This workshop, designed for thirty-five elementary, middle and high school public and private school teachers and administrators, offers an opportunity to learn about Korean history and culture. The curriculum provides essential historical information, fosters an awareness of the rich Korean culture and makes available outstanding resources and lessons suitable for K-12 classes. Participants will learn about Korea from a prominent scholar (John Duncan, Director of the Korean Studies Center at UCLA) and will experience an informative tour of the Korean Cultural Center's galleries exhibiting traditional and modern art. After dining at one of Koreatown's best restaurants, participants will hear Helie Lee (author, activist and screenwriter) speaking about growing up Korean American in Southern California. A panel of Korean Americans will then speak and answer questions. There will be an opportunity to become familiar with the Korean Cultural Center's extensive library and video collection and its varied programs that include classes in the Korean language and exceptional cultural performances. The individuals who participate in the seminar will become not only more knowledgeable about Korea and its rich heritage, but will also be more effective in meeting the needs of the Korean American children they teach and their families. Participants will also learn about fellowship opportunities to study and travel in Korea.

Instructors: Professor John Duncan (UCLA, Chair Korean Studies Dept.), Helie Lee (author of "Still Life with Rice" and "In the Absence of Sun"), Mary Connor (author, conference presenter and Korea Society fellowship recipient), Rick Phillips (Cultural Consultant, Korean Cultural Center), John Song (Pastor and Instructor at Cal State Northridge, Glendale Community College and the Korean Cultural Center and Irene Ha (Academic Counselor, Glendale Community College.

As a result of the success of the first Seminar on Korean History and Culture, there will be a five-day seminar in July 2005 (July 11-15).

Acceptance in this program will be determined by the date of receipt of the application form. For more information and an application form, e-mail MConnor@Westridge.org.

Cost : No charge to seminar participants

Sponsor(s): The Korean Cultural Center, Government of South Korea.