Stepping East: Asian Studies at Calvin College

FAIN: CH-50332-07

Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4301)
Daniel H Bays (Project Director: November 2005 to November 2012)

Endowment for an Asian Studies program, including faculty development, visiting scholars, a lectureship, course releases for faculty program administrators, acquisitions, and office staffing.

A $2 million endowment, to be raised in the context of a major capital campaign, will allow Calvin College to sustain and expand a quality Asian studies program that is designed to ensure consistent contributions to the study and appreciation of the humanities, student understanding of the importance of the history, philosophy, religion, languages, and literature of a major contributor to global culture, and faculty research and scholarship on key humanities themes in the Asian world. It will build on key accomplishments over the past eight years that have not only strengthened a major humanities program but also created tremendous momentum in curricular development, faculty scholarships, and exchange programs with China, Japan, and Korea.

Associated Products

The China Threat: Perception versus Reality (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: The China Threat: Perception versus Reality
Writer: Qin Herzberg
Writer: Larry Herzberg
Director: Calvin College Film Productions
Producer: Calvin College Film Productions
Abstract: China is the most populous nation in the world, the second largest economy, and one of the two largest trading partners of the United States. And yet a large percentage of the American people view China's rise as a threat to the U.S., either militarily or economically or both. According to a recent CNN/Opinion Research survey, 71 percent of American consider China an economic threat to the U.S., while 51 percent consider China a military threat. The frequent reports in the American media about human rights abuses in China add to a rather dark view of that country on the part of the American public. When surveyed, 68 percent of Americans suggest that China is doing a bad job respecting the human rights of its citizens. Larry and Qin Herzberg, both professors of Chinese language and culture at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI spent several summers interviewing people from different walks of life across the U.S. as to their views on China. To answer their concerns as well as those voiced in the media, they interviewed professors of Chinese history, religion, philosophy, and business, who have spent the last three decades or more studying China and traveling there regularly. They also interviewed a Canadian reporter, an American missionary, and a New Zealander restaurant manager who have lived in China for many years. Included in the video are also interviews with two American businessmen who oversee factories in China. These people with a true knowledge of China were asked to comment on the negative feelings and fears so many Americans have about China. In particular, they were asked to answer these three basic questions: Is China an economic threat to the U.S.? Is it a military threat? Exactly now widespread are human rights abuses in China, especially as regards religious freedom? This film is designed to give Americans and other Westerners a better and more nuanced understanding of the rising superpower in the world.
Year: 2012
Format: Video
Format: DVD

Why the Korean Peninsula? (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Why the Korean Peninsula?
Abstract: Dr. Park will discuss the tensions on the Korean peninsula between North and South Korea. What is going on in North and South Korea? How much do we know and why do we need to know? What are those six world powers doing there, including the USA?
Author: Dr. John S. Park, Azusa Pacific University
Date: 03/15/11
Location: Calvin College

Christian Modern Womanhood in Korea (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Christian Modern Womanhood in Korea
Abstract: Dr. Choi will trace the genealogy of modern womanhood in the encounters between Koreans and American Protestant missionaries in colonial Korea (1910-1945). She will show that what it meant to be a “modern” Korean woman was deeply bound up in such diverse themes as Korean nationalism, Confucian gender practices, images of the West and Christianity, and growing desires for selfhood.
Author: Dr. Hyaeweol Choi, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Date: 04/12/11
Location: Calvin College

Harmony and War: Confucian Culture and Chinese Power Politics (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Harmony and War: Confucian Culture and Chinese Power Politics
Abstract: Has China’s pacifist Confucian culture constrained its use of force in the past and what are the implications for today’s international politics?
Author: Dr. Yuan-kang Wang, Western Michigan University
Date: 04/07/11
Location: Calvin College

Confusions over Confucianism (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Confusions over Confucianism
Abstract: What are the historical concepts, methodological issues, and contemporary realities of Confucianism in China today?
Author: Dr. Anna Xiao Dong Sun, Kenyon College
Date: 11/15/11
Location: Calvin College

Godzilla and Japanese Culture (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Godzilla and Japanese Culture
Abstract: Dr. Tsutsui will examine the early Godzilla films produced in Japan and speak to us on their cultural and historical significance in post WWII Japan.
Author: Dr. William Tsutsui, Southern Methodist University
Date: 03/07/12
Location: Calvin College

The Enemy within: Malcontent Koreans within the Japanese Empire (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Enemy within: Malcontent Koreans within the Japanese Empire
Abstract: Dr. Lee will speak to us regarding her research surrounding the riots during the aftermath of the 1923 earthquake and the killing of many Koreans in Tokyo. She will lead us in examining the competing narratives of collective violence in the early twentieth century Japanese empire.
Author: Dr. Jinhee Lee, Eastern Illinois University
Date: 03/13/12
Location: Calvin College

The Intellectual Discourse of the Extra human in Early Imperial China (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Intellectual Discourse of the Extra human in Early Imperial China
Abstract: Dr. Winslett will speak to us regarding his research on the representations of deities in Chinese texts from before 220 CE which is part of his book project entitled “Theism in Pre-Qin China” co- authored with Dr. Kelly Clark.
Author: Dr. Justin Winslett, University of Oxford
Date: 04/09/12
Location: Calvin College

The Mission of Christian Higher Education: the Case for a Korean Christian University (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Mission of Christian Higher Education: the Case for a Korean Christian University
Abstract: Dr. Kim will speak to us regarding his educational philosophy based on cross border, multi- disciplinary, and whole person education with a global perspective.
Author: Dr. Young-Gil Kim, Handong Global University
Date: 04/10/12
Location: Calvin College

Buddhist Temples and Social Relations in Rural Japan (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Buddhist Temples and Social Relations in Rural Japan
Abstract: This talk explores community Buddhist temples in rural Japan, a seldom discussed and inadequately researched facet of daily life within smaller Japanese communities. While famous pilgrimage sites like the Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto represent the iconic image of Japanese Buddhism, locally operating community temples represent the typical religious encounter for the majority of Japanese. This lecture will provide a close analysis of the structural, interpersonal, and functional dynamics of community temples in small rural Japanese communities.
Author: Aaron Delgaty
Date: 10/04/12
Location: Calvin College

Embracing Uncertainty in China (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Embracing Uncertainty in China
Abstract: Elena spent several weeks in China in August 2012 researching speech and language therapy and care for children with cleft palates. She will tell us about her experiences while traveling there, being inspired to work in China, and her ultimate goal of showing God’s love and sovereignty throughout her trip.
Author: Elena Chong, Calvin College speech pathology graduate student
Date: 04/01/13
Location: Calvin College

Qigong and the Animal Frolics: Chinese Martial Arts and Nature (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Qigong and the Animal Frolics: Chinese Martial Arts and Nature
Abstract: Through the practice of this most ancient form of active qigong (energy cultivation) we learn from and gain greater appreciation of the natural world. As part of the lecture-demonstration, the audience will be led through some of the movements inspired by animals that include the crane, the bear, the tiger, the monkey, and the deer.
Author: Nancy Herzberg
Date: 04/04/13
Location: Calvin College

Daoist Sages and Christian Saints (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Daoist Sages and Christian Saints
Abstract: Through the contemplative practice of “Jesus Qigong”, ancient Daoist philosophy (the Way of Nature) is united with the practice of St. Francis of Assisi, who taught the Way of Love. Nancy will demonstrate and lead us through meditation and movement accompanied by music.
Author: Nancy Herzberg
Date: 04/05/13
Location: Calvin College

Fukushima Today: Ongoing Issues that face the Community (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Fukushima Today: Ongoing Issues that face the Community
Abstract: Mr. Kida will present some of the ongoing issues in Fukushima, Japan that were the result of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.
Author: Keiji Kida, pastor of Fukushima Bible Church and member of the Fukushima Hope Project
Date: 04/11/13
Location: Calvin College

Songs from China and Lieder bend (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Songs from China and Lieder bend
Abstract: Ms. Zheng and Ms. Laothai, both graduate students at the University of Minnesota will present two performances on campus. The first will feature all Chinese music sung in Chinese and the second will be a selection of Lieder bend, songs from the romantic German tradition.
Author: Banchinda Laothai, piano
Author: Wei Zheng, soprano
Date: 03/12/12
Location: Calvin College

Building American Companies with Chinese Characteristics: How Competitive Advantage Comes Through Combining the Best of Both Cultures (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Building American Companies with Chinese Characteristics: How Competitive Advantage Comes Through Combining the Best of Both Cultures
Abstract: Both America and China have cultural stereotypes. Americans work well in teams, but they love to chit chat at work, wasting many hours every week. Chinese individual star performers are everywhere, but their relationships can sometimes keep them from holding others accountable. If only the best characteristics from each culture were combined into one organization, what would be the result? Through telling stories about his experiences managing small companies in China, Jared will offer a glimpse of the success that can be achieved by combining the best of both cultures. Language and cultural fluency are essential to making it work.
Author: Jared English
Date: 2/11/2016
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

A Citizen of the World: the Value of Learning Other Languages and Living in Other Cultures (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: A Citizen of the World: the Value of Learning Other Languages and Living in Other Cultures
Abstract: In this talk Jana will use her personal experiences as a basis to discuss the powerful messages cultures send us, and how immersing ourselves in a foreign language and culture can open our eyes to those messages and bring on an equally powerful change in perspective.
Author: Jana Fadness
Date: 04/18/2016
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Your Brain is Good at Inclusion…Except When it’s Not (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Your Brain is Good at Inclusion…Except When it’s Not
Abstract: The “Your Brain is Good at Inclusion… Except When It’s Not” presentation examines the domain of diversity and inclusion from the frameworks of human behavior and cognitive neuroscience. It makes the case that “diversity” is really not the problem. Rather, the real issue is closed-mindedness, the hard-wired bias to be cautious and skeptical about people, places, and things with which we are unfamiliar. Dr. Robbins will show us how open-mindfulness can pay huge dividends as we navigate a complex world filled with different perspectives, values and beliefs. As always, Dr. Robbins brings all this science-based content neatly packaged in real-world relevance, a good dose of storytelling and laugh-out-loud humor.
Author: Steve Robbins
Date: 10/29/2015
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Chinese Church in a Global Age (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Chinese Church in a Global Age
Abstract: This lecture will compare the patterns of indigenization of Protestant Christianity in Republican China and those in the era of Reform and Opening. Whereas indigenous urban preachers of the Republican era had a strong anti-Western proclivity, urban Chinese leaders of the era of Reform and Opening have embraced not only the historic Christian heritage but also made savvy use of China's post-Mao connections with the West. This development indicates that a significant step has been taken in shedding the historical baggage that has saddled the Chinese church in modern Chinese history.
Author: Gloria Tseng
Date: 03/21/2016
Location: Calvin college, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Living and Researching in Japan (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Living and Researching in Japan
Abstract: In this presentation I will talk about my experience living, working, and studying in Japan. I will talk about my experience in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program from 2009-2010 in Higashiomi, Shiga, my study abroad experiences in Kyoto and Yokohama, and my work as a researcher of Japanese kabuki theater. My understanding of Japan and the Japanese language has transformed through these many experiences of both traditional and modern Japan. I will explain how my fascination with Japanese popular culture motivated me to explore Japan’s rich history and diverse cultural traditions, and how I translate traditional performing arts for students in both America and Japan who are more familiar with Naruto than Kanjincho. I will also discuss how as a student and scholar of primarily early-modern Japan, personal connections with individuals and communities in Japan have not only continued to enrich my own experiences but impacted and enlivened my research.
Author: Melissa Van Wyk
Date: 2/9/2016
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Japan's Lost Decades and Changing Cultures of Youth (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Japan's Lost Decades and Changing Cultures of Youth
Abstract: The past twenty years have come to be known as Japan’s “lost decades.” During this time, Japan has been beset by a series of economic crises, protracted sluggish growth, and increasing competition from its Asian neighbors. As Japan has struggled to meet these challenges, youth culture and subcultures have undergone considerable change. Not only has the period of youth been extended, as it has in many other “developed countries,” but a wide range of new and culturally distinctive social types, identities, problems, and lifestyles has emerged as well. This talk takes a look at this rich variety of youthful forms and issues and relates them to broader social and economic forces transforming Japanese society. While presenting an overview of Japanese youth, it discusses in greater detail two high profile topics: youth-driven changes in the world of work and the resurgence of youth activism and counterculture.
Author: Colin Smith
Date: 10/5/2016
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

University Students in China: Their Lives, Aspirations, and Worldviews (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: University Students in China: Their Lives, Aspirations, and Worldviews
Abstract: In many ways, Chinese university students are no different than American college students. They balance busy class schedules with extracurricular activities while trying to maintain a semblance of a social life. Like US students, they worry about what they will do after graduation, what jobs they will have, or worry if they will even find a job. Yet in some major aspects, life as a university student in China is vastly different. How you choose a major and school, what campus life looks like, the teaching style in the classroom, are just a few areas that tend to differ from a typical US university setting. These similarities and differences shape students with aspirations that are at times familiar yet often linked with worldviews quite unlike our own.
Author: Suzanna Brown
Date: 10/12/2016
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Persecuted or Flourishing: North American Myths of Christianity in China (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Persecuted or Flourishing: North American Myths of Christianity in China
Abstract: Is it dangerous to be a Christian in China? How hard is it to buy a Bible? Is the registered church a puppet of the government? These are some of the common North American questions about Christianity and the church in China that this presentation will explore. In addition to common myths or misunderstandings, we will consider some of the current realities of the church in China
Author: Ruth Lemmen
Date: 11/30/2016
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Japan's Lost Decades and New Directions (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Japan's Lost Decades and New Directions
Abstract: After decades of high economic growth, the collapse of a massive asset price bubble in the early 1990s set off a prolonged period of economic recession, sluggish growth, and deflation from which Japan has yet to fully recover. This period has come to be known as Japan’s lost decades. This term refers not only to lost wealth, economic opportunities, and jobs, but also to a widespread sense of uncertainty and disorientation in Japanese society. This talk examines the impact of Japan’s economic troubles on Japanese society. It asks what has been lost, socially and culturally speaking over the past twenty-five years. But it also asks what has been gained. That is, alongside personal and business losses and the unraveling of venerable social institutions, what has emerged or been constructed? In what ways is Japan better off today than it was in 1989? In what new directions has Japan been heading?
Author: Colin Smith
Date: 4/5/2017
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Nagasaki Atomic History and the Present(NAHP): Engaging and Imagining Human Stories of Atomic War (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Nagasaki Atomic History and the Present(NAHP): Engaging and Imagining Human Stories of Atomic War
Abstract: Nuclear weapons are an undeniable reality of our times. Nagasaki Atomic History and the Present (NAHP) is an educational website that seeks to have American students be able to imagine and realize what the effects of a nuclear weapon are/were/would be on people. In this talk, I will introduce the contents of our website, how we intend for American students and teachers to use the resource, and the background of the project. We will begin our conversation with a brief introduction of the physical effects of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Then, I will share several stories of atomic bombing survivors’ (hibakusha) experiences of the Nagasaki atomic bombing of August 9, 1945. Lastly, we will watch a brief explanatory video of simulations of nuclear detonations over New York City. I hope that this will encourage students to use the NUKEMAP.com simulator in order to consider what might happen if their hometowns were attacked with a nuclear weapon. NAHP is the result of over six years of small-group collaborations between students, atomic bombing survivors, citizens, NGOs, librarians, audio-visual technicians, professors, and universities around the world. I hope to encourage students to think about what kinds of small-scale, yet global, projects about the human experience they can carry out as undergraduates and beyond.
Author: Alex Sklyar
Date: 4/19/2017
Location: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Speak and Read Chinese: Fun Mnemonic Devices for Remembering Chinese Words (Book)
Title: Speak and Read Chinese: Fun Mnemonic Devices for Remembering Chinese Words
Author: Larry Herzberg
Abstract: Speak and Read Chinese is a simple, fun guide that helps language learners remember pinyin, tones, and characters of essential Chinese words. Students and teachers rate pinyin, tones, and characters as some of the most difficult aspects of learning Chinese. This book addresses this issue by organizing easy memorization tricks for the three hundred most basic characters in popular textbook series like Integrated Chinese and New Practical Chinese Reader.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Stonebridge Press
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 978-1611720310
Copy sent to NEH?: No

Chinese Proverbs and Popular Sayings: With Observations on Culture and Language (Book)
Title: Chinese Proverbs and Popular Sayings: With Observations on Culture and Language
Author: Larry Herzberg
Author: Qin Xue Herzberg
Abstract: This treasury of Chinese wisdom presents over five hundred proverbs while offering keys to culture and language. Here are both the familiar, earnest sayings of Confucius and Lao Zi ("The longest journey begins with a single step") and the homespun truths of every day ("Teachers open the door; you enter by yourself"). Designed both for inspirational browsing and for students of language and culture, the text is organized by subject (Learning, Patience, Money, Family, Food, etc.) and provides commentary plus Chinese characters and pinyin romanization for each entry. Includes an index.
Year: 2012
Publisher: Stone Bridge Press
ISBN: 978-1933330990

Speak and Read Japanese: Fun Mnemonic Devices for Remembering Japanese words and their Meanings (Book)
Title: Speak and Read Japanese: Fun Mnemonic Devices for Remembering Japanese words and their Meanings
Author: Larry Herzberg
Abstract: Modeled on the same winning format as his Speak and Read Chinese, teacher Larry Herzberg's latest book offers simple, fun, and imaginative ways to remember essential Japanese words and characters. Mastering basic vocabulary and kanji is one of the first challenges any Japanese learner faces. This book addresses this task head-on, complementing the content of all major Japanese textbooks and providing valuable tips to independent students. Includes three hundred essential words and kanji from the first two years of study, indexed for quick reference.
Year: 2017
Publisher: Stone Bridge Press
ISBN: 978-1611720402
Copy sent to NEH?: No

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