David Moreton

David C. Moreton

BA (1995), MA (2001) – both UBC (Asian Studies)

www.davidmoreton.com

What drew you to the MA program in Asian Studies?

After my first year of university in Ontario, I transferred to the Asian Studies Department at UBC because I had heard that it was an excellent place for studying Japanese language, history and society etc. During the next three years as an undergraduate student I was continually impressed with the facilities, courses and teaching staff and thus, when it came time to choose a school and program for my Master`s, my first wish was to return to UBC.

What is the most valuable thing you took out of it?

To be honest, it is my Master`s degree, which is essential to obtain a teaching position at a university.

I know that I could have completed an MA through a distance learning program from a school somewhere, but I am glad that I decided to come back to UBC and do it on campus. If not, I would have missed out on the wonderful opportunity to associate and, at times, work with lecturers and professors; to gain useful experience as a TA and RA; and to build strong friendships with other graduate students.

One course that I took from the Education Department that has been of immense practical value to me in my career as a teacher was “College and University Teaching.”

What are the weaknesses, drawbacks or things you consider could be changed in the MA program in Asian Studies?

Over a decade has passed since I graduated, so it is hard to say what should or could be changed, but I am envious of students today who can participate in such events as Career Night, Lunch with Prof, and Graduate Student Conferences etc. I really missed having more discussions with other graduate students and faculty when I was an MA student.

Can you explain your career path from graduation to today?

I was very fortunate that before officially graduating from the MA program in 2001 I had secured a teaching job at Tokushima Bunri University (Tokushima, Japan), where I still work mainly as an English teacher. I also teach English to Grade 5 and 6 students once a week, work as a staff member in the International Education Office, and explore various topics related to Japanese culture and history.

Are you doing Asian Studies related work?

While not directly related to most of the courses I teach, my research is entirely based on Japanese history, society and culture. In regards to the history of Westerners and a  1,200km Buddhist pilgrimage route on the island of Shikoku, I often give presentations and write papers on this topic, as well as produce guidebooks, translate temple miracle tales, and act as an interpretive guide for first-time visitors to this pilgrimage.

I am also involved in projects and research related to Allied soldiers who were captured by the Japanese in Asia during WWII. For example, I act as a guide and interpreter for groups of former American and Australian PoWs when they visit Japan on “Friendship Tours” organized by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I am very interested in hearing their stories because my British grandfather (who kept a diary in secret during the war) became a PoW in Singapore and worked with some of these men on the construction of the so-called “Railway of Death” between Thailand and Burma.

What advice would you have for students entering/leaving the program this year?

To students entering the MA program, I would suggest making a “Completion Timeline” and put it up somewhere for you to see every day. You can make adjustments as you go along, but don`t go into the program without having some sort of goal of when you plan to finish. As well, give some thought as to what you plan to do after graduation. You do not want get to the end and then ask yourself, “Now, what do I do?”

One book that helped with my planning and writing was, “The Clockwork Muse – a practical guide to writing thesis, dissertations, and books.” (Eviatar Zerubavel, Harvard Univ Press, 1999).

Don`t forget to get involved in social activities with other students and faculty, and definitely talk with alumni about post-graduate school life and the job market.

To students leaving the MA program, I congratulate you on your successful completion and wish you the best in the future. I ask that you keep in touch with the Asian Studies Dept. and be willing to answer any possible questions from students currently in the program.