HISTORY (Section 7)

Convenors:
Mark Pendleton, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Mickey Adolphson, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

The section will have the following theme:

Bridging Divides in Japanese History: Troubling Periodization and Methodological Rigidity

Historians of Japan have often been constrained by periodization schemes that tend toward the teleological. Indeed, the use of specific periodizations implies a predetermined approach to what is important and to what belongs where, thus overlooking continuities or developments that seem to have little to do with subsequent periods to sustain oversimplified narratives. While scholars have questioned a few of these divides by pointing to continuities (i.e. the pre- and post- war era, or the “long sixteenth century”), other schemes seem harder to question, in particular with the premodern/modern divide.

Similarly, divisions amongst historians on methodological grounds can prevent us from exploring how different approaches enrich a more balanced understanding of the past. Historical divisions emerged between traditional bases in political and diplomatic history and those for whom ‘histories from below’ and the cultural turn opened up new lines of historical enquiry and repositioned who could be understood as historical actors and how. Newer historiographical approaches, such as in environmental history, histories of emotions and global history, further complicate a neat methodological distinction within the discipline while questioning ideas of agency.

“Bridging Divides in Japanese History” seeks contributions that question, analyze and seek to explain temporal or sub-disciplinary divides in historical narratives. Panels may focus on particular divisions, connect themes and trends across numerous periods, deconstruct periodization schemes in historical narratives, or bring together different methodological approaches to historical questions. We will look to build panels of individual contributions that speak to these broad aims of developing cross- period and cross-methodological dialogue.

Please note, however, that proposals of papers and panels that fall outside the theme are also welcome and will be considered fully and equally. Decisions about acceptance will be based on academic merit after a thorough review process.

The European Association for Japanese Studies invites paper and panel proposals for the forthcoming 15th EAJS International Conference to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 30 August to 2 September 2017.

Papers should generally be presented in English, but may be presented in Japanese if necessary and must, if so, be accompanied by an abstract in English.

Sessions will normally last for 90 minutes, allowing for 15 to 20 minutes plus 10 minutes of discussion per paper.

There may be up to three individual papers, or if it is a panel, three papers and a discussant’s comment in the 90-minute session.

Abstracts and panel proposals should be written in English and submitted no later than 30 November 2016.

For individual papers, please submit an abstract of not more than 350 words.

For panels, please submit the title of the panel and an abstract of up to 350 words explaining the overall focus of the panel, together with a 350-word abstract from each participant. Please also identify a panel chair.

Please note that any one participant cannot be on the programme in more than one session.

Any audio-visual equipment requirements you might have need to be submitted together with your proposal.

All proposals will be peer reviewed by a board of experts.
Applicants will be informed of the selection results by the end of January 2017.

Accepted presenters will be asked to submit a short, one paragraph biographical statement.

Please direct all inquiries to the convenors at history@eajs.eu.