Workshop: AAS-SSRC Dissertation Workshop Series

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Paula

Philadelphia, March 30-April 2, 2014

Open for applications, next deadline is January 6th, 2014.
The application is available here: https://soap.ssrc.org/

2014: Dispossession, Capital, and the State

The Association for Asian Studies and the Social Science Research Council are pleased to announce the third jointly organized AAS/SSRC Dissertation Workshop, which will be held in conjunction with the AAS annual conference in Philadelphia in March 2014.

All across Asia access to and control over land has long been highly contested.  Both historically and today capital and states have variously combined to drive rural populations from their lands for plantation crops, mining, industrial sites, urban expansion, dams, roads and other public works. The results have included destruction of the commons, environmental and ecological disasters, land invasions, armed resistance, police and military confrontations, massive displacement, urban migration, urban and peri-urban slums, and alienation. Likewise, long established villages and urban communities have been displaced for redevelopment and gentrification. Such events appear to be gaining intensity over time and have been documented and dramatized in chronicles, novels, poems, and songs as well as by field and archival research. Capital and state beneficiaries may claim it is the inevitable “creative destruction,” necessary for long term economic progress and regime enhancement, b
ut it has also led to massive social and economic inequities, “surplus” populations, and political turmoil.

This workshop is intended to bring together doctoral students, regardless of citizenship, in the humanities and social sciences who are (1) developing dissertation proposals or are in early phases of research or dissertation writing; and who are (2) planning, conducting, or are in the early phases of writing up dissertation research on these evolving processes, outcomes, and debates across the various regions of Asia. It is the hope that fuller understanding of the links and comparisons across space and time will both strengthen the individual projects and provide new perspectives on dispossession in Asia, and beyond.

The workshop will be limited to 12 students, ideally from a broad array of disciplines and working on a wide variety of materials in a variety of time periods, and in various regions of Asia. It also will include a small multidisciplinary and multi-area faculty with similar concerns.

The workshop will be scheduled for the days immediately following the 2014 AAS annual conference in Philadelphia. It will cover two and one-half days of intense discussion beginning the evening of Sunday, March 30, and running through Wednesday, April 2.

The organizers will be able to provide financial support for participants including three night’s accommodations, meals and travel funds. It is hoped that participants also will attend the AAS annual meeting preceeding the workshop.

Eligibility and Application:
Applicants need not have advanced to candidacy but must have at least drafted a dissertation research proposal. Applications are also welcome from doctoral students in the early phases of writing their dissertations. A narrative description of the dissertation topic (ten double-spaced typed pages), short application form, and curriculum vitae will be required for submission. Applications must be submitted by January 6, 2014.

Workshop participants will be selected on the basis of the submitted projects, the potential for useful exchanges among them, and a concern to include a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, intellectual traditions, and regions of Asia. Applicants will be informed whether or not they have been selected for the workshop by late January.

For further information about the workshop structure or eligibility, please contact David Szanton, szanton@berkeley.edu<mailto:szanton@berkeley.edu>.
Questions concerning administrative matters or the application process should be directed to Nicole Restrick Levit,  levit@ssrc.org

Nicole Restrick
Fellowships Manager
Social Science Research Council
One Pierrepont Plaza, 15th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
T: 212-377-2700
F: 212-377-2727
Email: asianstudies@ssrc.org<mailto:asianstudies@ssrc.org>
Visit the website at http://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/aasworkshop/

Posted in announcements | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Internship: Tally Beck Contemporary Gallery

Posted on December 14, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Via Art Radar Journal.

Company: Tally Beck Contemporary Gallery
Location: New York, NY
Deadline: 31 Dec. 2013
Type: commission-based with salary potential

Gallery interns wanted for full- and part-time positions in New York gallery focusing on Asian contemporary art.

Description

Tally Beck Contemporary is a New York-based gallery that focuses on Asian contemporary art. Founded in 2010, the gallery mounts regular exhibitions in our space on the Lower East Side alongside a variety of ancillary social and educational events. It also participates in art fairs worldwide.

Requirements
Applicants should have backgrounds in art history or arts management and excellent personal and organisational skills. Fluency in foreign languages (especially Thai, Chinese and other Asian languages) and graphic design skills a plus. Commission-based with subsequent salary potential.

Who can apply
Open to all

More Information
Please send resume and cover letter to tbeck@tallybeckcontemporary.com

Application Deadline
31 December 2013

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fun Link Friday: Noramoji

Posted on December 13, 2013 by LM
Image of Bandai Sports' sign via Noramoji.

Image of Bandai Sports’ sign via Noramoji.

Today’s funk link is Noramoji, a new design project to preserve store-front fonts in Japan. Johnny writes on Spoon & Tamago‘s coverage of the project,

These Japanese fonts won’t be found in textbooks or typography journals. You have to go looking for them on the streets of Japan: your local barber, an old florist, or an outdated toy shop. Finding beauty in these unsophisticated yet nostalgically charming fonts, 3 friends set out on a hunt to capture, fontify, and give something back to the community.

The images are used to create a font, which can be downloaded from the Noramoji website. All proceeds from fonts go back to the shop owners.

On the Noramoji site, you can watch a video about the project here (some English subtitles) and type your own text into the storefronts on here; the project collects fonts in the #noramoji twitter stream and uploads them to their site.

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Passenger Services Representative, Criterion Travel

Posted on December 9, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Via JETWit.com.

Company: Criterion Travel
Position: Passenger Services Rep
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Type: Full-time
Education: not listed
Posted Dec. 5, 2013

Overview:

The Passenger Services Representative performs a wide variety of administrative, customer service, and other professional travel functions.

The diverse responsibilities and functions of the position require the capacity to abstract, conceptualize, organize, and integrate different sources of information into a coherent and practical frame of reference. The geographic expanse of assigned regions and the diverse range of programmatic services provided contribute to an operational complexity that requires a high level of ability and skills. Independent judgment is required in dealing with day-to-day problems and establishing priorities.

Requirements:

  • General knowledge of the travel industry and assigned destinations
  • Ability to use online resources for visa requirements, destination information, flight and rail options, health/immunization requirements, and cultural practices
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency in MS Word, including advanced formatting and editing features, and in MS Excel, including simple formulas and data sorting.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat is a plus. Ability to learn new programs quickly.
  • Energetic, upbeat, and able to thrive in a collaborative team environment
  • Excellent customer service skills and empathy
  • Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to handle a large administrative workload while juggling a changing list of priorities.
  • Ability to work independently, proactively, and under time pressure with minimal instructions
  • Ability to evaluate situations quickly and respond appropriately and tactfully

Application:

Send your resume in the body of an email to
jill @ criteriontravel.com. Emails with attachments will be deleted unopened.

Criterion Travel is a Palo Alto-based tour operator specializing in educational travel. We work with top U.S. affinity organizations to create and operate customized group itineraries worldwide with a strong educational focus. Our tours and cruises are designed for travelers interested in learning more about the destination that the average tourist. Many tours are unique and operate only once. Almost all have expert lecturers who complement what local guides have to say. Tours might feature a combination of land and chartered sea, river, rail or air transportation. Many of our programs provide private access or special features not available to individual travelers or other groups.

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Database Administrator, Japan Society

Posted on December 9, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5

For our techies:

Institution: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY
Education: BA/BS+ experience
Posted Dec. 4, 2013

Job description
Established in 1907, New York’s Japan Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia.

Database Administrator

Reporting to the Director, IT, Building and House Operations, the Database Administrator will work closely with the Development team and the Finance department, and play a key role in optimizing use of Japan Society’s constituent database, Raiser’s Edge. Duties include providing overall coordination and support to all Raiser’s Edge users, responding to data requests, and managing day-to-day RE operations ensuring the security, accuracy, and integrity of data.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Manage the day-to-day operations of Japan Society’s constituent database, Raiser’s Edge.

Process and post gifts to Raiser’s Edge and submit appropriate documentation to Finance department.
Create funds, campaigns and appeals in line with the organization’s budget structure and the Finance department coding system, as needed.
Provide support for direct marketing strategies, including producing lists and sorting data for data analysis, annual report, prospect analysis and appeal/campaign analysis.
Provide Raiser’s Edge training to new staff and interns and assist current users.
Recommend, develop, and maintain Raiser’s Edge policies and procedures.
Produce regular and special reports in response to organizational needs; work closely and proactively with users, making recommendations and assisting in the design and analysis of reports and data. Respond effectively to report requests, communicating needs, timeframes, scope and limitations of projects.
Provide expertise and technical support to end-users on Raiser’s Edge issues; identify, research, and resolve technical problems, work with outside vendors/technical support as needed, and document, track and monitor problems to ensure timely resolution.
Provide Patron Edge support to box office manager as necessary
Provide Sparks support as necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related area, and a minimum of three years related database experience (preferably in a non-profit environment); Strong computer skills with expertise in Raiser’s Edge; Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate technical concepts and present information efficiently and clearly; Excellent analytical and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities; Previous experience in development a plus; A strong and demonstrated commitment to providing excellent customer service and quality improvement is essential.

Full details on Idealist.org.

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Announcement: Tradition, Democracy and the Townscape of Kyoto: Claiming a Right to the Past

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Paula

 

As the historic capital of the country and the stronghold of the nation’s most celebrated traditions, the city of Kyoto holds a unique place in the Japanese imagination. Widely praised for the beauty of its townscape and natural environments, it is both a popular destination for tourists and home to one and a half million inhabitants. There has been a sustained, lively debate about how best to develop the city, with a large number of local government officials, citizen activists, urban planners, real-estate developers, architects, builders, proprietors, academic researchers, and ordinary Kyotoites involved in discussions, forming a highly peculiar social arena that has no match elsewhere in Japan.

 

This book, based on extensive fieldwork and interviews, provides an ethnographic study of this particular social field. It analyses how people in Kyoto deal with their most cherished traditions, such as the traditional town houses and the famous Gion matsuri festival, which calls into question several of the standard social scientific assumptions about the functions of cultural heritage for present-day societies. The book looks at the way concerned citizens, government bureaucrats, and other important players interact with each other over contentious modern buildings, often with the best intentions but constrained by set role expectations and by the superior power of national-level regulations and agencies. This book contributes to debates on the social uses of tradition and heritage, and the question of how to create sustainable, liveable urban environments.

“There are few greater conundrums than Kyoto, a city which combines what is most beautiful in Japan with what is also most ugly. Christoph Brumann’s superb ethnography of the process of town planning (and non-planning) and the interaction between the city authorities and its citizen groups explores this conundrum in a manner which has resonances not only for understanding the development of Japanese townscapes more widely but indeed the development of any modern city in the democratic world.”
Roger Goodman, University of Oxford

“A theoretically informed, ethnographically rich and very well-written account of the tension between developing Kyoto and maintaining its unique heritage as a global historical city.”

Eyal Ben-Ari, Research Institute on Society, Security and Peace, Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee

“This is. . .good ethnography. . .based on substantial periods of fieldwork. . . . Brumann witnessed some achievements of the citizens that will ensure Kyoto’s special place long into the future, during a time when some quite spectacular change was also taking place.”

Joy Hendry, Oxford Brookes University

“Under Brumann’s gaze, the city truly comes down to earth, as the author variously introduces the reader to the interactions of unscrupulous property developers, community activists, passive homeowners, consultant academics, low- and high-level bureaucrats, and even, as we come to find out, the researcher himself, as he pilots his way across a highly politicized landscape.. . .Brumann’s determination to look beyond his context and to de-Japanize Japanese culture is particularly steadfast.”

Bruce White, Doshisha University

http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415731270

Posted in announcements, culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Development Associate, Individual Giving, Japan Society

Posted on December 7, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY
Education: BA
Posted Dec. 4, 2013

Job description
Established in 1907, New York’s Japan Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia.

Development Associate

The Development Associate (Individual Giving) provides the administrative backbone for individual giving, ensuring the smooth operation of all aspects of Japan Society’s individual membership and gift programs, including renewals; gift processing and acknowledgement; data entry and recordkeeping; handling of member queries via phone and email; special events assistance; and research.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Manage daily individual membership operations and other types of individual contributions, including the timely processing of solicitations, renewals, upgrades, gift acknowledgements and solicitation materials, with follow-up by phone when necessary.

2. Field inquiries via the individual membership phone line, email inbox, providing member service/troubleshooting as necessary, while referring more complex inquiries to appropriate Japan Society staff.

3. Fulfill individual member benefit obligations and requests, including complimentary catalogues, gallery passes, and special offers.

4. Track cultivation and stewardship of individual prospects in Raiser’s Edge; update individual member records on Raiser’s Edge as needed.

5. Help research and identify new membership and donor prospects in consultation with the Director of Individual Giving.

6. Coordinate all online communications and membership processing logistics, including drafting electronic messages and the monthly e-newsletter calendars; and performing daily website uploads and Convio updates.

7. Follow up on unreturned mail and file all copies of correspondence as needed.

8. Assist with the annual board dues solicitation, annual appeal, membership drive campaigns, and other individual giving initiatives.

9. Support the Annual Dinner, the Gallery Benefit Auction and select special events, and assist other members of the Development department, as required.

10. Help train and coordinate individual giving interns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years related development administration experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be a flexible and detail-oriented team player with ability to multitask. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and strong written, oral and intercultural communication skills are essential. Experience with database processing (preferably Raiser’s Edge—including the building of queries and custom reports, and prospect tracking utilities) required. Knowledge of Japanese culture a plus.

Japan Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Visit our website at: http://www.japansociety.org

Full details on Idealist.org.

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Academic Exchange Specialist, Department Of State

Posted on December 7, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Via JETWit.com.

Job Title: Academic Exchange Specialist
Institution: Department Of State
OPEN PERIOD: Monday, December 02, 2013 to Monday, December 16, 2013
Location: Washington DC
WHO MAY APPLY: Open to all U.S. citizens
Education: BA, see announcement (linked below) for full details

JOB SUMMARY:
The men and women of the US Department of State with their skills, character and commitment to public service, are the backbone of America’s diplomacy. Civil Service employees support the foreign policy mission from offices in Washington, DC and worldwide. Join us in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world as we formulate, represent and implement US foreign policy. Choose from hundreds of career possibilities – there’s something for everyone!

This position is located in the Office of Global Educational Programs (ECA/A/S), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) in the U.S. Department of State (DoS). The incumbent serves as an Academic Exchange Specialist, initiating, developing, administering, and evaluating international academic exchange programs and other activities supporting ECA’s strategic goal to promote international understanding. This position is also being announced through Merit Promotion procedures under Announcement ECA-2014-0022. Candidates who wish to be considered under both Public (US Citizens)and Merit Promotion procedures must apply to both announcements.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.
Domestic and overseas travel may be required.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.

DUTIES:
-Designs or modifies international exchange programs to meet changing political situations and shifting educational needs in the U.S. and abroad.

-Develops and maintains links with U.S. educational and professional associations and institutions, to obtain support for ECA’s exchange program and to assist these organizations with strengthening their international programs.

-Establishes and maintains liaison with other DOS elements, PAS, U.S. academic and international exchange communities and officials and foreign government representatives to build effective relationships in support of ECA strategic goal of promoting international understanding.

-Manages cooperative agreements or grants to U.S. organizations and institutions for the administration of international academic exchange programs.

-Proactively keeps abreast of country and/or individual participant developments with the potential to adversely impact exchange activities or reflect poorly on exchange programs, the Bureau, or the Department.

Full details on experience and application process on USAJOBS. Job Announcement Number:ECA-2014-0020

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fun Link Friday: All About Japanese Coins

Posted on December 6, 2013 by LM

I love Japanese currency, especially the 5-yen and 50-yen pieces–easy to find in my change purse and just fun to touch. Rocket News 24 has an article about the history, designs, and make-up of Japanese coins.

photo71RN24

Like many small currencies of its type, the one-yen coin costs more to make than it’s actually worth. The amount of aluminum used alone is worth 0.7 yen (US$0.007), so after including all the other overhead you’re looking at about 2 yen ($0.02) a coin to produce.

The pure aluminum used gives this coin some unique properties too. First, it might be the only coin that floats on water. Actually if you were to toss the coin or push it down with your finger it would easily sink. The density of the coin is not buoyant, but its light weight allows the surface tension of the water to hold it up.

Read the full article here.

Posted in fun links | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Japanese Studies Librarian, Univ of Chicago

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution:   University of Chicago, Library
Location:   Illinois, United States
Position:   Japanese Studies Librarian

The University of Chicago Library invites applicants for the position of Japanese Studies Librarian.

The East Asian Collection supports teaching and research needs of the faculty and students at the University of Chicago. It holds a collection of more than 800,000 volumes in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages of various formats. It also has a growing collection of electronic resources. The Japanese collection of over 230,000 physical volumes is particularly strong in literature, intellectual history, religion, art history, education, Japanese Sinology as well as significant holdings of academic journals and reproduced newspapers. As one of the finest such collections in the country, it serves not only the faculty and students of the University but also scholars throughout the country.  The East Asian Collection is housed in the Joseph Regenstein Library.

Under the direction of the Curator for East Asian Collection, this position is responsible for the following:

Select materials in all formats including electronic resources both in Japanese language and those on Japanese studies in Western languages, develop a long-term acquisitions policy to support teaching and research needs, manage the acquisitions budget allocated, and serve as a liaison toJapanese studies faculty and students.

Provide reference services and bibliographical instruction for faculty and students regarding the Librarys services and its resources, the bibliographic methods, e-resource search tactics and research strategies. Responsible for managing, coordinating computer support, and providing services to Japanese studies e-resources. Develop and maintain electronic finding aids and subject LibGuide on Japanese studies and for the EA Collections web page.  Participate in the development of digital resources and services in the Library and on campus.

Under the direction of the Head of East Asia Technical Services, perform original cataloging for Japanese materials in all formats. Participate in formulating cataloging policy, priorities, and work procedures.  Participate in the activities of the library and scholarly organizations at the local, regional, national, and international level.

Qualifications:

Required: A graduate library degree from an ALA-accredited library school along with an undergraduate degree or graduate work in Japanese Studies or related subject field; related experience in an academic or research library; experience or demonstrated knowledge of scholarly resources for Japanese studies, reference tools, electronic resources, and trends in publishing industry and book trade in Japan; experience or demonstrated knowledge of AACR2, LC subject headings and classifications, and MARC21 formats; fluency in English and Japanese languages; demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, students and staff, along with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills; high degree of computer literacy and a demonstrated interest in the application of information technologies for scholarly research.

Preferred: Knowledge of RDA and other metadata standards; experience with OCLC cataloging

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience.  Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off. There is a tuition benefit plan for college age and younger children.

Apply here at:

https://academiccareers.uchicago.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=53127

Please submit a cover letter, CV and reference contact information through the above site by January 5.  Review of application will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact: Apply here at:

https://academiccareers.uchicago.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=53127

Website: http://www.lib.uchicago.edu

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment