Kennesaw State University is pleased to share the schedule of events for our Year of Japan (Fall 2013-Spring 2014).

The schedule can be found on the website at www.kennesaw.edu/yearofjapan

The program features a weekly lecture series, performances, exhibits, seminars and conference on Japan. This program is one of KSU’s most effective campus internationalization efforts. Annually, it results in new courses, new education abroad programs, new global partners, as well as a special issue of the Journal of Global Initiatives focused on the country of study.

As part of the program, we will host an academic conference. Also see: http://www.kennesaw.edu/yearofjapan/YoJ.CFP.2014.pdf

The theme of the conference is “Humanitarian Responses to Crisis” and the dates for the conference are March 20-22, 2014.

Submission of Abstracts
This conference will examine Japan’s role in responding to crisis (both environmental and economic) around the world. Special emphasis will be placed on disaster prevention and mitigation (especially the impact on vulnerable populations), as well as issues of environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Presentations from all disciplinary fields are encouraged. The below list of suggested topics is by no means exhaustive and is meant to spur innovative ideas.

1. Lessons Learned through the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 2010 Haiti earthquake, 2011 East African drought and famine, and Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami as well as other such case studies
2. Analysis of the human security threats brought on by economic crisis, environmental degradation and climate change
3. Dealing with the agony of loss, displacement and emotional crisis as people and communities attempt to recover and reconstruct their lives and livelihoods
4. The role of science and technology in preventing or mitigating the effects of crisis
5. The role(s) of art, music, film, literature, religion, and education in preventing and responding to crisis
6. The impact on minorities and vulnerable populations
7. Financial markets and crisis
8. Coordination or lack thereof between local and global responses
9. Empowering survivors and victims
10. The Role of NGO’s and FBO’s, and/or the Role of Women in responding to crisis
11. Examining the link between Human Rights and Sustainability, and/or the link between Environmental Degradation and Poverty
12. Protecting biodiversity, reducing waste, and clean and renewable energy
13. Food Safety, Energy Policy and Nuclear Safety.

Interested participants are requested to send an abstract of less than 300 words describing the focus of their papers or panel, the central argument, and the methodology employed. If proposing a panel, please submit the title and abstract for each paper along with the names and institutional affiliation of panelists. Whether a paper or a panel, all proposals must have personal information such as name, institutional affiliation, position or title, contact phone numbers, and/or e-mail address. Abstracts should be submitted as an e-mail attachment saved in Word or RTF format. In the subject line, please type “Year of Japan Conference.” Send abstracts and personal information to Ms. Vivian Bonilla at vbonill1@kennesaw.edu

Select Papers will be eligible for Publication in KSU’s Special Issue of the “Journal of Global Initiatives” focused on Japan. http://www.kennesaw.edu/globalinstitute/journal.html

Deadline for Submission of Proposals/Abstracts: December 1, 2013.
Other inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Dan Paracka.

Daniel J. Paracka, Ph.D.
Director, Education Abroad,
Institute of Global Initiatives
Professor of Education,
Interdisciplinary Studies Department
MD# 9116
3391 Town Point Drive Suite 1700
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

Phone: +1.770.423.6732
Fax: +1.678.797.2573
E-Mail: dparacka@kennesaw.edu