Call for Papers: Discussions on Asia: The Midwest Graduate Student Conference

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]April 11-12, 2014

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Call for Papers in Brief:

The graduate students of the Critical Asian Studies Collaborative invite proposals for our first graduate student conference, Discussions on Asia. The theme for this conference is contact. Coming into contact with someone or something is vital to human relationships. Beyond this everyday dimension of contact, narratives and representations of contact have also been foundational for knowledge production in the humanities and social sciences. Disciplines such as anthropology and area studies have been framed through stories and images of contact with foreign people, places, and objects. In this regard, “Asia” itself was constructed as an object of knowledge through stories, images, and concepts of contact.

This conference will focus on contact as it pertains to the study and construction of “Asia.” We welcome presenters across disciplines who work in modern or pre-modern Asia to discuss narratives, images, or concepts of contact between people, places, or things. We are particularly interested in alternative perspectives on the common narratives of contact in Asian studies.

Essential Information:
*       Date: April 11-12, 2014
*       Location: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus
*       Sponsors: University of Minnesota Institute for Advanced Study, the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission, the Northeast Asia Council of the Association for Asian Studies
*       Website: http://jettisoned.net/gradstudentconference/

Keynote Speaker:

We are pleased to announce that Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor of History at Columbia University, will be delivering the keynote speech, titled: “Patterns of Change: A Grand Unified Theory of Japanese History.” She is best known for her book Japan’s Modern Myths, and in 2009 edited Words in Motion: Toward a Global Lexicon with Anna Tsing.

Submissions
Please submit abstracts of 250-300 words and a brief bio of no more than 100 words to Blair Williams at discussionsonasia@gmail.com by December 1, 2013. Conference applicants will be notified by January 1, 2014. We welcome submissions from graduate students at all stages. Questions and comments can be submitted to the same e-mail address or left via one of the social networking links found on the website.

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Call for panels and papers: Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) Biennial Conference

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]The Asian Studies Association of Australia is pleased to announce that its 20th Biennial Conference will take place at the University of Western Australia, Perth, 8-10 July 2014.

Please see our conference website (http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=183d5282f6&e=0251abe4f9)
for more details.

Conference Theme- AsiaScapes: Contesting Borders

Although “landscape” as a metaphor is well-worn, “-scape” remains a productive suffix, spawning terms such as ethnoscapes, technoscapes, mediascapes, ideoscapes and so on, to account for the movement of peoples, technologies, money, images, ideals and ideologies throughout the world. This Conference seeks to emphasise the involvement of Asia as a region of origin, transmission and reception in such flows, extending from the local to the global in scale.

Panels and Paper Proposals

Panels and individual papers that engage with these key concepts are invited from all areas of Asian Studies, providing an opportunity for scholars and teachers to present their own research and to keep abreast of current academic discourse. We encourage panels and papers in the following areas:

*         Anthropology, sociology and inter-disciplinary studies
*         Archaeology
*         Cultural studies
*         Economics, trade and business
*         Ecology and environment
*         History
*         Language, education and communication
*         Law
*         Literature and translation
*         Politics and international relations
*         Resource politics
*         Science policy and collaborative research.

Please submit your full panel proposals (http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=bfd59f05fd&e=0251abe4f9) or individual paper abstracts (http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=8adef864df&e=0251abe4f9) online via the Conference website at http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=2d842c48db&e=0251abe4f9 (http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=72c564ad95&e=0251abe4f9) .
Each panel concept should be no longer than 200 words; each panel paper proposal should be 200-300 words.

Submitting a Panel Proposal
————————————————————

The deadline for panel submissions is 29 November 2013.
Notification of acceptance will be on or before 20 December 2013.

http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=a935e3de19&e=0251abe4f9

http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=64c3e24c1c&e=0251abe4f9

Submitting an Abstract
The deadline for paper abstract submissions is 07 February 2014.
Notification of acceptance will be on or before 28 February 2014.
————————————————————

http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=931350de76&e=0251abe4f9

http://asaa2014.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=9bae70f3c3efacdd13174a6bb&id=fec902bf43&e=0251abe4f9

Should you have any problems submitting your abstract online, forward it to info@eecw.com.au(mailto:info@eecw.com.au)

Your assistance in distributing this information to other interested parties will be appreciated.

ASAA Conference Secretariat
47 Hampden Road, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
Nedlands, WA 6009
Australia

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Fun Link Friday: Ramen cake

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Paula

Now that the temperature is dropping and we’re starting to get a little sneak peek at winter, I’m craving ramen. All I can think about while shivering at the bus stop is how great it’ll be to have giant bowls of miso ramen whenever I want next time I’m back Japan-side. Which is why when a bunch of photos of ramen started making their way across my various web feeds I got excited– until I realized I had been tricked, and this ramen was cake. 

Plastic food, step aside. Kotaku recently posted an article on the newest rising trend in Japan of making cakes that look like ramen and other popular dishes.

Cakes. They’re CAKES!

Apparently it’s possible to make them more cake-like or more jelly-like, and these are even being made custom for special occasions! Check out the original Kotaku article for more links and pictures, as well as some shots of what it looks like to crack one of these babies in half and see the bizarre, breaded insides…

Original source article here: http://kotaku.com/you-arent-looking-at-ramen-this-is-ramen-cake-1451987181

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Call for articles from readers! Japanese Studies: 5-10-20

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Paula

Just a reminder that we are still looking for volunteers for these articles! They will not actually go up until 2014, so there is plenty of time to meet a writing deadline. 🙂 We’ve already had some fascinating people respond and we would love more! Tell your friends! Forward to your colleagues! We want to hear more from this fabulous Japanese-learning community!

Paula's avatarWhat can I do with a B.A. in Japanese Studies?

5-10-20Next year What can I do with a B.A. in Japanese Studies? is planning a series of periodic articles from guest writers entitled “Japanese Studies: 5-10-20.” Our aim to hear about the personal experiences of people at various stages of their post-Japanese Studies lives and share with readers the great diversity of paths possible for people who have embraced Japanese and Japanese Studies at one time or another.

Are you five or so years out of your degree and into the world? Roughly ten? Twenty or more? Where have your language and cultural skills taken you? What resources helped you? Did your studies bring you down a path that was unexpected? Academic? Business? Cultural? Even if you didn’t pursue Japanese itself, did the skills you learned along the way help you land a non-Japan related job?

We want to hear from you! As with all of our articles, the goal…

View original post 64 more words

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Job Opening: Writer/Editor, Ishida Taiseisha Inc. [Tokyo]

Posted on October 31, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Via JETWit.com

Position: Writer/Editor
Company: Ishida Taiseisha Inc.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Education: BA preferred
Application deadline: November 30, 2013

The Role:
Ishida Taiseisha Inc. is seeking a talented individual for writing/editing duties in its Tokyo office. The successful applicant will be responsible for creating high-quality B2B content for a leading international automaker. She or he will be comfortable writing everything from entertaining vignettes to in-depth feature articles exploring business practices in the automotive industry for a global audience.

The position also includes some international/domestic travel and supporting colleagues in translation projects and copy quality checks.

Requirements:

  • Native English ability is essential.
  • Journalism/professional writing experience is essential.
  • Strong Japanese ability (JLPT level 2 or equivalent) is highly desirable.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher is desirable.
  • Experience of translation work is desirable.
  • Understanding of Japanese business practices is desirable.
  • Experience of conducting fact-finding trips and interviews is desirable.

Benefits:

  • Healthcare/pension plan
  • Long-term employment (for the right candidate)
  • Opportunities to travel

Application Instructions:
Please send the following items as part of your application:
1. Resume (please include a list of references)
2. Cover letter
3. Writing samples
Contact information:
Name: Chisato Sakamoto
Email address: chisato_sakamoto@itp.co.jp

The Company:
Through its global network, Ishida Taiseisha Inc. (ITP) provides its clients with market focused print and digital communication solutions, including design work, editing, DTP, CG production and printing. Working closely with industry leaders, we base ideas on our clients, providing services with originality and quality. Headquartered in Kyoto, ITP employs over 1,000 people in locations across Asia, Europe and North America.
Salary: At least JYP3,000,000 (dependent on skills and experience)

Visit our homepage for more information about the company: http://www.itp.co.jp

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Job Opening: Communications Coordinator (temp to perm), Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University

Posted on October 31, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Columbia University
Location: New York, NY
Education: BA
Posted Oct. 21, 2013

The Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University is in search of a creative, organized, and marketing-savvy professional to join our team and coordinate our overall communications. The ideal candidate must be comfortable implementing a 360 degree approach to communications, which includes, but not limited to: social, digital, & print media; public relations & press outreach; and strategic advertising. The incumbent will help us disseminate our research in creative and effective ways to position the Institute as a leading global educator and think tank.

“What does the typical day look like?”

East Asia is arguably one of the world’s most dynamic regions, and at our office, no one day is the same as the day before, but here’s a possible snapshot:

9:30 am — Fielding calls from CNN and other international media asking for a faculty expert on China, Japan, or the Korean peninsula. 10:00 — Meeting with graphic designer to discuss art for upcoming special lecture with a head of state. 11:00 — Meeting with staff on web site redesign and social media plan. Noon — Writing a media advisory or press release for upcoming event. 2:00 — Assisting director with talking points for upcoming speech. 3:00 — Coordinating communications between authors, faculty, and acquisition editors on manuscripts to be included in our publication series. Pitching manuscripts to editors. 4:00 — Final proofreading of the Institute’s Annual Report.

This is a temporary to permanent position and preference will be given to those seeking a long-term commitment.

QUALIFICATIONS

B.A. or equivalent required; interest in international affairs, international relations, international education, communications, or East Asian studies highly preferred. Must have at least two years experience in related work in publishing/marketing and in administration. Must have superior writing, analytical, and copyediting skills, as well as excellent organizational skills and ability to work under changing priorities on multiple deadlines. Ability to multitask is essential. Some editorial experience required.

Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator); social media tools; CMS (Drupal), HTML; Final Cut Pro, is a plus

Full information on Idealist.org.

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IUC Professional Tutorials

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Travis

We have written on a number of occasions about the excellent intensive Japanese language program at the Inter-University Center (IUC) in Yokohama. But, not everyone has the time or money for a 10-month intensive program, or even a seven-week summer program.

I don’t know how long the Center has been offering this additional option, but I learned this summer of the IUC Professional Tutorials… They say they’ve been doing it for quite some time, but this is the first I’ve heard of it. And I’m glad I did!

IUC Professional Tutorials, which around the Center they often call “P-Course” or Pコース for short, offers the opportunity to study one-on-one with one of the excellent IUC teachers, in one-hour sessions, twice a week (or four times a week during the summer, if you choose), arranging meeting times to fit your schedule, and the content of the classes to focus on those aspects of Japanese language skills you wish to focus upon. At around 10,000円 per hour (a little more for non-IUC alums, and a little less for IUC alumni or students of IUC member universities), it’s not cheap, but, if you’re working in Tokyo, or if you’re one of those lucky bastards doing research on some wonderfully extensive grant funding, and you can spare the money – but not the time to be at IUC more than a couple hours a week – it seems like it might be a great way to go.

I’m certainly thinking of investigating the possibility of doing this program myself, if and when I find myself in Japan for a lengthy period, doing my dissertation research. Having already done the IUC 10-month program, I can’t really do it all over again, but I could certainly use a refresher on keigo, and on all sorts of aspects of business Japanese, including writing formal letters and speaking formally over the phone. I once applied for a job that, alongside other responsibilities, would have involved being in charge of all Japanese-language communications for the department (and thus, for the entire institution, to some extent), including receiving and entertaining official guests visiting the institution, from Japan. I don’t know that any classroom course, even one-on-one tutorials, could really make me quite that proficient, but, at the very least, as a student, scholar, and researcher, I would very much like to be more proficient, more professional, and less awkward in my formal interactions with Japanese museums, archives, professors, etc. And, given my experience with the high quality of instruction in the regular IUC program, this looks like it could be a way to achieve that.

For more information, see the IUC website

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Job Opening: Curatorial Staff Assistant III for East Asian Art, Harvard University [part-time]

Posted on October 29, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Harvard University
Location: Somerville, MA
Posted: 10/25/2013
School/Unit: Harvard Art Museums
Education: BA

Duties & Responsibilities:
Summary:
The Curatorial Staff Assistant provides organizational, administrative, and research support for the Alan J. Dworsky Associate Curator of Chinese Art, to assist in preparation for the move and reinstallation of galleries to the newly renovated Harvard Art Museums facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Curatorial Staff Assistant will assist the Alan J. Dworsky Associate Curator of Chinese Art with administrative and curatorial-support duties. Responsibilities include reviewing, organizing, and archiving Asian department paper and digital files; reviewing, organizing, and allocating/disposition of Asian publications in the departmental library; reviewing and updating Asian Art records and images on the Museum’s database; assisting with special Asian Art projects and performing other related curatorial duties as needed.

The Curatorial Staff Assistant for East Asian Art works in close collaboration with the Curatorial Assistant for the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, and coordinates with Archives, Collections Management, Conservation, Digital Imaging & Visual Resources, and Information Technology staff, as needed, to accomplish goals, and assist in preparation for the move.

The Curatorial Assistant may draft correspondence and field general inquiries on the East Asian collections, assist in the preparation of checklists and reports, and conduct basic library and archival research as needed.

Basic Qualifications:
BA required, as well as reading knowledge of at least one East Asian language. Demonstrated computer skills, especially word processing and database proficiency.

Additional Qualifications:
Background in East Asian studies preferred. Ability to learn new applications and procedures as required; previous experience in research, library science or archiving helpful. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; accuracy with detail and ability to follow through on projects despite interruptions; must be able to function well both independently and as part of a team.

Full application details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Fellow in Japanese Art, Harvard University

Posted on October 29, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5
Institution: Harvard University
Location: Somerville, MA
Posted: 10/25/2013
Type: Full Time
School/Unit: Harvard Art Museums
Department: Division of Asian & Mediterranean Art
Education: MA required, PhD preferred

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Fellow participates in a wide range of specifically defined curatorial projects, programs, and initiatives, such as research and cataloging of the collection; organization of exhibitions and gallery rotations, including writing of gallery and object information texts; preparation of publications; curricular and public outreach functions; and cultivation of donors.
The Fellow assists in the reinstallation of the Art Museums’ new permanent galleries of Asian art and helps provide curatorial oversight and logistical support for the study center program and the university curricular galleries.
Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Fellow helps to foster a significant and sustained curricular role for the museum’s collection and curatorial projects and programs.
The Fellow may participate in hiring and training curatorial interns, and may supervise students and temporary employees.
Basic Qualifications:

  • MA in Art History or East Asian Studies with a specialization in Japanese art; ability to read and speak Japanese proficiently.

Additional Qualifications:

  • PhD preferred in Art History or East Asian Studies with a specialization in Japanese art
  • At least one year of curatorial or related experience
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering the appreciation of works of art in a museum context
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collegially

See full listing on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Curator, Gordon W. Prange Collection and Librarian for East Asian Studies

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution:   Gordon W. Prange Collection and Librarian for East Asian Studies
Location:   Maryland, United States
Position:   Curator, Librarian

Category:         Librarian (Open Rank)
Department:    Special Collections
Benefits:          22 Days Annual Leave, 15 Days of Sick Leave, 3 Days Personal Leave, 15 Paid Holidays, Tuition Remission, Health, Dental, Vision, and Prescription

As the largest university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, the University of Maryland Libraries serve more than 37,500 students and 4,200 faculty of the flagship College Park campus. The University of Maryland Libraries share the teaching, learning and research goals of the university. Its role as a key academic resource is evident in its service to the academic community and its actionable strategic plan. Recent membership in the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, a robust organization of Big Ten member institutions, is particularly meaningful to the University Libraries and will further propel the university’s ascendancy in academic excellence.

The University of Maryland Libraries are seeking dynamic and innovative applicants for the position of Curator of the Gordon W. Prange Collection and Librarian for East Asian Studies. The successful candidate will create and implement a vision for the Gordon W. Prange Collection, a world-renown special collection of rare and archival materials that constitutes the most comprehensive collection of Japanese language publications issued in Japan during the post-World War II period of 1945-1949. The Prange Collection encompasses over 1.7 million items representing virtually everything published in Japan during this period. The University of Maryland Libraries, in partnership with the National Diet Library of Japan, have engaged in large-scale microfilming and digitization projects to preserve and improve access to this historically significant and unique collection. Project funders have included the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and the Nippon Foundation. The Curator/Librarian will also be responsible for East Asian studies materials in the Libraries general collection, which includes over 80,000 monographs, periodicals and reference works in Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages. Particular strengths include humanities and social sciences with an emphasis on Chinese and Japanese history and culture in support of the research and curricular needs of faculty and students in East Asian Studies.

The Curator/Librarian will develop a robust program of collection development, research services, digitization, outreach, and scholarly activity to support these collections. In addition, the successful candidate will not only manage these collections and related services, but will also be a scholar with an active program of print and digital research based in the Prange and East Asia Collections.

Required

* Master of Library Science/Information Science degree, or a combination of an advanced degree in a related field plus relevant experience
* Excellent Japanese and English language oral and written communications skills, including deft use of honorifics and Japanese negotiation skills
* Analytical problem solving skills, team building, and ability to act proactively and innovatively with various constituencies
* Proven experience in managing projects from scoping to delivery; ability to set timetables, meet deadlines, and manage budgets
* Knowledge of Japanese software and online automated systems and their applications in East Asian language collections

Preferred

* Formal education in archival studies or special collections librarianship
* Reading knowledge of Kyu Kanji and ability to Romanize  Japanese using the Hepburn system.
* Knowledge of Chinese
* Two or more years professional experience in special collections or archives
* Experience designing and conducting digital based research projects
* Experience preparing, submitting, and winning grants
* Knowledge of copyright policies and intellectual property issues in special collections and archives
* Knowledge of digitization practices, data curation, or digital preservation

For the full position description, please go to http://www.lib.umd.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/staff-faculty-positions.

Position is appointed to Librarian Faculty Ranks as established by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. Rank at appointment is based on the successful applicant’s experience and relevant credentials. For additional information, consult the following website: http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/ii-100B.html.

APPLICATIONS: Electronic applications required. Please apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/22149.  An application consists of a cover letter which includes the source of advertisement, a resume, and names/e-mail addresses of three references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until Monday, November 18, 2013.

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or gender identity and expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Contact:
APPLICATIONS: Electronic applications required. Please apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/22149.  An application consists of a cover letter which includes the source of advertisement, a resume, and names/e-mail addresses of three references.

Website: http://www.lib.umd.edu

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