News
In China, religion was taboo in academia. Dr. Li shared her story of “Finding Faith in the Land of the Dragon” during chapel on March 14. A friend introduced her to Christianity by sharing stories of Jesus Christ. “She planted a seed in my heart, but I did not become a believer all of a sudden. I still had questions and struggles,” Li said. She began attending church secretly in someone’s home with other Chinese intellectuals. Soon thereafter, a pastor from Hong Kong baptized her in a bathtub. Her journey with Christ continued to flourish as Li became a graduate student in the United States. Li, an assistant professor in Asian Studies and Chinese at Belmont professor, has a Ph.D. in English and is the author of three books.
Upcoming Events 2013-14
Cultural Arts Convo Credit
April 3, 2013, 10a.m., LCVA 117
“Styles of Artistry in Chinese Painting”
Mr. Yong Liu, a Member of the Chinese Artists Association, Deputy Director of the Creative Artists Association Committee of Hebei Province, and Visiting Professor of the Arts College at Hebei University will display some of his original art and provide slides and interpretation of many of the pieces that won him the title of National First-level Fine Arts Master in the People’s Republic of China. Mr. Liu’s visit to Belmont is made possible by the generous support of the Confucius Institute of Middle Tennessee State University, Dr. Guanping Zheng, Director.
Asian Studies Symposium
April 10 and 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. Multi-media Hall, Bunch Library “Manchu Shamanisms: Jumping Spirits and Muttering Mystics”
Shamanism is a spiritualist tradition in Asia in which practitioners intercede between humanity and powerful gods and evil spirits. This talk will be a discussion and description of those beliefs and the rites used to express them.
Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. Multi-media Hall, Bunch Library “Nukes in North Korea: Is the DPRK Really Dangerous: Why Americans Should Care about the DPRK?”
North Korea's fierce nationalism often seems threatening to the outside world. Its communist-led system is also hard to fathom, often tempting outsiders to predict its collapse. North Korea uses its military strength--including a developing nuclear program--to resist international pressure, sometimes acting like a "rogue" state. But North Korea is actually rational, has a working system, and policies that make sense all on North Korea's own terms. Dr. Clark examines fundamentals of that system, how it manages to survive, and some possibilities for its future.
Thursday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. Beaman A&B “Christianity in South Korea”
Compared to other Asian countries, Korea has a surprisingly large Christian population--25 percent. Christianity in Korea is the result of many factors that include authentic spiritual hunger, the ordeals of colonialism, war, and dictatorship, plus rapid urbanization and the growth of a strong middle class. Although it was first introduced by foreign missionaries, Christianity long since became a Korean religion, modified in ways by the way Koreans understand spiritual phenomena. Having survived a difficult history, Korean churches now face perhaps their biggest challenge: the tests that come with prosperity and materialism. This presentation provides an overview of Christian faith and practice in South Korea.
Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. Beaman A&B - “Guru Gobind Singh in Nanded: A Talk on Sikh Identity and Community”
Sikhism is a religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by the guru Nanak. It rejects caste distinctions, idolatry, asceticism and a belief in a cycle of reincarnation from which humans can free themselves by living righteous lives. This presentation uses images and conversations with Sikh gurus to introduce this fascinating movement and its ideas.
Asian Studies Program Awards presentations and
Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium (BURS)
April 18, 7pm Massey Boardroom
2013 Summer Study Abroad Programs:
Belmont in Japan
Study Abroad in China
China Summer 2013 Info Sheet (2 pages)
For a Preview of the China Trip Summer 2013: http://campus.belmont.edu/philosophy/Profs/PreviewChinatrip2013.ppt
Belmont University Travel Study and Exchange Programs
Special Asian Studies Program events are scheduled throughout the school year and summer.