Available for both undergraduates and graduate students, Boren Awards support the study of less-commonly-taught languages through study abroad. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposal and future goals are connected to a broad understanding of national security, and award winners must agree to a one-year government service requirement. The deadline for undergraduate applications in December 2nd.

Recent years have seen tremendous movement toward trilateral meetings and interaction in Northeast Asia. China, Japan, and South Korea have a permanent commission/relationship set up and headquartered in Seoul. The three are attempting to put together a trilateral Free Trade Agreement. Frequently, however, bilateral difficulties get in the way. What do these trilateral efforts mean for security, the global economy, and the future of this region? Join us for a panel discussion to explore these questions and more!

The panel will feature:

Abraham M. Denmark (China)

China will soon have the world’s largest economy. But that’s the least important thing to know about China. Ma and Adams reveal why China’s economic growth will constrain it, not empower it–and why China’s future will be shaped by the same reality that has shaped it for millennia: scarcity. Everyone knows “the 21st century is China’s to lose”–but everyone’s wrong. Ma and Adams get beyond cheerleading and fear-mongering to tell the whole complex truth about China. These are truths you need to hear–whether you’re an investor, business decision-maker, policymaker, or citizen.

An opportunity to engage in activities focused on Chinese language and culture, as well as to gain insights into the ways customs can differ between China and the U.S. People of all language levels are welcome to attend!

Appetizers and tea will be provided by the Confucius Institute.

Join CBA Executive-in-Residence Michael R. Johns as he provides insights from his 11+ years living and working in Japan. This informal discussion will include an overview of Mr. Johns’ experiences as well as an opportunity to ask questions. This talk is ideal for undergraduates with an interest in Japan and Asia, but will offer wisdom relevant to all audiences. Refreshments will be served.

The East Asian Library, located on the second floor of the Hillman Library, has outstanding staff and resources, including many books and periodicals in the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages, access to scholarly and news online databases, special collections (such as Japanese company histories, Chinese land records, North Korean textbooks and films, etc.), English language materials, and more. The EAL librarians and bibliographers will give an overview of the services and resources available to Pitt students and faculty, including how they can help you with your own research!

The University of Pittsburgh's Confucius Institute is offering a basic Chinese language class for students and the general public. The course is designed to give beginners a solid foundation in Chinese pronunciation, as well as a strong introduction to practical conversation and Chinese culture. The class will be held on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, and will run from September 24 - December 5. Enrollment is limited to 24 participants.

For more information about the class, please contact the instructor, Frank M. Dolce (杜启天), at fdolce1458@gmail.com or (716)628-6016.

China Today is a one-credit (Pitt)/ three-unit (CMU) mini course, consisting of 14 hours of classes over a weekend, with a major paper assignment to be completed for credit. This course is created for undergraduate and graduate students. However, K-12 educators, business and community members are welcome to attend all or sections of the course for free. The course will open with two keynote lectures on Friday evening on an overview of the issues. This will be followed by instructional lectures on Saturday on the various themes by experts in the fields.