teacher and everyone in the dance class made the atmosphere rich with friendliness and good energy!
- Absolutely wonderful! I had a great time!
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This was my first time, and it was a lot of fun. Being able to enjoy something with other people and having amazing instructors. It would be fun to do this again.
- It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my dance career!
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We would like to give thanks to the Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles, the instructors, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea in Northern Oregon Greg Caldwell, and staff at the Native American Student and Community Center!
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From Left to Right: Office of Global Engagement and Innovation Director Ron Witczak, Institute for Asian Studies Director Hyeyoung Woo, Consul General in Seattle Eun-ji Seo, PSU President Ann Cudd, PSU Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Heejun Chang.
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Earlier this fall, we hosted a special performance of the Daejeon Dance Metropolitan Theater, organized by the Consulate of Republic of Korea in Seattle. The performance celebrated the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. This event is one of the largest Korean cultural events IAS has hosted on campus in recent years. We also hosted a reception organizing a reception to appreciate our partnerships with Korean communities all across Oregon. We would like to thank the Consulate and the Korean Consul General in Seattle Eun-ji Seo, the Korean Society of Oregon, Portland State University President Ann Cudd, and the Office of Global Engagement and Innovation Director Ron Witczak, and Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea in Northern Oregon Greg Caldwell for making this event happen.
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Student Corner
Meet the amazing students helping with IAS events:
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Business Administration: Marketing;
Graduated 06/2023
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For the K-pop Academy translated for the vocal section composed of approximately 10 students. I also helped set up signage for KCCLA, distributed name tags for all the attendees and completed other housekeeping tasks. I also translated for the Daejeon Metropolitan Dance show directors and the PSU production team. I helped carry out various tasks on the day of the show for the Korean Consulate General in Seattle.
Why did you decide to be involved in the events?
Seeing that it was Korean pop music that motivated me to learn Korean, I was adamant about participating in the K-pop Academy. While studying at PSU, I also earned a minor in Music, where I briefly learned how to sing classical music. At first, the similarities between singing Korean pop and classical music may not be totally apparent. Still, I’m sure that both K-pop trainees and music college students can attest to the determination and dedication required by each discipline. In this sense, I wanted to encourage fellow peers to challenge themselves in singing and speaking Korean.
While both events gave me the chance to speak Korean more frequently than in my day-to-day life, the K-pop Academy helped set the stage for the type of work I hope to do someday. It was truly inspiring to see young artists express themselves in an environment constructed to harness that unbridled creativity.
Both events took me out of my comfort zone but strengthened my resolve to continue learning Korean despite shortcomings. While Korean vocabulary used in the K-pop industry and even some bits of vocal pedagogy were accessible to me, the following month’s performance event was more challenging because of the different contexts.
The week I spent in August translating and singing with fellow students was a time I will always remember and cherish. I have no regrets about having spent my evenings doing something that ignited my soul. The only regret was that the event was too short! I hope future academies have the opportunity to operate for longer periods of time.
What is your plan after graduation?
After graduating I plan to find work that’s meaningful to me, similar to the experience I had at the academy, where I can help young folks cultivate their creativity in combination with a strong work ethic. I also plan to continue learning Korean, continue singing, and build strong relationships with family and friends, and the community.
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Yeonsu Cheo
Intensive English Language Program
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| I'm from Seoul, South Korea! Beautiful landscape and my dream of studying in the US made me come to PSU. Finally my dream has been achieved!
I am studying in the IELP program at PSU for the fall term! Whenever I go to school, I feel energetic from the students and get more passion for studying. And I was so impressed by students who are doing their best for whatever they enjoy or love, such as sports clubs or ethnic clubs. I think it's the big difference between Korea and the US. In Korea, students are usually focusing on their job, not their hobby. Therefore some students don't know what they love to do in their free time.
How has your experience been attending Korean events at IAS and in the local community?
It was so interesting that I heard someone's lecture from a different point of view from a Korean. And I realized the popularity of K-pop, and it was amazing. As I listened, I thought I needed to study more about Korean culture. Because, even though I am Korean, sometimes foreigners know our culture more than me.
Until now, I just hung out with friends who are from different countries to develop my English. However, from now on, I should let them know Korean culture by communicating and sharing our experiences. I'll be a connector between other cultures and Korea. I think this opportunity will make me a better and worldwide person. Having this chance and going back to Korea, I could watch it widely and hugely!
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Inwha Yang
Intensive English Language Program
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I’m currently taking IELP classes to study English for one term. The PSU IELP programs are really helping me to improve my English. Thanks to PSU, I know that I have a genuine passion for studying English. So, after completing this program and returning to Korea, I’m planning to do my second major as English Language and literature.
How has your experience been attending Korean events at IAS and in the local community?
I’m from South Korea and study at Hanyang University. My major in Korea is “Korean Traditional Music”. Specifically, I play Daegeum which is ancient flute in Korea. I got invited from the World Champion Taekwondo Competition to play the Korean Anthem. It was really an honor to play “Daegeum” In front of the Americans! It was a great opportunity for me to introduce my instrument. After I performed, I had a lot of chances to speak with Americans about my major and about Korea!
It was a great opportunity to participate in the IAS Korean Event! Through the K-pop lecture, I realize how many foreigners are interested and curious about Korean culture. Moreover, I didn't even know about my culture. Through this opportunity, it was a great time to learn about my culture.
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"A Comparison of the Four Greats of Daodejing Chapter 25 in Three Early Versions: Laozi, Heshang Gong, and the Xiang’er" (see webpage)
Speaker: Dr. Tom Michael, Associate Professor in the School of Philosophy at Beijing Normal University
Date and Time: Thursday, November 16, 2023, 4:00 - 5:30pm
Location: Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH) Room 333
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"India and the Three Pandemics: COVID, Inequality, and the Criminalization of Dissent " (see webpage)
Speaker: Palagummi Sainath, founder-editor of the Peopleʼs Archive of Rural India (PARI), and a journalist and reporter covering rural India for over 30 years
Date and Time: Thursday, November 30, 2023, 5:00 - 6:30pm
Location: Urban Center Building, Room 212 (Parson's Gallery)
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| "Later and Less Marriage in Japan: Plausible Explanations and Longitudinal Evidence" (see webpage)
Speaker: Dr. Wei-hsin Yu, Professor of Sociology at University of California, Los Angeles
Date and Time: Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Location: Urban Center Building, Room 212 (Parson's Gallery)
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Winter and Spring 2024 Events
Save the dates!
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| "Scenes from a Jade Window: Piano and Trombone Music by Contemporary Chinese Composers"
Performed by: PSU Professor of Music Susan Chan (piano), and PSU Assistant Professor of Music Li Kuang (trombone), and Ziqi He (trombone)
Date and Time: Friday, February 9, 2024, 4:00pm
Location: Lincoln Hall, Room 75
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| Title: TBD
Speaker: Dr. Young Eun Chang, Professor of Social Welfare at Chung Ang University, Korea and Visiting Professor of Sociology at Portland State University
Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024
Location: TBD
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| Title: TBD
Speaker: Dr. Seungyeon Gabrielle Jung, Assistant Professor of Art History and Visual Studies at University of California, Irvine
Date: Tuesday, April 23 or Thursday, April 25, 2024
Location: TBD
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| Trena Gillette Memorial Lecture: Title: TBD
Speaker: Dr. Jisoo M. Kim, Korea Foundation Associate Professor of History, International Affairs, and East Asian Languages and Literatures at George Washington University
Date and Time: Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Location: Native American Student and Community Center (NASCC), Room 110
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Winter 2024 Courses
Check out some of the upcoming courses:
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