|
|
Video: Xueshun Liu, Lecturer of the Year
In our second episode of our UBC Asian Studies Stories series, Dr. Xueshun Liu, one of the two recipients of our 2017/18 Lecturer of the Year award, shares his hopes for what students can gain through the study of Chinese and advice for those hoping to learn the language.
Read more |
|
2018/19 John Howes Lecture in Japanese Studies
The Social and Political Lives of Japanese Cherry Blossoms With Dr. Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney
November 22 | 6:30pm
Following from her recent book, Kamikaze, Cherry Blossoms, and Nationalisms: The Militarization of Aesthetics in Japanese History, Dr. Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney’s talk will present the many, often contradictory, meanings assigned to cherry blossoms. Read more |
|
Book your Grad Photos Today
Are you graduating this spring? Remember to book your graduation photos through Artona Studios if you want to be included in the class composite. Photo sessions run from January 11, 2019 - February 8, 2019.
Read more |
|
|
|
Featured 2018W Term 2 Courses! |
|
ASIA 356: Korean Cinema
Introduction to the work of the major Korean film makers.
Read more |
|
|
ASIA 382: Buddhism in China
History, thought, and practices of Chinese Buddhism from its beginnings until the twentieth century.
Read more |
|
|
DEPARTMENT EVENTS |
|
Free Coffee and Chocolate Month
November 1 - 30
We know that Term 1 can be a long one. Take a break and re-energize with some free coffee and chocolate on us! Visit us in the main Asian Studies office (607) anytime from 9am to 4pm with your own mug. Event details |
|
|
Traditional Persian Music Workshop
With Mohsen Namjoo
November 8 | 2:00pm
Hosted by the UBC Persian Club, Iranian musician Mohsen Namjoo will be holding a workshop titled “Ritm-ha-ye do-zarbi.”
Event details |
|
|
Mohsen Namjoo Lecture
With Mohsen Namjoo
November 8 | 6:00pm
Follwing the music workshop, Mohsen Namjoo will be presenting a speech, titled “Dar rad va tamanna-ye nostalji”.
Event details |
|
|
Christian Books in Pre-modern Japan: Printing, Prohibition, & Circulation
With Dr. M. Antoni Ucerler
November 8 | 4:00pm
This talk will focus on the history of illegal Christian texts circulating among Edo scholars.
Event details |
|
|
Do You Own Your Islamic Law?
With Dr. Rumee Ahmed
November 10 | 5:00pm
Author of the newly released book Sharia Compliant: A User’s Guide to Hacking Islamic Law, Ahmed will be opening up about his ideas and arguments outlined in his book, as well as engaging in a broader conversation with the audience afterwards.
Event details |
|
|
Film Screening of White Sun (Seto Surya) Followed by Q&A with Director
With Deepak Rauniyar
November 13 | 7:30pm
Film Synopsis: When his father dies, anti-regime partisan Chandra travels to his remote mountain village after nearly a decade away. Little Pooja is anxiously awaiting the man she thinks is her father, but she’s confused when Chandra arrives with Badri, a young street orphan rumoured to be his son.
Event details |
|
|
The Irony of Open Borders: Mobility, Citizenship, and Ethnicity in Himalayan South Asia
With Dr. Sara Shneiderman
November 15 | 12:15pm
Drawing upon 20 years of ongoing ethnographic research across the borders of Nepal and India, this photographically illustrated talk shows how the political-historical reality of the postcolonial open border between the two countries has yielded unexpected results for many people who live along it.
Event details |
|
|
Loyalism, Realism, and Self-Legitimization: Diplomacy and State Ideology in Mid-Chosŏn Korea
With Dr. Ilsoo David Cho
November 15 | 4:00pm
This presentation aims to rethink Ming loyalism's political influence during the Ming dynasty, as well as reinterpreting the phenomenon of post-1644 Ming loyalism in Korea as an ideological strategy in self-legitimization.
Event details |
|
|
Rethinking the Structure and Typology of Liturgical Texts from Dunhuang
With Dr. Chunwen Hao
November 15 | 4:00pm
This talk gives an overview of recent thinking on the typology and structure of the liturgical texts found among the Dunhuang manuscripts.
Event details |
|
|
Indian Classical Music Society of Vancouver Studio Sessions
With Kishan Patel
November 16 | 5pm
The ICMSV will be presenting a live recording session of Indian classical vocals with visting musician Kishan Patel.
Event details |
|
|
Conciliation and Disruption in Memorial Spaces in the Philippines
With Dr. Karl Ian Cheng Chua
November 21 | 4pm
In context of the Manila Comfort Women statue controversy, this talk will discuss World War II memorials in the Philippines and the world and how spaces of memory can be a space for disruption or conciliation.
Event details |
|
|
EVENT RECAPS |
|
Video: 2018/19 Yip So Man Wat Memorial Lecture with Professor Helen F. Siu
If you missed this year's lecture, Professor Helen F. Siu's lecture is now available in full on the Asian Studies website. Professor Siu’s lecture explored South China as a hub of cultural fusion and the history of the region’s spectacular mobility of goods, peoples, and ideas. We’d like to thank all attendees, organizers, and our speaker, for the wonderful event. View video |
|
Kobori Sōjitsu, Grand Master of the Enshū Sadō school, visits UBC
Asian Studies and the UBC community were treated to three days of tea events from November 25 to 27 thanks to a collaboration with Gakushūin Women’s College (GWC). Professor Christina Laffin worked with GWC to arrange a visit by the Grand Master (iemoto) of the Enshū Sadō school of tea and eight practitioners of the Enshū Sadō school, along with two professors and two students from Gakushūin Women’s University. Grand Master Kobori Sōjitsu offered a lecture to over 100 people on the history and culture of tea in Japan and the aesthetics of the Enshū Sadō tea school, demonstrated the tea ceremony, showed the utensils, and then invited everyone to enjoy a cup of matcha. Together with the demonstration, we held two graduate student events: one lecture on medieval narratives related to tea, and three formal tea ceremony gatherings in Nitobe Memorial Garden. Thanks to Gakushūin Women’s University, the Centre for Japanese Research, Frogbear.org, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and particularly to Maiko Behr of Sabi Tea Arts for her interpretation and organization of the events! |
OPPORTUNITIES |
|
UBC Department of Philosophy seeking new Assistant Professor in Asian Philosophy (East Asian and/or South Asian philosophical traditions)
UBC's Department of Philosophy invites applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure-track position). Starting July 1st, 2019, the successful applicant will be expected to maintain an active research program in Asian philosophy (East Asian and/or South Asian philosophical traditions), to develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Asian philosophy, and to supervise Ph.D. dissertations in Asian philosophy. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2018.
UBC-Punjabi University Patiala Joint Undergraduate Research Forum
This is a one week, fully funded, student forum for undergraduate students to collaborate with students from UBC and PUP and co-create original research. With mixed-teams involving students from both universities, the forum consists of expert lectures & discussions, group work based on different topics, field trips around Patiala and Amritsa, presentations in Amritsar and an individual report. The deadline to apply is November 15th 2018.
2019 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Recruitment Underway!
The JET Programme offers a minimum, one-year opportunity to experience Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) through an official Government of Japan program. ALTs work alongside Japanese teachers of English in the public school system, while CIRs are employed in local government offices. Participants will gain valuable overseas work experience, learn about Japanese culture, and meet participants from around the world, while contributing to language education and international understanding. The deadline to apply is November 16, 2018.
Experiential Education Programs: Backpacking With A Purpose - Seeking Applicants for 2019
Operation Groundswell is a non-profit organization that facilitates deeply immersive, educational, and volunteer experiences around the world. Dig into social justice issues while working in solidarity with local activists, non-profits, and communities in countries like India and Thailand. Early bird applications are now open until November 23, 2018.
2019 CATS Conference: Judith Woodsworth Lecture and Open Sessions
The Canadian Association for Translation Studies organizes an annual conference as part of the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. This year, the conference will be held at the University of British Columbia from June 2 to 4, 2019. One student will be chosen by the CATS jury to give a 40-minute paper at a plenary session and will receive a $500 grant towards the cost of attending the conference. The deadline for submitting proposals is November 30, 2018.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2019/20
The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) invites candidates to apply for full-time PhD study under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). HKPFS is established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) with an aim to attract the best and brightest students from all over the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2018.
Go Global Seminar: Kaiping - The Heritage of Chinese Migration (ACAM 390)
This unique field study in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Kaiping will allow you to explore multi-disciplinary perspectives on the histories, cultures, and geographies of Cantonese migration. An info session will be held in the Multipurpose Room at the UBC Life Building on October 23 from 1pm - 2pm. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2018.
Go Global Seminar: Taiwan - Learning Chinese in a Living Classroom in Taiwan (CHIN 234)
CHIN 234 is a six-week intensive Chinese language course designed to help develop and apply Chinese language skills while being immersed in the unique environment of Taiwan and interacting with local people. Info sessions will be held in the Multipurpose Room at the UBC Life Building on October 31 from 1pm - 2pm and November 9 from 12pm - 1pm. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2018.
International Summer Program: Tokyo - Sophia University Summer Sessions
Sophia University is offering two 4-week summer sessions with a focus on Asian Studies and Japanese Language. This is a great opportunity to take academic courses in Asian studies and an intensive Japanese language program while experiencing Japan in the heart of Tokyo. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2018.
NATSA Undergraduate Paper Competition
The North American Taiwan Studies Association (NATSA) invites submission for its first Undergraduate Research Paper competition. The winner will receive a $250 cash award and be invited to present at NATSA’s annual conference in Seattle on May 16-18, 2019. The paper should be based upon substantial and original research about Taiwan. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2019.
Hamako Ito Chaplin Memorial Award for Excellence in Japanese Language
Teaching The Hamako Ito Chaplin Memorial Award will again be conferred in 2019, administered through the Association for Asian Studies. In accordance with the wishes of the Chaplin family, each year a prize of $1000 will be awarded to either a current graduate student or a full-time instructor of Japanese for excellence in Japanese language teaching at the college level. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2018.
Student-directed Seminar: World Religions and Global Politics (SOCI 433D 101)
This seminar course explores the impact of world religions on global politics through a sociological lens. As this is a closed registration course, please email moneeza@mail.ubc.ca to express your interest.
Student-directed Seminar: Shaping Men: An Ethnographic Approach to Masculinities (ASTU 400)
What does it mean to be a man today? This student directed seminar will propose a crosscultural exploration of the meanings associated to masculinity, through a particular focus on Europe and North America. The class will be mostly discussion based and will draw on a diverse set of materials (readings, films, memes, cyber-ethnography, etc.). Feel free to contact adele.courcier@sciencespo.fr or nicolas.ehw@gmail.com for more details |
ON & OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS |
|
CCR Digital Humanities, Pedagogy, and East Asian Studies Forum
November 7 | 4pm | C.K. Choi Building, 1855 West Mall
J.S. Gale (1863-1937) and Korean Buddhism
November 7 | 4pm | Asian Centre Room 604, 1871 West Mall
Speculative Cartography in Japan: Drawings of cities through an objective and subjective lens
November 8 | 4pm | MOA Room 213, 6393 NW Marine Drive
Punjab’s Drug Epidemic: Women and Children in Its Shadow
November 15 | 5pm | Room 120, C.K. Choi Building, 1855 West Mall
UBC MPPGA In Person Info Session at Robson Square
November 20 | 5:30pm | C.420 Classroom, UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street
Patterns of Consumption: Indian Dress and Colonial Society, 1770-1850
November 22 | 4pm | MOA Room 213, 6393 NW Marine Drive
Film Screening: "In Pursuit of Silence"
November 28 | 4:30pm | 6201 Cecil Green Park Road, Coach House
UBC Postdoc Research Day 2018 December 3 | 9am | Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, 2405 Wesbrook Mall |
Meet Our Students: Cyrus Qiu, Ph.D. Candidate
|
Cyrus’ research aims to explore various social issues facing the current Japanese younger generation and how those issues are being dealt with in the realm of Japanese popular culture.
|
|
Tell us a little about yourself, your background and what inspired your early interest in Japanese culture and modern literature?
I am originally from Shenzhen, China. After receiving a BA in Japanese from Shenzhen University, I came to UBC to pursue my graduate studies. I have finished my MA here a couple of years ago and am currently in the third year of my PhD program at the Department of Asian Studies, working on Japanese popular culture and modern literature. I have always been a huge fan of Japanese popular culture—music, manga, anime, TV programs, cinema, literature, etc., even before I learned Japanese. After learning the language, I became even more enchanted with its culture, and intellectually curious about the social, cultural, and political meaning/function of its cultural products that continue to fascinate an enormous amount of cultural consumers beyond geopolitical boundaries.
Could you explain to a non-expert what you are researching and why it is significant?
My research aims to explore various social issues facing the current Japanese younger generation and how those issues (anxiety, desire, trauma, and fantasy etc.,) are being dealt with in the realm of Japanese popular culture. Far from merely an entertainment, popular culture offers us important insights to explore the transforming society underneath its surface, the dreams/nightmares shared by its producers and consumers, as well as the struggle/negotiation between the interests of different groups of people in our contemporary society. Exploring the culture we consume not only helps us understand the global society we live in today, but also brings us a better understanding of ourselves in return.
Why did you choose the Asian Studies program at UBC?
I first learned about the Asian Studies program when I was participating in an exchange program at Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto, Japan) during my undergraduate study from a friend who came from UBC. After looking through the program and the faculty information, I was determined to pursue my graduate studies on Japanese modern literature and popular culture under the supervision of Dr. Sharalyn Orbaugh, an influential figure and wonderful scholar in the field. I was blessed to be accepted into the program, and have the pleasure to work with many brilliant and supportive experts in our department (Dr. Orbaugh, Dr. Mostow, Dr. Laffin, and Dr. Yi, to name a few). Other professors have also been very generous and supportive whenever I consult them about my research plan. With all the kindest support from my supervisor, faculty members and the department staff at Asian Studies, I am extremely grateful to be a part of this department, and studying at UBC was the best choice I have ever made in my life.
What are your career and academic goals? And how is our program helping you achieve them?
An academic position that allows me to carry on my research while teaching students on the topics revolving around literature and culture. I also hope to be involved in various activities and events that connect academia with local communities. What is especially great about the program here at UBC is that not only it allows us to keep challenging ourselves in the world of knowledge, it also provides us with many opportunities (such as teaching/research assistantships and various fellowship programs) to learn about how to become a future scholar in the field of our interests. Furthermore, UBC is affiliated with a wide range of academic institutes or research centers all over the world, which provide additional learning/training/research opportunities for us. Last year, I participated in a one-year fellowship program at IUC (Inter-University Centre for Japanese Language Studies) in Yokohama, Japan. It is a prestigious program in the field of Japanese studies that not only helps us improve language skills required for conducting/presenting researches in Japanese, but also give us an invaluable chance to network with other fellow researchers in the similar field. Albeit an intensive program with demanding goals that constantly push us to further improve our language skills, all the instructors in the center are extremely kind and helpful. If you are also in Japanese studies and eligible to apply, I highly recommend you to participate in this program.
Read full interview here |
|