Morgan Pitelka

Dr. Morgan Pitelka focuses on the intricate history of Japanese tea culture, with a particular emphasis on the role of tea display and decoration in both political and social rituals. As a professor and chair of the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Dr. Pitelka delves into the nuances of tea culture during the Sengoku and Tokugawa periods, exploring how these practices influenced and reflected broader societal changes. Her research interests extend to the examination of tea as a medium for political expression and social interaction, shedding light on how tea-related activities were integral to the cultural and political fabric of historical Japan. Dr. Pitelka's work highlights the significance of tea displays as a form of communication and a tool for negotiation among political elites. At Modern Languages and Literatures San Francisco State University, Dr. Pitelka engages students with her deep knowledge of Japanese history and culture, fostering an understanding of the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. Her courses often explore the intersections of art, politics, and society, encouraging students to appreciate the historical contexts that shape contemporary cultural practices.