China Showcase Event on the UA Mall

Feb. 8, 2019
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A message from Albert Welter, Head of the East Asian Studies Department

"I’m happy to report the extraordinary success of the China Showcase event on the UA Mall yesterday (Friday). I hope you all had a chance to attend. It was really great––a wonderful opportunity to promote the ongoing success of EAS, particularly the China programs. The event covered everything from a “What did Confucius really say?” test, Chinese tea explanation and tea ceremony presentation, Chinese costume fashion show, Chinese language students singing demonstration (I was unaware of what hidden talent we have!), poster drawings from students of Chinese literary heroes, chopstick competition, a study-abroad photography contest, and so much more! Many thanks to all who joined in the fun, especially student volunteers who did so much to make it a success. It made me really proud to be a member of such a creative and vibrant community. Special thanks to Professors Camp, Diao, Du, and Gregory, who were instrumental in the planning to make the event such a success. And also to Theresa, who along with her minions did so much to create the poster boards and attend to all the details that go into an event such as this. What a lot of fun! A hearty thanks to all of you. It was so nice to see EAS and China take over the UA mall for a day. Maybe again next year?"

 

Buddhist Compassion

When
3:30 – 5 p.m., March 22, 2016

Author of Buddhist Fasting Practice  The Nyungne Method of Thousand Armed Chenrezig, Wangchen Rinpoche was recognized as a Tulku at an early age by Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche, and is a lineage holder of the Kagyu Shanga-pa sect and teaches widely in Asia and Europe.

Informal conversation with Rinpoche and light refreshment following the talk


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Buddhist Studies: Past, Present, Future

When
4 – 5 p.m., April 6, 2016

Abstract:

Defining Buddhist Studies has become more difficult as disciplinary structures are being questioned for relevance and accountability. Where should Buddhism be studied in a time when the literature is filled with “obituaries” of established practices and institutions? How important is it for the field to become a clearly mapped knowledge “territory”? Is it possible to conceive of an approach between scholars that is collaborative and even interdependent? Can knowledge produced in the context of application within the digital realm be accepted? Is there information that will be suppressed in the ensuing debate?  Will the future bring a broader system of quality control? Is this a moment of singularity where potentials are available to signal an era of creativity?

 

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Join us in Welcoming Scholars from Kyushu University

When
4 – 8 p.m., March 21, 2016

Join us in welcoming scholars from Kyushu University who are participating in our 

Kyushu University and University of Arizona Symposium,

Topics in Language, Literature and Culture, which will be held at 

The University of Arizona Poetry Center 4-7PM, March 21, 2016 (Reception 7-8PM)

 

Celebrate Homecoming 2015 with East Asian Studies!

When
11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Oct. 23, 2015

11:30 AM   HOMECOMING BBQ BASH

Location: UA Mall, east of Old Main | Cost: $35

Enjoy food, music, and more while mingling with fellow Wildcats. Open to ALL UA friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Buy your tickets here.

 

1:30 PM  COLLEGIATE SHOWCASE

 

The Future of China’s Past: Looking into the Meaning of China’s Rise

Location: Student Union Memorial Center, Kiva Room | FREE!

What does China’s cultural renaissance bode for the future? Head of East Asian Studies Albert Welter discusses current engagements with models of China’s past with an eye toward exploring the possibilities shaping China’s (and the world’s) future.

 

3:30 PM  POETRY CENTER OPEN HOUSE

Location: UA Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.  |  FREE!

Drop in for docent-led tours of the renowned Poetry Center and peruse the library’s prominent permanent collection and current Baja Arizona exhibition in the gallery.

 

6:00 PM  EAST ASIAN STUDIES ALUMNI RECEPTION

Location: Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way  |  Cost: $15  

Relax at Tucson’s beautiful Yume Japanese Gardens. This tranquil setting is the perfect place for alumni, faculty, students, and staff to mingle while enjoying the gardens. Sample fine Asian cuisine and spend time socializing with friends old and new. Tickets and more information available here.

 

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES ALUMNA OF THE YEAR  

Brandy DeVelbiss Christian

Our distinguished alumna Brandy DeVelbiss Christian (EAS ‘95) has been successfully putting her East Asian Studies degree to good use in her current position as Chief Operating Officer of the Port of New Orleans, the fifth busiest port in North America. Brandy’s insights into Chinese language and culture launched her career at the Port of San Diego where she pursued international business opportunities. Her ability to speak Chinese has helped propel her career and strengthen her Asian business relationships. Her experience is a shining example of humanities at work in the real world. Welcome back to the UA, Brandy!

 

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Movie Screening: Tokyo Godfathers

A compassionate and compelling winter tale by Satoshi Kon.

When
4 – 6 p.m., Dec. 18, 2025

Join us for a screening of Tokyo Godfathers, the acclaimed animated film that follows three homeless companions who find an abandoned infant and embark on an emotional journey across Tokyo. Blending humor, humanity, and holiday spirit, this film offers a powerful look at hope and community.

Movie Screening: Belle

From acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda

When
4 – 6 p.m., Nov. 13, 2025

Join us for a free screening of Belle, the visually breathtaking animated film by Studio Chizu and director Mamoru Hosoda (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars). The story follows Suzu, a shy high school student whose life transforms when she enters “U,” a vast virtual world where she becomes a beloved singer known as Belle. As her two worlds begin to collide, Suzu must find the courage to reveal her true self. 

© 2021 Studio Chizu / GKIDS. Used under fair use for educational and promotional purposes.

 

Korean Halloween Night 2025

K-Pop, Culture, and Community

Nov. 7, 2025
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On October 24, 2025, the Korean Language Program hosted Korean Halloween Night at the Main Library, room 112, turning the space into a lively celebration of language and culture.

The evening opened with a bustling array of interactive cultural stations, each offering a glimpse into a different facet of Korean tradition. Students lined up to learn their 사주 (saju - Four Pillars of Destiny) and make 부적 (bujeok) charms for good luck, while others gathered around tables to craft delicate 청사초롱 (cheongsachorong) lanterns, their soft colors glowing against the autumn dusk. Nearby, students took time to write their names and wishes, drawing inspiration from Korea’s full-moon folklore. Another corner buzzed with creativity as students designed their own K-inspired pins with their names written in Korean, while others stopped by to learn about opportunities to study Korean language and culture at the University of Arizona. 

Following the cultural activities, students gathered for a raffle of 떡볶이 (tteokbokki) and 식혜 (sikhye), generously sponsored by Oh My Chicken (Campbell & Glenn).

The evening concluded with a special screening of K-Pop Demon Hunters for students enrolled in Korean language courses. Before the film, Dr. Sandra Park and Dr. Sunyoung Yang offered a critical introduction, guiding students to notice cultural themes and symbolic elements within the story. As they watched, students drew connections between their classroom lessons and authentic, contemporary media.

The event was organized by Dr. Jieun Ryu, Professor Sojung Chun, Subin Oh, Nena Choi, and Eunsil Cho, with performances and support from student clubs Korean American Student Association, Heart ’n’ Seoul, and UnderSkore. Together, they created an unforgettable night of learning, creativity, and community spirit, celebrating the fusion of K-Culture, language, and Halloween fun.

Check out highlights of the event!

Arizona in Kyoto Summer 2026 Information Session

Study abroad in Kyoto, Japan next summer!

When
4 – 5 p.m., Nov. 20, 2025

Interested in studying abroad in Japan? The Department of East Asian Studies will be leading the Arizona in Kyoto Study Abroad program next summer 2026! Learn more about Arizona in Kyoto, course offerings, program costs, cultural experiences, and more at our information session. Please bring any questions you may have—we look forward to helping you plan your journey to Japan!
 

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan for over a millennium, is the heart and soul of the nation’s cultural traditions. Students will explore a variety of aspects of the city, delve into the rich culture of Kyoto, and discover how Japan’s enormously influential culture took root and flourished. Past program excursions have included visits to the International Manga Museum, a Hanshin Tigers baseball game, and one of Osaka’s famous fish markets. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s history and culture!

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Tibetan Sand Mandala by Lama Losang Samten

Presented in collaboration with the College of Humanities, Center for Buddhist Studies, Health Humanities Hub, Department of Religious Studies & Classics, and the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

When
11 a.m., Oct. 12, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 13, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 14, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 15, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 16, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Oct. 17, 2025
11 a.m., Oct. 18, 2025

Opening Ceremony: October 12 @ 11AM
Public Viewings: October 13 – 17 @ 9AM – 12PM and 3–6PM
Dissolution Ritual: October 18 @ 2PM

The Arizona Friends of Tibet invite you to witness the creation of a sand mandala on the U of A campus. The mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual artform that helps viewers to envision enlightenment. Venerable Lama Losang Samten will create the intricate and colorful patterns of the mandala over the course of several days. When he is done, he will conduct a dissolution ritual at which the mandala will be destroyed as a meditation upon impermanence. The particular mandala to be created at U of A is the Kalachakra or “Wheel of Time,” regarded as an especially powerful tool for healing and transformation and transmitted to Buddhist practitioners across the world.

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