Book Announcement: Beriberi in Modern Japan: The Making of a National Disease

Posted on July 28, 2013 by Paula

BeriBeriBeriberi in Modern Japan: The Making of a National Disease

University of Rochester Press

In modern Japan, beriberi (or thiamin deficiency) became a public health problem that cut across all social boundaries, afflicting even the Meiji Emperor. During an age of empire building for the Japanese nation, incidence rates in the military ranged from 30 percent in peacetime to 90 percent during war. Doctors and public health officials called beriberi a “national disease” because it festered within the bodies of the people and threatened the health of the empire. Nevertheless, they could not agree over what caused the disease, attributing it to a diet deficiency or a microbe.

In The Beriberi in Modern Japan, Alexander R. Bay examines the debates over the etiology of this “national disease” during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Etiological consensus came after World War I, but the struggle at the national level to direct beriberi prevention continued, peaking during wartime mobilization. War served as the context within which scientific knowledge of beriberi and its prevention was made. The story of beriberi research is not simply about the march toward the inevitable discovery of “the beriberi vitamin,” but rather the history of the role of medicine in state-making and empire-building in modern Japan.

The book is now available through the URP website, at:
http://www.urpress.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=14002

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Job Opening: Assistant Librarian for Instructional Services, Knox College

Posted on July 28, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Knox College
Location: Galesburg, IL
Posted: 07/17/2013
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Type: Full Time
Education: MLS

The Knox College Library invites applications from service-oriented and innovative professional librarians for a staff position promoting undergraduate learning outcomes through active liaison relationships with selected academic programs; service on reference and instruction teams; and coordination of assessment initiatives with library’s professional staff.

Duties and responsibilities: Advance the library’s instructional and information literacy initiatives by applying and promoting innovative teaching methods and technologies; coordinating outreach, orientation, and general instruction programs; and managing instructional publications and documents in print and digital formats.

As a member of reference and instruction teams, provide reference, instruction, and other liaison services to faculty and students in assigned departments; provide reference and research assistance to the Knox campus, including evening and weekend rotations. Coordinate the assessment of library programs and services, including the maintenance of reference and instruction data.

Required: an ALA accredited MLS; experience in or professional knowledge of library instruction and information literacy; demonstrated instruction and presentation skills; commitment to user services; excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work effectively with groups; ability to work independently and to work collegially with librarians, faculty, and other campus staff. Preferred: knowledge of library assessment methods and tools, working knowledge of a European or East Asian language.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the active and innovative support of undergraduate and faculty research and a familiarity with reference services and resources. Reports to the Associate Librarian. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Knox College is a nationally ranked, independent, residential liberal arts college of 1,400 students from 48 states and 51 countries. Founded in 1837 by social reformers strongly opposed to slavery, Knox was one of the first colleges in the United States open to all, regardless of race, gender, or financial means. The College recruits high ability students nationally and internationally who actively participate in shaping their residential experiences and stands out among its peers for the inclusion of first-generation, international, and students of color in a culturally rich and vibrant campus community.

Knox College’s Seymour Library ( http://www.knox.edu/library) employs a staff of 13 FTE and houses 335,000 volumes in an inviting early 20th century central library and a science branch library.

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Call for Papers: East Asian Journal of Popular Culture

Posted on July 27, 2013 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]We are delighted to announce the development of the new Intellect Journal of East Asian Popular Culture and to issue a general call for papers.

In the last few decades there has been a huge rise in the interest in East Asian Popular Culture. The Journal of East Asian Popular Culture will be engaging directly with that trend. From film to music; art to translation and fashion to tourism, this journal will offer a forum where multidisciplinary work can come together in new and exciting ways.

The East Asian Journal of Popular Culture is the first academic peer-reviewed journal for scholars, teachers, and students from around the world who have an active and passionate interest in the Popular Culture of East Asia. The journal is devoted to all aspects of Popular Culture in East Asia. With the growth in popularity of Asian visual products in the Western world and the increasing strength of the Asian markets, this publication fulfills the need for an international journal that allows Western and Asian film, media, literary, music, fashion, digital media, television, art and cultural scholars alike to engage in discussion. The journal encourages articles that are both localised (towards a specific popular culture trend, figure or industry) as well as articles that are more global in their outlook (forging links between East Asian popular culture and wider global issues).

We welcome papers on any of these and related topics.

If you would like to submit a paper or contact us about a proposed special edition please email:eajpopculture@gmail.com or one of the editors for further advice.

This journal will also be offering in English reviews of Asian Language publications devoted to popular culture. This will bring Asian based material via detailed summaries and reviews to an English Language readership. If you are interested in acting as a reviewer or are interested in proposing a book to be reviewed please contact the reviews editor.

Editors
Kate Taylor-Jones
Bangor University
k.taylor@bangor.ac.uk

Ann Heylen
National Taiwan Normal University
annheylen@ntnu.edu.tw

John Berra
john.berra@gmail.com

Reviews Editor
Chris Howard
Chongqing University
fspdd@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/journals/view-Journal,id=238/

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Job Opening: Travel Specialist, University of Virginia

Posted on July 27, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posted: 07/11/2013
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Type: Full Time
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Education: high school required, associate’s preferred

Posting Summary:
The University of Virginia’s International Studies Office and Summer and Special Academic Programs is currently seeking a Travel Specialist. This full-time salaried position requires excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work with diverse clientele including faculty; knowledge of key destinations – domestic and international; commercial awareness; and excellent time management skills.

Qualified applicants are required to have a high school degree or equivalent with some experience as a travel agent with proficiency using a Global Distribution System (GDS) booking system such as Sabre or Amadeus. Preferred experience includes foreign and domestic travel experiences; experience planning educational tours; as well as experience working with providers in Asia and/or Africa.

Required Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:
Associate’s Degree

Required Experience:
Some – up to 4 years

Preferred Experience:
Some – up to 4 years

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work with diverse clientele including faculty; knowledge of key destinations – domestic and international; commercial awareness; excellent time management skills; understanding of National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) code of ethics.

Full application details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Fun Link Friday: Nihonoranda.com

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Travis

For today’s Fun Link Friday, Nihonoranda.com, a beautiful website centered on a map of nearly 191 Dutch-related sites, events, and organizations in Japan.

Organized by the Embassy & Consulates of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan, the site integrates Google Maps, for a wonderfully beautiful and intuitive interface. Zoom in on any part of the country, and icons pop up on the map marking Shops, Traditional sites, Historical sites, Events, or Organizations. Did you know there are as many as 61 Dutch-related sites in the Greater Tokyo Area? And, of course, a great many in Kyushu (esp. Nagasaki) as well.

Points included on the map range from festivals such as the Anjin Festival in Miura, to graves of historical figures such as diplomat Henry Heusken and Rangaku (“Dutch Studies”) scholar Sugita Genpaku, to art museums that contain Rembrandts or other works by Dutch artists, to municipalities such as Niigata Prefecture which have some sister relationship with Dutch provinces, to the Japan Korfball Association (whatever that is), to the Huis ten Bosch theme park, restaurants that serve Dutch or Dutch-influenced food, and, of course, Dejima itself.

Click on any one of these markers, and a brief summary of the site & its significance appears, in both Japanese and English, appears, accompanied by the address and (where applicable) phone number and website.

I wish we had such resources for Korean, Chinese, American, French, British, Russian or Ryukyuan sites throughout Japan. It’s good fun just to play around with and browse through – and beyond that, is a great resource for someone like myself, looking for interesting if somewhat obscure historical sites to visit, and, I’m sure, would be a great resource for a variety of other purposes as well.

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Call for Papers: Annual Conference of the European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Paula

The Board of the EAAA is pleased to announce the call for papers for the 1st EAAA conference to be held at Palack University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, between 25th and 27th September 2014.

The conference will be jointly organized by the EAAA and the  Department of Asian Studies (KAS) at Palack University. The  conference is generously supported by Palack University, as the 8th  conference of cultural anthropology of South and Eastern Asia.

Palack University in Olomouc is the second oldest university in the  Czech Republic and one of the oldest in Central Europe. Drawing on  more than 400-year tradition of higher education it is nowadays a  renowned centre for teaching and research. Olomouc is the capital of  the region of Central Moravia and belongs to the oldest cities of the  Czech Republic. The city dates back to the ninth century, when it was  a power centre of the Great Moravian Kingdom, the oldest Slavonic  state. Today Olomouc has above 100,000 inhabitants and its long  history makes it one of the most beautiful cities of the Czech Republic.

The purposes of the conference are to:

1.     Open a dialog between scholars of Asian art and archaeology  and to offer a platform for the presentation and discussion of recent  researches;
2.     Highlight the significance of Asian art and archaeology  researches;
3.     Revise historical approaches that have been prevalent in the  study and research of Asian art and archaeology;
4.     Elaborate existing art theories and methodology;
5.     Form new research approaches and methods in Asian art and archaeology.

The EAAA board invites papers on art and archaeology of China, Japan,  Korea, South and Central Asia, as well as papers on art theory and  methodology. Scholars of Asian art and archaeology from Europe and  beyond are invited to submit proposals for panels, round table  discussions, and individual papers. Proposals (including the author’s  name, academic qualification, institutional affiliation, position,  contact information  address, telephone number, e-mail, and a short  abstract of no more than 250 words) should be sent toeaaa.conf.olomouc@gmail.com  before November 15, 2013. Scholars who have submitted their  proposals by this deadline will be notified of their inclusion in to  the conference before February 28, 2014.

Official language of the conference is English. Accepted abstract will  be published on the conference web page and in the Conference Abstracts.

All presenters should register and pay registration fee to participate  in the conference. The registration fee which includes materials for  the conference and coffee break refreshments is 40 Euros. All  participants of the conference should be EAAA members. Membership fee  is 20 (reduced 10). Further information related to payment of the  registration and membership fees will be provided on the conference  website. Letters of invitation will be sent to those who need them for  obtaining visas.

Accommodation is available in hotels — from 50 per night, or hostels  near the city centre (a list will be provided). Cheaper accommodation  (25 per night) will be provided for 20-30 disadvantaged participants,  who should send detailed requests to eaaa.conf.olomouc@gmail.com.

The conference website: www.kas.upol.cz/veda_a_vyzkum/konference.html

Any further questions are welcome. Please write to eaaa.conf.olomouc@gmail.com

Organizational committee:

Lucie Olivov (KAS, Palack University & EAAA)
Nataa Vampelj Suhadolnik (EAAA)
Jarmila Fiurkov (KAS, Palack University)

Important dates

Deadline for submissions: November 15, 2013
Notification of acceptance: February 28, 2014
Conference venue: September 25-27, 2014

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Job Opening: International and Asian Studies, Associate Professor

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution:   Singapore Management University, School of Social Sciences
Location:   Singapore
Position:   Associate Professor, (Education Track), International and Asian Studies (IAS)

Singapore Management University, School of Social Sciences

International and Asian Studies (IAS), Associate Professor (Education Track)

The School of Social Sciences (SOSS), Singapore Management University, invites applications for a senior position at the associate professor rank (preferably education track) to lead and teach in the International and Asian Studies (IAS) Programme. IAS is a recently-launched innovative and interdisciplinary programme offered as a Second Major to all SMU undergraduates. The candidate will teach an IAS core course on Exploring Asian Identities and other Asian Studies courses in the areas of his/her expertise. More details about the IAS program can be found at: http://socsc.smu.edu.sg/double-degrees-and-second-majors#ias

The position requires a PhD in Asian Studies or other related disciplines, including but not limited to, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, History, Political Science, Postcolonial Studies and Cultural Studies, with a focus on a region or regions in Asia, particularly East, Southeast or South Asia.  We seek a candidate with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research, international connections in Asia, and experience in academic leadership.

The administrative responsibilities of the position include coordinating the IAS Second Major, developing curriculum, liaising with overseas partners and external stakeholders, mentoring junior faculty, and advising undergraduate students.

Singapore Management University is committed to an interdisciplinary and integrated curriculum, providing opportunities to work with faculty across the social sciences and professional schools. The research support is excellent, salary and benefits are highly competitive.  Classes are capped at no more than 45 students.

Full evaluation of applications will start from 15 August 2013 until the position is filled. Interviews for short-listed candidates are likely to be conducted soon thereafter. The successful candidate will be expected to start at Singapore Management University in January 2014.

The application package should include (in electronic form): a cover letter describing teaching and research interests, a curriculum vitae (including teaching experience and a list of referees), and one or two selected publications. The package should be sent to the Deans Office, School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University at the following email address: socialsciencescv@smu.edu.sg. For documents not available in electronic form, hard copies should be sent to: The Deans Office, School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, 90 Stamford Road, Level 4, Singapore 178903. Applicants should also arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the Deans Office either by email or the mailing address above.

The Education track is a non-tenured position with a focus on creating and improving educational programs, demonstrated ability in pedagogical development and excellent teaching, and high involvement in student activities. The course load for education professors is six courses per year, with possibilities of course reduction based on administrative responsibilities. Information about the University and the School can be found at www.socsc.smu.edu.sg.

Contact:
socialsciencescv@smu.edu.sg

Website: www.socsc.smu.edu.sg

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Job Opening: Library Office Assistant II, Princeton University [Temp]

Posted on July 25, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Princeton University
Location: Princeton, NJ
Posted: 07/17/2013
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Type: Full Time
Position Summary: Temporary/Hourly Positions Available for 12-14 Weeks.
Education: at least High School

Five (5) Positions Available

The Library seeks an energetic, public-service oriented individual who will be responsible for large scale book moves as needed to facilitate a re-allocation of space in the East Asian Library.

This will encompass moving books to a new location or shifting books to create necessary shelf space in stack areas in the East Asian Library or at the Forrestal Annex. Packing and loading book volumes and other library materials and preparing them for shipment from the library to another library location.

The incumbent would also be responsible for shelving books accurately and neatly in assigned areas; maintaining collections as needed; and assessing the physical condition of the items that may be in need of repair or other preservation treatment. The incumbent will be required to work at different library locations on and off-campus, as necessary, to complete the project.

This project will last approximately 12-14 weeks.

Essential Qualifications: Position Requires:

The individual must be able to: stand for long periods of time; bend, stretch, and move books from shelf to book truck and vice versa; use a stepladder to reach high shelves when necessary; push often heavy book trucks, weighing as much as ca. 500 lbs. Some volumes may be large, heavy, or in poor condition.

The individual may expect to work in an environment exposed to dust, book mold and extreme temperatures. Other requirements include: demonstrated attention to detail; high degree of accuracy in a detail-oriented environment; ability to follow guidelines and meet deadlines; ability to communicate effectively in English; and familiarity with: the Library of Congress and other call number classification systems, and with internet tools and email. The individual must be reliable and have the demonstrated ability to work constructively with coworkers. The incumbent will be required to work at different library locations on or off-campus as needed.

The successful candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and pre-employment physical.

Education Required: High School or Equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: Preferred:

Previous library experience, or experience in a high-volume production oriented environment.

Proven record of a high-production level. Knowledge of Chinese, Japanese and/or Korean language.

Full application details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Research Assistant II Non-Lab, Harvard University

Posted on July 24, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, MA
Department: Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Education: BA preferred
Posted 07/10/2013

Duties & Responsibilities:
Assists research and administrative duties of a Harvard senior faculty member in the social sciences and supports the activities of the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations at Harvard. Locates, organizes, and analyzes research materials, including archival documents and other primary sources. Investigates and prepares reports on specific topics in the social sciences relating to Japan and Asia. Meets staff needs of a senior professor and assists in the programming of a busy international program; prepares course materials and maintains course Website; handles correspondence, scheduling, and travel arrangements; serves as liaison to students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and distinguished international visitors; provides staff support for seminars, conferences, and other events for Harvard faculty and students; serves as a liaison between the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and other international centers and programs inside and outside Harvard; serves as a resource to students regarding Japan-related study and research opportunities; performs other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:
College background with coursework or experience in a social science field. Three years of research and/or office experience, including experience with computers and technology, in a university. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and computer research skills are required.

Additional Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a social science field and a thorough knowledge of modern East Asia, particularly Japan, strongly preferred. Aptitude for and interest in research; strong writing ability; attention to detail; office skills; an ability to coordinate several projects at once and meet deadlines while working independently in a busy office; well-developed interpersonal and intercultural skills. Applicant should have a demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision. Preferred skills include: Japanese language; ability to maintain a Web site or do desktop publishing; experience with databases.

Additional Information:
This is an excellent opportunity for someone considering graduate school, professional school, or university administration in the future.

Full application details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Museum Publication Coordinator, Asia Society

Posted on July 23, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Job posted by: Asia Society
Location: New York, New York
Posted on: July 17, 2013
Start date: ASAP
Education requirements: 4-year degree
Employment type: Full time
Education: BA and experience

Asia Society, a prestigious, global, educational and cultural non-profit seeks a
Museum Publication Coordinator to coordinate all published materials, including
print and web, and provide administrative support.

Responsibilities:

•Coordinate exhibition and collection photography and provide images and information to departments within Asia Society;
•Manage image rights and reproductions, and maintenance of Museum photo archive;
•Manage content, edit, and coordinate implementation of exhibitions websites;
•Coordinate and oversee Museum’s presence on AsiaSociety.org and exhibition minisites, including working with CMS.

In consultation with Director of Museum Operations:

•Edit and proofread exhibition didactics, wall and label text, teacher guides, exhibition preview invitations, Events calendar entries, press releases, catalogue texts, and other departmental texts;
•Coordinate materials for designers and publishers;
•Coordinate exhibition and publication timelines;
•Coordinate content, design, and production of exhibition wall and label texts and maps;
•Coordinate content and develop, edit, and coordinate production of audio tours and occasional smartphone apps;
•Coordinate acquisition and production of exhibition catalogue images; work with designers and printers to coordinate catalogue production;
•Coordinate museum book inventory and distribution within Asia Society and wholesalers.

General Museum duties

•Perform general gallery checks and report installation and/or maintenance problems.
•Some lifting, including boxes up to 40 lb.
•Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

•Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts/Architecture or Communications and 3-4 years experience in a Museum or Publishing position preferred.
•Excellent editing and writing skills and strong organizational skills.
•Proficient in Word, Photoshop, Filemaker (or equivalent database), Excel and experience in InDesign.
•Experience working with consultants, free-lance designers and editors.
•Experience in book publication.
•Knowledge of exhibition installation and art handling, and strong knowledge of content management systems, social media, and working with web developers and designers.

Full application details on Idealist.org.

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