Lunch with a Prof!
‘Lunch with a Prof’ sessions are organized by the UBC ASIA Club and hosted by the Department of Asian Studies in order to provide a casual and relaxing atmosphere where students can meet and talk to Asian Studies professors over delicious food.
During these lunches, students will have an opportunity to get to know their Asian Studies professors and ask them any questions relating to the professors’ field of study in Asian culture, history, politics, literature, etc. They are excellent networking opportunity, not just with your professor, but among students as well.
For further questions or for RSVPs to upcoming events, please email ac.ubcasia@gmail.com AND confirm your attendance on the Facebook event pages that are posted through UBC ASIA Club’s Facebook page.
Location: Asian Centre Room 604 (if there are any changes, you will be notified)
Previous Lunches
[Dr Bruce Fulton]
Korean literature and translations
In our first session of Lunch with Prof! Dr Bruce Fulton showcased his knowledge on both classical and contemporary novels. Dobokki and kimbap were provided in order to tailor to the theme of Korea and attendees had leftovers they could take home! We reached our goal by providing a session where students and the professor can get to know other better and acted as an important first step which allowed UBC ASIA to address to and solve for the luncheons to follow.
The scarcity of women writers in Korean history was discussed and compared to the new emerging flow of female writers in modern Korea. It was noted that such bloom is appearing due to the increase in publisher companies and for many reader’s benefits.
On the other hand, Dr Fulton also addressed the issue of a profit-driven literature market and how popularity in Korean literature is suffering a decline. Students were reluctant to speak at first but under the guidance of professor Fulton, we had discussions about their favourite Korean literature going around!
In addition to the above topics, Dr. Fulton also mentioned his experience as a translator. We were brought into the insight of what he does and the people he has worked with, including his wife and various Korean contemporary writers.
[Dr Joshua Mostow]
Associate Head, Pre-Modern Japanese Literature and Art
For our second ‘Lunch with Prof!’ session we welcomed Dr Joshua Mostow to speak about his experiences in regards to Japanese art and its relevance to the Edo period. 14 students joined us at the discussion table as Dr Mostow presented how he got involved in studying women’s literature in Heian period as well as translations for classical Japanese.
It was a dynamic discussion as Dr. Mostow started out by talking about his Heian period poetry translations with sushi on the table for everyone. Then we moved on to perceptions and depictions of sexuality and homosexuality in Edo period. Amongst wakashu in classical Japan we also talk about the ‘third sex’ as young males who had relationships with both genders. This changed many of the students’ perception of sexuality in post-Meiji restoration. And for those who have had experiences learning about classical Japan, it was a fun, dynamic mind refreshing session.
Lastly, Dr. Mostow shared his experience and tips on translating classical Japanese. He brought in the topic of how a balance between translating the meaning and translating it literally.
The lunch was a definite success and we saw more students building up an interest towards Asian Studies. Amongst the discussion we even got to hear about various courses students wish to or have taken in the past but is no longer available. It helps bring students from different year groups together and share each other’s experiences!
January 30 – Dr Lenore Szekely Chinese literature
[Dr Adheesh Sathaye]
Associate Head, Pre-Modern Japanese Literature and Art
For our fourth ‘Lunch with a Prof!’ session, we welcomed Dr Adheesh Sathaye to speak about medieval Sanskrit drama, aesthetics, narrative literature, performance traditions, theories of textual production, performance, and folklore.
Dr Adheesh Sathaye is currently researching early medieval Sanskrit drama, aesthetics, and narrative literature. His doctoral research involved the Sanskrit epics, Marathi devotional performance traditions, and theories of textual production, performance, and folkloristics. His other interests include South Asian folklore, narrative theory, and cultural studies.
