Teaching WWII & Japanese American Incarceration, Using George Takei’s Graphic Novel

This online workshop, offered in collaboration with Facing History & Ourselves, prepares educators to teach about WWII and Japanese American incarceration through a variety of approachable resources, including George Takei’s graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy. Experts will examine the historical circumstances and events leading up to this turbulent point in history with a special focus on U.S.-Japan dynamics. This workshop equips ELA, Social Studies and Humanities teachers with new interdisciplinary teaching strategies that reinforce literacy skills and historical understanding.

3 CTLE hours are available for this workshop.

 In this online workshop, teacher’s will:

• Learn historical circumstances of WWII from both US and Japanese perspectives
• Learn new interdisciplinary teaching strategies that reinforce literacy skills and historical understanding
• Get access to the Educator Guide to teaching They Called Us Enemy
• Become part of the Facing History educator network, with access to additional educator resources, including downloadable unit and lesson plans, study guides, and multimedia

Recommended for ELA, Social Studies, and Humanities middle and high school teachers.

About the Speakers

Dr. Tosh Minohara – Professor, U.S.-Japan Relations & Diplomatic History, Kobe University
Dr. Minohara holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Diplomatic History from Kobe University and received his B.A. in International Relations from UC Davis. He is the founder and chairman of the RIIPA, a Japan Cabinet Office-recognized non-profit, and a lecturer at Japan’s Air and Navy Self-Defense Force Staff Colleges. His work focuses on US-Japan diplomatic, political, and security relations.

Mr. Juan Castellanos – Associate Program Director, Facing History & Ourselves
Mr. Castellanos earned his M.A in Education from the University of Massachusetts and a double B.A. in East Asia Studies and Japanese Studies from SUNY Albany. He is responsible for the delivery of program content through collaborative work with schools and educators via professional development workshops, on-site visits, presentations, and student projects.

Please note this courses will be conducted online via Zoom. To participate fully, you will need access to a device with internet, microphone, and camera (such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet). This is a free event, with advance registration required.

Japan Society’s Professional Development Programs are made possible by a generous grant from an anonymous funder.

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Education and Family Programs are generously supported by an anonymous donor; ORIX Corporation USA; Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; The Masako Mera and Koichi Mera, PhD Fund for Education and the Arts; The Norinchukin Foundation; an anonymous donor; and Family and Education Circle members.