March 28, 2007
SIUC to observe Asian American Heritage Month
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Lectures, films, dance theater, craft workshops, martial arts demonstrations and the third annual Iron Chef competition are among the events scheduled for April during Southern Illinois University Carbondale's observance of Asian American Heritage Month.
"Time to Represent" is the theme for this year's observance. Sponsors include: Aikido Club, the departments of philosophy and food & nutrition, Friends of Palestine, Illinois Humanities Council, International Student Council, Japanese Student Association, Japanese Table, Shinkendo Club, Student Center Craft Shop, Tae Kwon Do Club, United Asian American Council, University Honors Program-International Film Series, Undergraduate Student Government, and Student Development-Multicultural Programs and Services.
Here is the schedule of events. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Friday, March 30
• International Coffee Hour, 3-5 p.m., Northwest Annex, hosted by the United Asian American Council. Those attending can enjoy drinks and snacks while talking with international students and learning about their cultures.
Saturday, March 31
• Asian-American month opening reception featuring the film "Ju-On," 4 p.m., Parkinson Laboratory, room 124. Celebrate the beginning of the month-long observance with members of Student Development's Multicultural Programs and Services and the United Asian American Council. "Ju-On" is the Japanese version of the award-winning film "The Grudge." Food and refreshments will be provided.
Monday, April 2
• Documentary film, "Looking Like the Enemy," noon, Student Center Kaskaskia Room. A discussion will follow.
• Xiaosi Yang discusses "The Global Significance of China's Rise," 7 p.m., Student Center Ohio Room. Yang teaches in the humanities department at Harold Washington College in Chicago. He is the former director of the Asian Studies Center at Lake Forest College, and has been active in cultural awareness projects in the Chicago area for many years. His research interests include the philosophy of family, Asian thought, comparative philosophy and geo-political analysis of Asia.
Tuesday, April 3
• Sushi workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Make a sushi plate, cups and bowls during the first two weeks, then learn to make your own sushi the last week. All materials included. Cost: $25 for SIUC students; $35 all others.
Wednesday, April 4
• Natya Dance Theatre, 7 p.m., Student Center Ballroom D. The featured educator/entertainer for the month is this highly acclaimed Indian cultural performance group. Based in Chicago, the dance company's purpose is to serve as an agent of cultural preservation, presentation and exchange.
• Bonsai and penjing workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. The miniature landscape techniques are low-maintenance versions that provide a higher success rate for beginners. The first week's session will include a lecture and a shopping list. Those attending will learn potting, root trimming, re-potting, tree trimming and landscaping. Cost: $25 for SIUC students, $35 for all others.
April 5
• Beginning origami workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Those attending will learn the Japanese art of paper folding. Cost: $3 per session.
April 6
• Shinkendo martial arts demonstration, noon-1 p.m., Student Recreation Center martial arts room.
• International Coffee Hour, 3-5 p.m., Northwest Annex. Hosted by the International Student Council.
April 10
• Aikido martial arts demonstration, 6-7 p.m., Student Recreation Center martial arts room.
• Sushi workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $25 SIUC students; $35 for all others.
April 11
• Bonsai and penjing workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $25 SIUC students; $35 for all others.
April 12
• Intermediate origami workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $3 per session.
• Asian religion and philosophy, 7 p.m., Student Center Illinois Room. A discussion of research and information on Asian philosophy, religion and other topics by faculty and students in the philosophy department. Leon Niemoczynski will present an introduction; presenters include Chesna Braniger, Douglas Berger, Carl Dull and Kevin Taylor.
April 13
• International coffee hour, 3-5 p.m., Northwest Annex. Hosted by Japanese Table and Japanese Student Association.
April 14
• Tae kwon do martial arts demonstration, 12:30-2 p.m., Student Recreation Center martial arts room.
April 15
• "Chunking Express," 6 p.m., Wham Education Building, Davis Auditorium. The film is rated PG-13, and is in Japanese/Mandarin/Cantonese with English subtitles.
April 17
• Sushi workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $25 for SIUC students; $35 for all others.
• "Asian Myth Busters," 7 p.m., Student Center Illinois Room. Alan Kim, associate professor in the foreign languages & literatures department, and a panel of SIUC community members will discuss Asian culture and facts and myths about Asia and its people.
April 18
• Bonsai and penjing workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $25 for SIUC students; $35 for all others.
April 19
• Intermediate origami workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $3 per session. • Capoeira martial arts demonstration, 6-7 p.m., Student Recreation Center racquetball court No. 6.
April 20
• International coffee hour, 3-5 p.m., Northwest Annex, hosted by Friends of Palestine.
• Iron Chef competition, 6-8 p.m., Quigley Hall rooms 212, 214 and 219. Come taste and judge the food at this third annual competition among SIUC students.
April 23
• Middle Eastern & Asian Cultural Fair, 5-7 p.m., Student Center Ballroom B. This fair affords everyone the opportunity to learn more about different countries and cultures.
April 24
• Sushi meal, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Old Main Restaurant, Student Center. Asian cuisine and sushi are the featured fare. Cost: $6.50 per person.
April 25
• Bonsai and penjing workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $25 for SIUC students; $35 for all others.
• The Other Side of the Story, featuring the film, "20 Years Old in the Middle East," 7 p.m., Student Center Ballroom A. The film offers an opportunity for Western college students to understand the lives and attitudes of their Middle Eastern counterparts.
April 26
• Advanced origami workshop, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop. Cost: $3 per session.
April 27
• International coffee hour, 3-5 p.m., Northwest Annex, hosted by Shinkendo Club.
• Film and discussion, "Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land," 7-9 p.m., Student Center Missouri Room. The film provides a striking comparison of U.S. and international media coverage of the crisis in the Middle East.
April 28
• Asian American Heritage Month closing picnic, noon-3 p.m., Buckey's Haven, Campus Lake. The event is open to everyone, and will feature music, food and conversation.
April 30
• Asian fashion show, 7-9 p.m., Student Center Ballroom D.