Two Asian Studies seniors, Kimberley Ghany and Mallory Nystrom, presented their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2009 at University of Wisconsin- La Crosse on April 16-18, 2009. Mallory's paper "Shocks to the Systems: Visual Kei's Use of Image and Identity in Japanese Popular Culture" is based on her fieldwork in Japan supported by a SCICU (South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities) fellowship. Kimberley presented her paper in Social Psychology titled, ""Preschoolers' Ability to Override the Names and Functions of Objects.

Asian Studies Major Daniel Balo and six other Furman freshman were recently awarded first place by the Student Conservation Association (SCA). In February, the group of seven received a regional award for a film they made about maintaining a "green" lifestyle on campus. In April they were honored with the national award earning them a $15,000 prize. The 12-minute film, "The Lifestyle Project" documenting their three week project can be viewed here: "The Lifestyle Project". Congratulations Daniel and great work!

The Association of Students Interested in Asia (ASIA) Club is a student led organization comprised of students who hold an interest in any aspect of Asian history or culture. Throughout the year we hold four to six CLPs to engage the student body as a whole in some aspect of Asian culture. Past such events have included film viewings, musical recitals and lectures on a variety of Asia related topics. In the upcoming year, we will be focused on a more hands-on approach to sharing Asian culture with the Furman campus. The ASIA club is open to everyone, regardless of your major. All ideas (and critiques) are welcome! (Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00pm in the Asian Studies Suite - FUR222)

For more information, ASIA Club Officers are:
Maelynn Alley, President

Rachel Tackett, Vice President

Paul Gilmer, Treasurer

Sarah Johnson, Secretary

Upcoming Events: TBA

Students Teaching About Asia is a student led volunteer initiative funded by the generous Jones Grant that allows a group of Furman students to enter into high school, middle school, and elementary school classrooms to share their experiences in Asia with both students and teachers. The hope is to stimulate greater interest in a vastly little known part of the world that is gaining influence in the international community and marketplace.  Students relate better with other students and will realize that traveling beyond their hometown is not such an impossible dream. Furman students offer a variety of lessons including Ancient and Modern history, introductory Chinese and Japanese language, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Japanese philosophy, modern Chinese and Japanese Society, Chinese and Japanese art, and geography.  They provide green tea samples, Aikido demonstrations, Tai Chi demonstrations, meditation, music, and anime.  Students with experience or a profound interest in Asia are encouraged to participate. 

For further information about this program, please contact Katie Barnhill.