JSRCC Faculty Participate in UVA-NEH Bridging Cultures at Community Colleges Symposium

In the interim days between the end of the summer semester and the start of Fall 2013 classes, seven JSRCC faculty have joined other participants from representative VCCS institutions in a weeklong, NEH-sponsored symposium on Bridging Cultures. Hosted by the University of Virginia and led by Project Director Rachel Stauffer, Outreach Coordinator of the Asia Institute and Lecturer in Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Bridging Cultures Symposium provides VCCS faculty with the opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of the culture, geography, history, and human development in South Asia, East Asia, Russia and Eurasia, and the Middle East.

On Monday, August 5, symposium participants enjoyed a series of intense and detailed lectures from UVA scholars whose research focuses upon Ancient China, Ancient South Asia, and the ancient civilizations of Central Asia. Some specific areas of conversation included discussions of the Silk Road, the philosophical and cultural attributes of ancient Chinese dynastic empires, and movements of peoples and cultures throughout ancient South Asia. In addition, participants witnessed a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony shared by Haruko Yuda, Japan Outreach Coordinator at the Asia Institute of UVA.

Participating JSRCC faculty include Joseph Appiah (History), Cynthia De Riemer (Communication Studies), Ghazala Hashmi (English), Jason Lira (English), Maria Ramos (English), Jane Rosecrans (English), and Christopher Thomas (History). Dr. De Riemer also serves as the JSRCC Project Liaison in this two-year long collaboration between UVA and VCCS faculty. At the end of the week’s Symposium, Reynolds faculty will define areas of focus and effort for this academic year, and also develop plans to share their work with other faculty and students at JSRCC.