Publication title:Passing, Posing, Persuasion: Cultural Production and Coloniality in Japan’s East Asian Empire
Publication year: 2023
Author: Edited by Christina Yi, Andre Haag, and Catherine Ryu
About the book
Passing, Posing, Persuasion interrogates the intersections between cultural production, identity, and persuasive messaging that idealized inclusion and unity across Japan’s East Asian empire (1895–1945). Japanese propagandists drew on a pan-Asian rhetoric that sought to persuade colonial subjects to identify with the empire while simultaneously maintaining the distinctions that subjugated them and marking their attempts to self-identify as Japanese as inauthentic, illegitimate forms of “passing” or “posing.” Visions of inclusion encouraged assimilation but also threatened to disrupt the very logic of imperialism itself: If there was no immutable difference between Taiwanese and Japanese subjects, for example, then what justified the subordination of the former to the latter? The chapters emphasize the plurality and heterogeneity of empire, together with the contradictions and tensions of its ideologies of race, nation, and ethnicity.
Every early September, a remarkable day of discovery awaits as Imagine UBCunveils a world of connections and experiences, where new students unite, professors inspire, and countless pathways to involvement beckon at every turn.
This year, the Chinese Language Program(CLP) joined forces with other renowned language programs within the Faculty of Arts at the Asian Studies booth. Together, they aimed to foster a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, all in celebration of the incredible potential for enhancing the student experience.
Work Learn students and Lecturer Li-Jung Lee (right) welcoming passersby
At the Imagine UBC booth, our dedicated team, including volunteers, Work Learn students, and CLP instructors, kicked off the day by donning traditional Chinese attire, including Qipao and Hanfu. This visually captivating display of culture served as a compelling introduction, inspiring interest in the Chinese language and its rich traditions. Highlighting these elegant outfits not only showcased the beauty of Chinese culture but also piqued students’ curiosity, encouraging them to explore and engage with our language program.
Work Learn students enthusiastically presenting Chinese language courses to the audience
Work Learn students eagerly responding to questions about Chinese language courses
As a wave of inquisitive students flooded into the Buchanan courtyard to discover the Imagine Day booths, the CLP team orchestrated a series of interactive and informative activities. These activities aimed to showcase the enjoyable and engaging facets of learning Chinese. Our dedicated volunteers and instructors were readily available to walk students through the diverse range of curriculum options at their fingertips. Whether they were beginners looking for introductory courses or advanced learners seeking to delve into topics like history, literature, and contemporary issues, students could envision the comprehensive and personalized learning journey that UBC provides to cater to their interests and proficiency levels.
Professor Xiaowen Xu (left) and Lecturer Li-Jung Lee (right) greeting new students
Beyond the course exploration, the event infused an element of enjoyment and engagement. Interactive games and trivia were seamlessly woven into the program, infusing the day with laughter and excitement. Numerous students reconnected with former classmates and engaged in lively conversations with their Chinese instructors, capturing the moments with commemorative photos. These activities not only heightened the event’s overall enjoyment but also underscored the notion that language learning can indeed be a gratifying and fulfilling journey.
Spreading good fortune: Lecturer Xueshun Liu in a red Fortune God outfit strikes a pose with students
Work Learn students in traditional attire engaging with visitors
To help new students envision their future academic and cultural journeys at UBC, we invited former Chinese language learners to share their own experiences.
Samantha Ong, a fourth-year Asian Studies student currently enrolled in CHIN 345, shares her language learning journey. While primarily taking non-heritage courses in the past, Samantha embraces the challenge of stepping outside her comfort zone to achieve new language milestones. She’s excited to push herself and enhance her Chinese language skills in an engaging learning environment.
Throughout the past year, Samantha actively participated in various CLP events and activities as part of her language-learning adventure. These experiences provided unique opportunities for interactions with Chinese speakers, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the rich culture and traditions associated with the language.
Samantha Ong, a 4th-year student majoring in Asian Language and Culture
“I have always felt that the CLP community is a very supportive and close-knit group, so I feel enthusiastic about learning Chinese and comfortable approaching others for help inside and outside the classroom” – Samantha Ong, a student in CHIN 345
Adam Abraham, a History major, reflects on his journey of learning Chinese. His initial motivation stemmed from his study of East Asian history, where he realized that proficiency in the language was essential for immersing himself in the historical and cultural narratives of the region. Adam’s experience demonstrates the transformative power of language education. It equipped him with the linguistic skills necessary to delve deeper into East Asian history and enabled him to actively engage in the diverse and inclusive UBC community.
Adam Abraham, a 4th-year student majoring in History
“Having previously taken Mandarin at UBC for two years, I enjoyed being in a rich environment with an abundance of resources available for students. My language learning experience has given me a larger perspective both linguistically and on the community here at university.” – Adam Abraham, a previous student in CHIN 233
For faculty members like Dr. Yuqing Liu, Lecturer in Chinese Language and Literature, this day offers an early chance to connect with enthusiastic students and reignite their passion for bringing fresh energy into the classrooms. Dr. Liu remarks, “Encountering numerous new faces and witnessing students’ interest in Chinese literature has been truly inspiring throughout the day of Imagine UBC. I eagerly anticipate introducing students to classical Chinese poetry and modern Chinese literature in upcoming terms, with the hope that they will find joy in immersing themselves in fascinating literary works.”
Dr. Yuqing Liu, Lecturer in Chinese Language and Literature
“The Chinese Language Program is like a big family with many excellent WorkLearns, volunteers, and professors who all support each other within this inclusive and welcoming community.” – Dr. Yuqing Liu, Lecturer in Chinese Language and Literature
Imagine UBC set the stage for an electrifying and unforgettable launch of the new academic year at UBC, and the thrill continues unabated. We wholeheartedly invite you to stay attuned to CLP’s forthcoming events, workshops, and resources, all meticulously crafted to keep you actively involved and ensure you extract the utmost from your university journey. There’s a wealth of enriching experiences yet to unfold!
Follow us on IG @ubcchinese for more exciting updates.
Written by Angelia Tu
Photos by Manyi Chen
Recap Video by Molly Liao
Publication title: Khiyaalon Ka Savera (The Morning of Thoughts)
Publication year: 2023
Author: Gurinder Mann
About the book
Khiyaalon Ka Savera (The Morning of Thoughts) is a book of Hindi and Urdu poetry, written in the Devanagari (Hindi) script, by Gurinder Mann. His poems refer to diverse subjects, and he uses a variety of literary tools to exemplify emotions on various topics.
The Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, invites applications for a tenure-track position in the field of Japanese Applied Linguistics at the rank of Assistant Professor of Teaching, with responsibility for teaching undergraduate courses at all levels, developing curriculum in Japanese language and culture, and coordinating portions of the Japanese language program. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching in and coordinating a Japanese language program at the post-secondary level in North America.
Requirements include: advanced proficiency in Japanese and English; a Ph.D. in Japanese Language and Linguistics, Japanese Applied Linguistics, Japanese language pedagogy, or a closely-related field; exceptional organizational and leadership skills; evidence of experience and excellent teaching ability in Japanese at the post-secondary level in North America; experience preparing teaching materials independently or collaboratively; a strong track record of full participation in team work and program affairs; and evidence of keeping abreast with recent developments in the field. Individuals with experience in community outreach, program coordination and design, and teaching innovative Content-Based Instruction (CBI) curriculum for advanced learners of Japanese are particularly encouraged to apply. We seek an exceptional teacher with a track record of (or demonstrated potential for) employing innovative pedagogies in their own classrooms, such as community-based learning, flexible and/or online learning, and the potential to coordinate such classes. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an excellent record of teaching, service, and educational leadership.
The normal teaching load of an Assistant Professor of Teaching is six 3-credit courses over the academic year. Courses will range from first- to fourth-year undergraduate courses, including CBI courses taught in Japanese. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the Japanese Language Program Director and may also be assigned program coordination duties. Where a significant level of additional service is assigned, teaching reduction may be granted.
The application dossier should include: application letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement about your experience working with a diverse student body and your contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion, evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student course evaluations, peer review of teaching, and any other evidence of teaching effectiveness), and two sample course syllabi (preferably one at the beginner level and one at the advanced level).
Applicants should also prepare sample teaching videos (from two different levels, such as beginner and advanced level), uploaded to YouTube (or equivalent platform) as unlisted videos with links sent as part of their application submission; please also include lesson plans for each of the lessons shown in the sample teaching videos as part of your application.
In addition, applicants should arrange to have three confidential letters of recommendation (preferably by language teaching professionals) sent directly from the referees to the Department by email to: asia.jobsearch@ubc.ca by the same deadline.
The anticipated start date of employment is July 1, 2024. The starting salary for the position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.
As this is a tenure-track position in the Educational Leadership stream, the successful candidate hired at the rank of Assistant Professor of Teaching will be reviewed for reappointment, tenure, and promotion in subsequent years, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. For a description of the Educational Leadership stream ranks and criteria for reappointment and promotion, visit: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/appointment-faculty/.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
The Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, invites applications for a tenure-track position in the field of Korean applied linguistics to serve as Director of the Korean Language Program, with the possibility of appointment at the Assistant Professor of Teaching or Associate Professor of Teaching rank., commencing July 1, 2024.
The successful candidate will have responsibility for teaching courses in Korean language, developing curriculum in Korean language and culture, and directing a large and growing Korean language program. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching in and coordinating a Korean language program at the post-secondary level in North America.
Requirements include: advanced proficiency in Korean; a Ph.D. in either Korean Language and Linguistics, Korean Applied Linguistics, Korean language pedagogy, or a closely related field; exceptional organizational and leadership skills; evidence of substantial experience and excellent teaching ability in Korean for both heritage and non-heritage learners at the post-secondary level in North America; experience preparing teaching materials independently or collaboratively; and a strong track record of full participation in team work and program affairs. Individuals with experience in community outreach, program coordination and design, and teaching innovative Content-Based Instruction (CBI) curriculum for advanced learners of Korean are particularly encouraged to apply.
We seek an exceptional teacher with a track record of employing innovative pedagogies, such as community-based learning, flexible and/or online learning. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an excellent record of teaching, service, and educational leadership.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field or expect to have successfully defended the dissertation before July 1, 2024. The normal teaching load of an Assistant or Associate Professor of Teaching is six 3-credit courses over the academic year. Courses will range from first- to fourth-year undergraduate courses and the bulk of the annual teaching load will be courses in Korean Language for both heritage and non-heritage learners. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with other tenure-stream Asian Studies faculty in Korean Studies. Further information about the Department can be found on its website, asia.ubc.ca.
This is a tenure-track position in the Educational Leadership stream. A successful candidate hired at the Assistant Professor rank will be reviewed for reappointment, tenure, and promotion in subsequent years, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. For a description of the Educational Leadership stream ranks and criteria for reappointment and promotion, visit: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/appointment-faculty/.
The application dossier should include:
Application letter;
Curriculum vitae;
Statement of teaching philosophy;
Complete transcripts of one’s post-secondary education;
A one-page statement about your experience working with a diverse student body and your contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion;
Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., sample course syllabi, course evaluations, and any other evidence of teaching effectiveness)
Links to two sample teaching videos (from different levels, or else from heritage and non-heritage classes), uploaded to YouTube (or equivalent platform) as unlisted videos
Lesson plans for each of the lessons shown in the sample teaching videos
Other hiring information:
The starting salary for the position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.
The deadline for receipt of complete applications is November 27, 2023. The anticipated start date of employment is July 1, 2024.
Applicants with questions about the position or who have technical difficulties are welcome to contact asia.jobsearch@ubc.ca.
All application materials should be submitted electronically through the Department’s careers website, https://asia.ubc.ca/department/careers/ by November 27, 2023. Inquiries may be sent to asia.jobsearch@ubc.ca.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
Publication title:Jazbaatan Da Kinara (Coastline of Emotions)
Publication year: 2023
Author: Gurinder Mann
About the book
Jazbaatan Da Kinara (Coastline of Emotions) is Gurinder Mann’s debut book, where he will take you on a journey of heart felt emotions through Punjabi poetry. These poems touch upon various topics, issues, and sentiments, and uses the tools of imagery, metaphor, and personification to illustrate emotions on the broad range of subjects presented.
Publication title:The Penguin Book of Korean Short Stories
Publication year: 2023
Author: Introduced by Kwon Youngmin, edited by Bruce Fulton
About the book
Journeying through Korea’s dramatic recent past, from the Japanese occupation and colonial era to the devastating war between north and south and the rapid, disorienting urbanization of later decades, The Penguin Book of Korean Short Stories captures a hundred years of vivid storytelling.
Here are peddlers and donkeys travelling across moonlit fields; artists drinking and debating in the tea-houses of 1920s Seoul; soldiers fighting for survival; exiles from the war who can never go home again; and lonely men and women searching for connection in the dizzying modern city. The collection features stories by some of Korea’s greatest writers, including Pak Wanso, O Chonghui and Cho Chongnae, as well as many brilliant contemporary voices, such as P’yon Hyeyong, Han Yujoo and Kim Aeran. Curated by Bruce Fulton, this is a volume that will surprise, unsettle and delight.
Author: Translated by Bruce Fulton and Ju-Chan Fulton; Series edited by Bruce Fulton
About the book
Atmospheric and fast-paced, this novel of manners set in a provincial South Korean city leads readers through the silent corridors of a school for hearing-impaired children and the city’s foggy back streets and murky centers of power to a stirring courtroom climax. Gong Ji-young’s Togani (The Crucible), published in Korean in 2009, is based on a historic case of child sexual abuse at a state-run institution. The novel went on to sell nearly a million copies and, along with a 2011 film adaptation directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, prompted the South Korean National Assembly to pass the “Togani Laws” to provide greater legal protections for children and vulnerable adults under state care and harsher penalties for those convicted of their abuse. At a time when Korean popular culture drives cultural production worldwide, Togani reminds us of the power of fiction to effect meaningful societal change.
A story of courage in the face of corruption, Togani offers nuanced portraits of a failed young businessman seeking a new life as a teacher and his counterpart, a young woman committed to a career in human rights; a police officer of humble origins who rose through the ranks as he turns a blind eye to the abuse of students by the school’s administrators; and a hearing-impaired teenage girl, a victim of that abuse, who cares deeply for the other children at the school. The book testifies to the legacy of neo-Confucian class conflict, gender disparity, and the vulnerability of those near the bottom of the social ladder. It is a heart-wrenching and provocative work that helped bring about change to a system it dared to challenge.
Asian Horror Cinema: National Nightmares and Specters of Trauma
ASIA 320
History of Early China
ASIA 323
History of Cantonese Worlds
ASIA 325
Hong Kong Cinema
ASIA 326
Critical Approaches to Manga and Anime
ASIA 327
Korean Popular Music in Context
ASIA 328
Modern Islam
ASIA 330
Muslims in Modern South Asia
ASIA 341
Classical Chinese Literature in Translation
ASIA 345
Chinese Film Classics
ASIA 351
Modern Chinese Fiction in Translation
ASIA 354
Introduction to Japanese Cinema
ASIA 355
History of Chinese Cinema
ASIA 367
Contemporary Korean Culture
ASIA 371
Foundations of Chinese Thought
ASIA 375
Global Chinese Cinemas
ASIA 386
Chinese Grammar and Usage I
ASIA 428
Mughal India
ASIA 444
Topics in Modern Japanese Fiction and Cultural History
ASIA 456
History and Culture of Taiwan
(Please note the course list is not comprehensive and is an estimate at the time of this posting. Language courses will also be available. The application form does not restrict applications to the contents of this list.)
Required qualifications:
High level of fluency in the language/subject to be taught
Ability to prepare teaching materials
Training or previous experience in language teaching in the relevant language desirable
Period of Employment:
Term 1: May 6 – June 30, 2024
Term 2: July 1 – August 25, 2024
NOTE: All teaching assistantships for the 2024 Summer session will be 192 hours per course unless otherwise noted.
General nature of the duties:
Preparation of and instruction in the language laboratory, discussion periods, tutorial sessions, review sessions and lectures; teaching ; keeping class records; setting, marking and providing feedback on examinations, tests and assignments; holding office hours; invigilating exams and assisting instructors to conduct oral exams; management and maintenance of a website and Canvas; duplicating materials; ordering and obtaining AV equipment; demonstrating procedures or setting up demonstrations.
Current salary:
Graduate Teaching Assistant I (Doctoral) or equivalent
$38.99/hour
Graduate Teaching Assistant II (Masters) or equivalent
Please note that generally it is impossible to make firm decisions about appointments until the enrollments are known at the end of the registration period.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
Publication title: In Search of Liberty: Lin Yusheng’s Life and Thought
Publication year: 2023
Author: Dr. Josephine Chiu-Duke
About the book
Professor Lin Yu-sheng (1934-2022) was one of the leading scholars in modern Chinese intellectual history. His 1979 English book, The Crisis of Chinese Consciousness is a systematic study of radical anti-traditionalism in the May Fourth Era (1915-1927). It was translated into Chinese, Japanese and Korean in the 1980s and had a great impact throughout East Asia, especially on academic and cultural circles in Taiwan and China.
Professor Lin’s research primarily focused on modern and contemporary Chinese intellectual history and all his life he illuminated the concepts of liberty, rationality, democracy, and the rule of law for Chinese readers. In Search of Liberty is a comprehensive intellectual biography. The first half covers his early life and intellectual quest to understand the essence of classical liberalism under the guidance of Friedrich Hayek and Hannah Arendt who had a deep influence on him. The second half is an in depth investigation of his thought, a critical discussion of his works, and an exploration of his major themes and arguments. This study points out their logical connection, substantial significance, and great relevance to the modern world.
Every early September, a remarkable day of discovery awaits as 
