Call for Papers: Living in an Age of Precarity: Living and Lives in 21st Century Asia

call for papers [150-2]Precarity, once a French neologism (precarite), is today purportedly the word for our time. It is a description of a specific subjectivity, an existential angst of living a life of ambient insecurity, strongly suggestive of the breakdown of stable social bonds and identities, and the disappearance of old reliances.

Conceptually, the rise of precarity has a lot to do with the retraction of the state and its responsibility to promote social protection, to preserve entitlement, and to foster a sense of belonging among its citizens.  Instead, workers, for whom the condition of precarity is most pronounced, are left to fend for themselves, bearing all the risks of impermanent jobs while receiving limited or no social benefits and statutory entitlements.  In the sphere of geography, precarity is manifested in the tenuous borders of the nation-state, as subject peoples demand for greater spaces to express their separate (ethnic/racial) identities and the nation-state becomes a site for contestation, negotiation, and adjustment. Further, the once hard and fast borders of delineated territories are being silently redrawn according to commodity and transportation lines, for example, oil and gas pipelines, railways, large-scale plantations dedicated to monoculture production. The term ‘spatial fix’ has been used by David Harvey to describe “capitalism’s insatiable drive to resolve its inner crisis tendencies by geographical expansion and geographical restructuring” (Harvey 2001). Finally, in the realm of affective life, precarity is an experience of hyper-mobility and compression of time. “Dependence networks” that previously defined personhood and belonging — “a relation among the members of a morally binding membership group” (James Ferguson 2013) — have collapsed and disappeared particularly in the Global South. These networks of affect have been replaced by atomized individuals with little or no social attachments, giving rise to asocial inequalities in much of the Global South. Belonging has become “mobile.”

In this conference, we invite scholars and researchers to tackle the notion of precarity as the new social condition of the Global South, but specifically in the Asian region. In particular, the conference seeks to advance the study of precarity through addressing the following questions:

  1. How is precarity expressed and experienced in the Asian context? What are its concrete manifestations and how do they differ from conditions in the global North?
  2. How is precarity produced? What are the specific political/power relations that give rise to conditions of precarity? Who are the precarity-producing agents (e.g. transnational capital, multilateral institutions)?
  3. What are the spaces for resistance/renegotiation/creativity/personal autonomy which impermanence can engender? What possibilities exist for the return to co-dependent networks that are re-valorized and accepted as socio-economic mechanisms for staving off asocial inequalities?

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Paper proposals should include a title, an abstract (250 words maximum) and a brief personal biography of 150 words for submission by 17 October 2016. Please send proposal using the provided template found in the event listing (ARI Website) to arios@nus.edu.sg Successful applicants will be notified by mid November 2016 and will be required to send in a completed draft paper (5,000-8,000 words) by 13 January 2017.

CONVENORS

Dr Teresita Cruz-del Rosario
Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore

Prof Jonathan Rigg
Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore

Contact Email:

arios@nus.edu.sg

URL:

https://ari.nus.edu.sg/Event/Detail/1dbf00ee-fdcd-4fb9-ae1c-d9667b434f77

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Call for Papers: European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS): Urban and Environmental Studies

call for papers [150-2]The next EAJS International Conference will take place from August 30 to September 2, 2017 in Lisbon, Portugal. As the convenors of section 1 “Urban and Environmental Studies” we would like to draw your attention to the Call for Papers for our section, which deals with the theme of

Cultural turn in the spatial sciences

With this broadly defined topic we hope to reach researchers from various disciplines who deal with spatial issues including conceptualisations of space and spatial representations.

Please find the detailed Call for Papers and other relevant information under the following link:

http://www.eajs.eu/fileadmin/office/EAJS_International_Conference_2017/S…

Abstracts for individual presentations (with up to 350 words) and panel proposals should be submitted no later than November 30, 2016 to the following email address:

urban@eajs.eu

Evelyn Schulz
Volker Elis
Contact Info:
Prof. Dr. Evelyn Schulz
Japan Center
LMU Munich University
Oettingenstr. 67 | 80538 München | Germany

Dr. Volker Elis
interim professor
University of Heidelberg
Institute for Japanese Studies
Akademiestr. 4-8
69117 Heidelberg
Germany

Contact Email:
urban@eajs.eu

URL:

http://www.eajs.eu/fileadmin/office/EAJS_International_Conference_2017/Section_1_EAJS_2017_Call_for_Papers_Urban_FINAL.p…

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Call for Papers: 15th EAJS International Conference: History

call for papers [150-2]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.

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Call for Papers: The European Forum on Korean-Japanese History

call for papers [150-2]International Workshop: “Gender(ed) Histories of Korea and Japan”

22-24 September 2017, Tuebingen, Germany

Established in March 2012, the European Forum on Korean-Japanese History aims to promote dialogue between historians of Korea and Japan in Europe. The Forum is an independent body supported by the National Institute for Korean History. Its initial objective is to organize biennial workshops bringing together historians of Japan and Korea to exchange views on subjects of mutual relevance and interest.

The Forum functions as a platform where the tangled histories of Korea and Japan are critically debated, common framing concepts are questioned, source materials are reread and untapped archival materials mobilized. As the professional field is still largely defined by national labels, the Forum probes these labels as ordering principles that reproduce contemporary antagonisms in both research and teaching. For too long, a historiography based on the nation-state has often made it difficult to engage in relevant dialogues. Now, theoretical and methodological developments in historiography allow the writing of history beyond the nation-state and open up new fields of research.

In this workshop, we want to look at the cultural, political, social, religious or economic history of Korea and Japan through the ‘lenses of gender’. We invite papers addressing the ways in which gender ideologies are interwoven into the histories of Korea and Japan from premodern to contemporary times. How did encounters or exchanges between the two countries affect gender roles and shaped women’s and men’s everyday lives? Which role did gender conceptions play in shaping Korean and Japanese histories? We want to bring together not only research about issues of women, but about gender conceptions in their mutual interrelation, as well as about images of masculinity and their historical significance. With its focus on the shared history of Korea and Japan, this workshop wants to contribute to a rewriting of historical developments between these countries by including the perspective of gender. At the same time we hope to widen the horizon of gender history approaches beyond national confines.

Abstracts (max. 600 words and a short bio) can be sent to the workshop

organizers You Jae Lee (lee@aoi.uni-tuebingen.de) and Monika Schrimpf (monika.schrimpf@uni-tuebingen.de) before 30 September 2016.

Presenters will be notified of acceptance by October 31st, 2016. Pending funding, all costs will be covered.

The European Forum on Korean-Japanese History:

Koen De Ceuster (Leiden University)
Christopher Gerteis (SOAS, University of London)
Kwang Jae Kim (NIKH), ex officio.
Barak Kushner (Cambridge University)
You Jae Lee (Tuebingen University)
James Lewis (University of Oxford)
Kiri Paramore (Leiden University)
Monika Schrimpf (Tuebingen University)
Michael Shin (Cambridge University)

 

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Job Opening: Kiriyama Professor for Asia Pacific Studies, University of San Francisco

job opening - 5Institution:          University of San Francisco
Location:             California, United States
Position:             Full Professor

The Center for Asia Pacific Studies at the University of San Francisco invites applications for the Kiriyama Professor for Asia Pacific Studies, a short-term visiting faculty appointment ranging from three to six months in the field of Asia Pacific Studies during the spring 2017 semester (January – May 2017). The Center is searching for a recognized leader in the field of Asia Pacific Studies (tenured or emeritus faculty) to spend part or all of a semester in residence at the University of San Francisco.

The Center facilitates research and teaching on Greater China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and India through public programs, academic conferences and symposia, and its peer-reviewed journal. The Center is also home to the MA in Asia Pacific Studies program.

The Chair should conduct research in line with the core regions and mission and of the Center for Asia Pacific Studies (intercultural/cross-cultural or transnational issues and/or research that pays attention to the contribution that religious, ethical, and cultural understanding can make to bridging cultures).

For this search, the Center is particularly interested in applicants who could teach graduate students in the areas of human rights, migration, issues of gender, and/or other timely, relevant contemporary issues of the Asia Pacific.

Payment will be in the form of a sabbatical supplement commensurate with experience and corresponding to the length of the appointment.

Job Responsibilities:

Responsibilities for the position include:
● Teaching two graduate level workshops (approximately 20 students-primarily for students in the Master in Asia Pacific Studies Program but also open to students from other universities). Each workshop will be approximately 1 1/2 hours in length. Workshops and public lecture (see below) should be linked thematically as we are considering offering a certificate for students who attend all three.
● Giving one public lecture and one guest lecture during residency
● Being a regular participant at events organized by the Center (including 2 Saturday morning events during spring semester)
● Being in residence at the Center three days per week during regular work hours to work on independent research and to interact with USF faculty, students and staff

Privileges of the Kiriyama Chair:
• A office for use 3 days a week.
• Full access to USF’s libraries and electronic resources.
• E-mail account for use during the duration of their stay at USF .

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications include: a Ph.D. in relevant field with excellent record of teaching and publication, ability and willingness during appointment to promote the Center for Asia Pacific Studies with his/her connections among both domestic and global academic communities, and research interests that correspond to the Center’s mission.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Additional Requirements:
• The Kiriyama Chair is responsible for finding and making arrangements for their own housing for the duration of their stay.
• International Chairs must meet funding and health insurance requirements for the duration of their period of affiliation.
• To acknowledge the Center for Asia Pacific Studies in any publications that result from research performed while affiliated with USF . The Center appreciates copies of publications or papers completed during the Chair’s affiliation with the Center.
• All Chairs are asked to submit a short (two page maximum) final report on the outcome of their affiliation.

For information on how to apply, please visit the following link: http://apptrkr.com/864015

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Job Opening: Program Administrator, Stanford Program in Kyoto

(reposting from GaijinPot)

Institution: Stanford Program in Japan
Location: Kyoto
Posted: 08/29/2016
Application Due: 15 Sept 2016
Type: Full Time (30 hrs/wk)

Description

Stanford in Japan Godo Kaisha is seeking qualified candidates for a 30 hour per week (75%) Program Administrator position at the Stanford Japan Center in Kyoto, Japan.

As the Imperial Capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is the birthplace and custodian of many of the ancient traditions that make Japanese culture so distinctive. Yet Kyoto is also a strikingly dynamic, forward-looking and innovative city – an apparent contradiction that students studying in the Kyoto program can explore through their academic courses and field trips, through interactions with their homestay families and local university students, and through meeting the people of this incredible city in everyday life.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate for the position of Program Administrator will have responsibility to:

• Prepare and administer (with Director and other staff) on-site student orientation each academic quarter and coordinate participation of outside parties.
• Coordinate logistics for program activities, meetings, events and field trips, including vendor contracts and payment of invoices.
• Coordinate all financial transactions to operate the overseas program at the Center, including but not limited to, lease payments, purchase of office supplies, field trips, library materials and student housing.
• Coordinate salary and payroll administration, with the assistance of external vendors.
• Greet visitors and route them to appropriate individuals, answer phones, and serve as a resource on unit procedures and general inquiries.
• Prepare and disseminate student stipends and travel cards.
• Perform office duties including, but not limited to, handling of incoming and outgoing mail, entering data, reports, or spreadsheets, making copies, and monitoring and ordering of office supplies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience
• Four-year college degree and two years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Near-native Japanese language proficiency, both oral and written
• Advanced understanding of English both oral and written
• Computer proficiency with skill in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Advanced knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and business etiquette
• Thorough understanding of the need for documentation in financial processing
• Demonstrated experience with bank accounts
• Proven ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines, working independently and collaboratively as appropriate with professional colleagues both within the center and abroad in a collegiate, team-oriented environment

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

• Salary will be commensurate with experience.
• At the time of hire must be legally authorized to work in Japan.
• Must comply with all visa, work authorization, and tax related laws and regulations as a condition of employment.
• Position is benefits eligible subject to applicable Japan/US laws, regulations and Stanford University policy.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 September 2016
TARGET STARTING DATE: October 2016

*** NOTE: PLEASE SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTS AND ONLINE RESPONSES IN ENGLISH.

*** Candidates who pass initial screening will be contacted by Stanford in Japan Godo Kaisha before Sept. 20th 2016.

*** Candidates who who have not been contacted by Stanford in Japan Godo Kaisha by Sept. 20th 2016 should consider their application unsuccessful.

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Job Opening: Assistant Professor of Modern to Contemporary Japanese Literature and Media Studies

job opening - 5Institution:          University of Southern California
Location:             California, United States
Position:             Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor of Modern to Contemporary Japanese Literature and Media Studies

The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California) invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in modern to contemporary Japanese literature and media studies. The successful candidate is expected minimally to have expertise in Japanese literature, in addition to work he or she may do in media studies. We see a candidate who will complement a geographically diverse faculty in the department and work well across departments. The successful candidate will teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and also contribute to our general education program.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant area of Japanese studies by the start of the appointment and must demonstrate research and teaching excellence. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter that includes a statement of research and teaching interests, a writing sample, and the names of three individuals from whom letters of recommendation may be solicited. Review of applications begins October 15, 2016.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit an electronic USC application; follow this job link or paste in a browser:http://jobs.usc.edu/postings/72166. Questions can be addressed to ealcsearch@dornsife.usc.edu.

USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed and background. The University particularly encourages women, members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting uschr@usc.edu .

Website: https://jobs.usc.edu/postings/72166

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Funding: AAS Northeast Asia Council Grants in Japan Studies

money [150-2]The AAS Northeast Asia Council (NEAC) offers Japan Studies grants as a result of generous funding from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission, but the grant deadline is fast approaching.

Grants are available in the following categories: United States or Japan research travel; Japan conference/seminar/workshop organization; invitation of Japan distinguished speakers (see the links below for details).

The grant deadline for receiving applications in the AAS Ann Arbor office is Saturday, October 1, 2016.  Applications will only be accepted by email attachment and in the format indicated.  Award notification will be made by the end of November 2016.  Projects must begin after December 1, 2016and be completed and all forms submitted by August 10, 2017 to be considered.   

Please note:

  • Individual applicants must beS. citizens or permanent residents and institutional applicants must be located within the USA.  In general, seminars/workshops/conferences must beheld in the United States, however, an exception may be made if the host institution is a U.S. non-profit organization and the event is relevant to the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship. Grant fund supported speakers or participants must be either U.S. citizens/permanent residents or Japanese nationals only.
  • For the United States and Japanresearch travelcategories only, applicants must becurrent AAS members at the time of application.  Reapplication restrictions apply for theseresearch travel 

Please see the AAS website for further details and application forms:

http://www.asian-studies.org/Grants-and-Awards/NEAC-Japan

http://www.asian-studies.org/Grants-and-Awards/DSB

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Job Opening: Study Abroad Program Coordinator, The Study Abroad Foundation

job opening - 5Institution: The Study Abroad Foundation
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posted: 08/02/2016
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Type: Full Time

Position Overview:

The Study Abroad Program Coordinator will facilitate the enrollment of undergraduate study abroad (visiting non-degree) students from Brunei, China, Taiwan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore who are attending SAF-affiliated host universities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australasia. This is a full-time, salaried position based in Indianapolis, IN, USA.

The successful candidate will be responsible for processing 100+ applications per semester and will take candidates from initial admission review and submission through course registration, housing procurement and issuance of final transcripts. Specific responsibilities include the evaluation and analysis of prospective students’ credentials, submission of qualified candidates’ applications to SAF host universities, communication with SAF Country Offices in Asia (particularly with staff in our China, Japan and Korean offices) as well as affiliated host universities. The successful candidate will contribute to the creation of relevant program materials, and the provision of personal, cultural, academic and emergency advice and assistance for the duration of participants’ study abroad experiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities to Include:

  • Communicate with the SAF Country Offices in Asia ensuring effective exchange of information and providing guidance regarding student placement, acceptance criteria, application deadlines, etc.
  • Ensure accurate input of data into the SAF student database and subsequent extraction of relevant data for weekly reports and enrollment projections; previous database experience required.
  • Create, organize and ensure integrity of applicant’s paper and electronic files
  • Screen, evaluate and submit applications to SAF host universities
  • Follow-up with host universities to facilitate quick turn-around on student acceptances
  • Ensure timely and organized delivery of information and materials to SAF Country Offices and SAF host universities
  • Secure participant housing, orientation participation, class registration, and arrival transportation
  • Create, revise and review pre-departure orientation materials and on-site communication sequence including emergency protocol.
  • Provide prompt on-site student support services via phone and email; provide after-hours student support services as needed

Qualifications:

  • BA/BS required
  • Fluency in an Asian language preferred
  • 3 to 5 years or previous work experience in international education or higher education administration preferred
  • Adept at prioritizing and multi-tasking
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise good judgment in addressing questions and problems
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
  • Energetic and creative with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong teamwork skills and an interest in working in and supporting a rapidly changing work environment
  • Willingness to travel extensively in the U.S. and abroad; must have a valid US driver’s license
  • Willingness to perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned
  • Willingness to resolve emergency situations that may require additional work hours

Work Environment:

Close-knit and collaborative office environment located about a 15-minute drive from the heart of downtown Indianapolis, ranked No. 3 on Livability.com’s list of Top Ten Best Downtowns 2014.

 

The Foundation:

The Study Abroad Foundation is a US non-profit education organization 501(c)(3) focused on student international mobility. SAF’s HQ is in Indianapolis, Indiana, from where local staff work closely with the Foundation’s Country Offices in China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. SAF facilitates study abroad opportunities in the US, Canada, Europe and Australasia for international students attending its member universities in Asia. For more information about the Foundation please visit our web site at http://www.studyabroadfoundation.org.

 

For full details and to apply, see posting on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Assistant Professor of Japanese (Literature and Culture), University of Rochester

job opening - 5Institution: University of Rochester, Modern Languages and Cultures
Location: New York, United States
Position: Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor of Japanese (Literature and Culture) 

The University of Rochester Department of Modern Languages and Cultures (http://www.sas.rochester.edu/mlc/) invites applications for a tenure track position as Assistant Professor in Japanese Studies (literature and culture). Teaching load is two courses per semester (4 courses/yr) for undergraduates and graduate students in humanities disciplines across the college. Priority given to candidates whose expertise encompasses a range of periods and genres, and who can contribute to the University’s strong interdisciplinary programs (e.g. Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender & Women’s Studies, Literary Translation Studies, Graduate Program in Visual and Cultural Studies, and Film and Media Studies). Ph.D. by time of appointment. Native or near native fluency in Japanese and English, excellence in teaching, and promise or evidence of scholarly accomplishments are essential (priority given to applicants with two or more peer-reviewed publications). The successful candidate will help administer the Japanese studies program, which offers an undergraduate major and minor in a department that cultivates a vigorous research culture.

Appointment is effective July 1, 2017 with teaching duties beginning September 2017.

The University of Rochester, an Equal Opportunity Employer, has a strong commitment to diversity and actively encourages applications from groups underrepresented in higher education.

Application materials (statement, teaching statement, current CV, writing sample, 3 letters of recommendation) addressed to Professor John Givens, MLC Chair, should be submitted online by November 1, 2016 at https://www.rochester.edu/faculty-recruiting/. Address questions to tyler.brogan@rochester.edu.

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