Kentucky social studies and humanities teachers from grades 6 through 12 are invited to explore the history and culture of East Asia through the seminar series “Teaching About Asia,” July 28–Aug. 2 at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. The 30-hour seminar, which is made possible by the Freeman Foundation, focuses on China, Korea and Japan.

The program is presented by The Asia Center at the University of Kentucky in partnership with the East Asian Studies Center of Indiana University and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).

Demographically, Asia is home to more than half the world's population. Economically, East Asia surpassed Europe as the United States' largest trading partner region in the 1970s. Culturally, several important belief systems originated in Asia, and their influences have shaped social customs, philosophy and artistic expression around the world.

Under the direction of Carol Medlicott, a faculty member in the Department of History and Geography at Northern Kentucky University, teachers will meet over six days in the summer to discuss written works, hold discussions with guest speakers from UK and other regional universities, and learn to meaningfully incorporate East Asia into their classrooms.

As a reward for completing the program, teachers will receive a $500 personal stipend, $200 in East Asian reference and teaching materials, a $300 school library grant for acquisition of East Asia-focused materials, eligibility to apply for a study tour to East Asia and the option to purchase three graduate credits.

Enrollment is limited, so applicants must apply by July 1. Applications are available at http://www.uky.edu/Centers/Asia/k12/NCTA.php. For more information on the NCTA program visit the national program Web site at http://www.nctasia.org/.

Allison Elliott, Michelle Gorin - UK Public Relations