East Asian Languages and Societies Commons^™

起死回生(Resuscitation): Japan's Search For Machines And Their Meanings, Justin P. Mcdonnell

Master's Projects and Capstones

Japan’s lost decade(s) ushered in a new era of economic and societal malaise, marked by a shrinking population, an increased proportion of elderly people, inequality, neo-nationalism(s), uncertainty, and isolation. This project seeks to understand how Japan is trying to address these issues and reconstruct itself from the lost decade(s) with the use of artificial intelligence (jinkou chihou) and robotics along with the societal implications of this technology. This interdisciplinary research utilizes innovative, historical narratives (Morris-Suzuki,1988, Hornyak 2006), and the socio-cultural milieu of Japan and its traditions (Allison 2013; Katsuno 2010) to further appreciate and acknowledge Japanese perspectives and …

The Gendered Image Of Sun Bu’Er In Yuan Hagiographies, Tali D. Hershkovitz

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the gendered image of the Song dynasty (960-1279) Daoist matriarch Sun Bu’er (1119-1182) based on four hagiographies dedicated to her in four different anthologies from the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Building on Sun’s representation in these hagiographies, previous scholarship argued that Sun Bu’er’s Daoist identity is more significant than her gender identity. However, a close study of these hagiographic narratives reveals that as the only female disciple among the Seven Perfected Sun Bu’er was chronicled differently than the six male disciples, with emphasis on her gender. This is evident in the Daoist designation given to her by the …

Future Perfect: Tolstoy And The Structures Of Agrarian Buddhist Utopianism In Taishō Japan, James Mark Shields

Faculty Journal Articles

This study focuses on the role played by the work of Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) in shaping socialism and agrarian-Buddhist utopianism in Japan. As Japanese translations of Tolstoy’s fiction and philosophy, and accounts of his life became more available at the end of the 19th century, his ideas on the individual, religion, society, and politics had a tremendous impact on the generation coming of age in the 1900s and his popularity grew among young intellectuals. One important legacy of Tolstoy in Japan is his particular concern with the peasantry and agricultural reform. Among those inspired by Tolstoy and the narodniki lifestyle, …

Cultural Combinations In Japanese Art: The False Dichotomy Of Buddhism And Shintō, Danae Reaves-Bey Browne

Honors Program Theses and Projects

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the Meiji regime (1868-1912) of Japan declared a mandatory separation of indigenous deities from Buddhist figures. The Meiji government sought to use indigenous rituals, instead of Buddhist rituals, to legitimize its power. It thus codified these beliefs as a national religion, today referred to as Shintō (神道), to emphasize their autonomy. Yet, in spite of its efforts to isolate these beliefs from all others, Japanese spirituality still bears traces of “extra-cultural” religious ideas. This is the result of a long history of religious syncretism (hybridity) in the region. An understanding of the …

On The Politics And Conceptualization Of Gender Non-Conformity : Exploring Thailand’S Kathoey Population., Macey E. Mayes

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the politics and conceptualization of gender in Thailand, drawing specifically on the Thai understanding of sex and gender with regard to the kathoey population. This work considers the solidification of a third-gender category and looks to the ways this solidification can inhibit the fluidity of gender and sexuality. It also analyzes the dangers of transnational advocacy and the superimposition of Western queer advocacy and theory on Thai gender identities. I approach this issue from an interdisciplinary framework that seeks to include historical, cultural, and theoretical perspectives. In examining anthropological research, critiques of …

T.S. Eliot, "The Waste Land", And Yoga Philosophy, Jessica Cloud

Master's Theses

While pursuing his graduate studies at Harvard, T.S. Eliot put a year into deep study of the Yoga Sutras with renowned scholar James Haughton Woods. Yoga, defined in the Sutras as the practice of stopping “the fluctuations of the mind-stuff” (Patañjali 8), provides the possibility of hope and equanimity in Eliot’s poem The Waste Land (1922), which depicts a world seemingly devoid of meaning. Not only can the influence of the Yoga Sutras be seen in the poetic form, style, and voice of The Waste Land and in the explanatory notes to the poem provided by Eliot, but classical yoga …

Domestic Workers In Hong Kong: Their Stories, Self-Perception, And Their Portrayal In Hong Kong And Filipino Media, Lauren Ernst

Senior Theses

Foreign domestic helpers are one of the most common and unique sights in current-day Hong Kong. On the weekdays, they can be seen walking dogs, taking children to school, and completing chores around the house. On Sundays, they flood the streets in full force, relaxing and taking advantage of their one day off a week. This population faces many challenges during their time in Hong Kong – these challenges are modern as well as historical and include financial, governmental, emotional, and social challenges. Along with the challenges of day to day life, they also face challenges in that their stories …

A Translation And Analysis Of Japan’S Seminal Lesbian Studies Work, Indiana Scarlet Brown

East Asian Studies

I translated Kakefuda Hiroko’s seminal lesbian studies book “‘Rezubian’ de aru to iu koto” 「レズビアン」である、ということ (On Being a ‘Lesbian’) in order to critically analyze her assertions and theories. This publication made a great impact in Japan during the 1990s by alleviating feelings of isolation and catalyzing the expansion of media specifically geared toward sexual minorities. I chose to analyze this text as well as Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble for each author’s nuanced interrogation of how their readers can reconsider and challenge the realities we may take for granted. In this project, I seek to add to my understanding of what …

Gender And Spiritual Possession In The Tale Of Genji, Molly Phelps

Undergraduate Theses

This thesis looks at the relationship between gender and the supernatural in Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji. The goal is to show how Lady Rokujo uses spiritual powers to rebel against the sexual hierarchy of Heian Japan while not fully defying its sexism. This is supported by historical background of the Heian period, examples of the mistreatment of women in the novel, and close analysis of instances of Lady Rokujo's supernatural actions. This analysis shows there is a complicated background to the vengeful spirit trope that still haunts the global imagination.

How To Be The Perfect Asian Wife!, Sophia Hill

Art and Art History Honors Projects

“How to be the Perfect Asian Wife” critiques exploitative power systems that assault female bodies of color in intersectional ways. This work explores strategies of healing and resistance through inserting one’s own narrative of flourishing rather than surviving, while reflecting violent realities. Three large drawings mimic pervasive advertisement language and presentation reflecting the oppressive strategies used to contain women of color. Created with charcoal, watercolor, and ink, these 'advertisements' contrast with an interactive rice bag filled with comics of my everyday experiences. These documentations compel viewers to reflect on their own participation in systems of power.

In The Shadow Of Japanese Identity, Rosendo Lopez-Duran

East Asian Studies Honors Papers

Japan is, as former Prime Minister Asō Tarō once put it, commonly described as being “one race, one civilization, one language and one culture.” This statement reflects a popular conception of Japan as a homogenous nation. However, the purpose of this paper, building on earlier research, is to assess what exactly Japanese identity is, how it is constructed / maintained, and who is and is not considered “Japanese.” The impetus of this inquiry comes from my research of the hisabetsu burakumin, a Japanese social outcaste group, who have undergone significant changes throughout their long history as a socially-constructed “minority.” …

Comparisons Between Chinese And Japanese Characters, Ahmina Graves

Honors Theses

The complexity of the Chinese and Japanese writing systems has intrigued those in the West from their first encounter with the characters. Though the two languages are very different, they share components of their writing systems that have been adapted to each language. This paper looks at the differences and similarities between the two strikingly different languages, as well as the effects on literacy the complexity of the orthographies has had in East Asia. The reforms created by each respective government and the motivations behind these reforms is also explored, as well as the future of the use and form …

The Not-So Noble Lie: The Militarization Of The Japanese Population Through Education, Kyle Cochran, Sydney Hackworth, Emily Johnson, Jennifer Likens, Megan Rohmann, John Ernst

Celebration of Student Scholarship Poster Sessions Archive

No abstract provided.

Platonic And Confucian Theories On Music-Parallels And Differences, Christian Moreno

Honors Thesis

Music has always been an important part of humanity, and with the advent of the Axial Age, the period between the 8^th and 3^rd centuries BC where new ways of thinking emerged in a wide range of cultures, two of humanity’s greatest thinkers in Plato and Confucius, would apply their thoughts and theories to music. By examining their opinions of music in their written texts, especially Confucius’ Analects and Plato’s Republic, as well as modern scholarship on the subject like the work of philosopher Mark Muesse, one can gain an insight into the general thinking of these …

How Do Chinese Dialects Reflect The Way In Which Chinese Immigrants Settled In The United States?, Tom Yang

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

As the world’s largest ethnic group, Han Chinese constitute approximately 92% of the population of China and near 20% of the population of the word. With so many people distributed in a vast area, there are several dialect groups which are closely related to the hometown of the different speakers. The Mandarin in northern China can be quite easily understood by most Chinese citizens, since it’s not much different from Putonghua, the Modern Standard Mandarin. While the languages spoken in southern China, especially the Wu, Min, Hakka, and Yue, may sound like foreign languages to those different dialect groups users. …

Uri@Spacecucumber: An Intimate Look At Gender And Societal Issues In Japanese Tattooing, Coral Kopetz

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

This narrative provides a powerful feminist aspect in terms of the struggles and successes of being an independent female tattoo artist in the thriving hub of Osu-­‐Kannon, Nagoya. This narrative also tackles the issue of the recent developments facing tattooing that seek to threaten artists such as Uri and seeks to drive them underground. I can find no website that offers such insight as this narrative provides or offers a thorough compilation of the culture of tattooing in Japan and the challenges foreign tourists might face -­‐ much less in English. With the Olympics coming to Tokyo in 2020, a …

Healing And Trauma: Memories Of Children Survivors Of The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Chikako Nakamura

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

Over 1,700 children were orphaned by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The Great East Earthquake was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever to hit Japan and its damage was enormous and still continues today. Reconstruction Agency, a government agency, reported (2015) that 241 children under 18 lost both parents and 1537 children lost a parent in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.

Copyright Meets Fandom: Understanding The Cultural Influence Of ‘Manga’ And ‘Anime’ Through Fan Translations And Copyright Laws, Joy Thornton

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

The worlds of Anime and Manga have had a large influence on the youth pop culture of America. With a greater extent of young people turning away from soft and safe American comics and cartoons. In favor of weightier topics, more violent and the graphic nature that Anime provides. Enjoying unique and odd High School and Boy Love romance found in Manga's. But the lack of properly translated work available has led to many youths searching out alternatives resources. Mostly to fan-translated versions of Anime and Manga found online. These fan translators hold themselves to extremely high standards and crazy …

How To Know Annyeonghaseyo: Analysis Of Korean Online Language Learning And Individual Learning Styles, Alexa Reynolds

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

This study takes three free online Korean language learning platforms and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses by subdividing their content into the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic) of learning styles.

Music Beyond Your World, Corey Hebert

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

As the world becomes more globalized in upcoming generations, people should have access to music beyond their own culture to form a more worldly view of life. As music in America is widely spread to countries around the world, the same cannot be said for foreign music entering America. This project aims to help remedy this situation so people can experience the sounds and culture of Asia, through the form of music.

The Role Of Fengshui In Chinese Homes On Long Island, Hongfei Kan

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Potential Uses Of Japanese ‘Anime’ In Primary School Curricula In China, Xinran Ming

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

With the development of globalization, more and more people are interested in Japanese anime. It is prevalence that everyone can easy to get access to various kinds of Japanese anime. there is a big issue that teenagers are also able to access to several Japanese anime that have unappropriated contents for teenagers. it is impossible to isolate Japanese anime from teenagers. it is necessary to let teenager and parents know that there are also positive affect that Japanese anime could bring to them. Instead of prohibiting teenager from watching Japanese anime. It will be more pragmatic to guide teenager and …

How Are Western Holidays Interpreted And Celebrated In Japan?: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Aya Kaneko

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

How Can Chinese Students Success In The United States, John Peters

Asian & Asian American Studies Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

La Ciudad Como Espacio De La Marginalidad: Un Acercamiento Crítico A Un Oso Rojo, Mariana Pensa

South East Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures (SECCLL)

Nos proponemos realizar un análisis del film argentino Un oso rojo (2002, dirigido por Israel Adrián Caetano). Un punto de entrada para el análisis nos remite al concepto mismo de lo que es una ciudad, tal como Lewis Mumford lo expone en su canónico artículo “What is a city?”. Si la ciudad se constituye, al decir de Mumford, en espacio simbólico de “unidad colectiva”, en donde los hombres realizan sus actividades mas “útiles”, las preguntas a las que nos llevan estos conceptos serán ¿cuál es el estatuto de una ciudad recorrida por la violencia? ¿Cómo el espacio refiere y significa …

Seccll Conference Program 2018, Georgia Southern University

South East Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures (SECCLL)

Conference Program

Renewable Energy: A Solution To Japan’S Energy Crisis, Sunny Kwan

Scholars Week

As world population increases steadily, fossil fuel deposits around the world continue to be consumed; estimates state that all current known deposits will run dry by 2088. Fossil fuel consumption not only causes environmental pollution, but its resulting greenhouse gases accelerate global warming, leading to destructive changes in climate patterns and rising sea levels. On one hand, fossil fuels are an indispensable part of daily life, but they also cause irreversible damage to the environment. On the other hand, renewable energy sources are more expensive and less convenient to develop compared to fossil fuels, but they are a great alternative …

Live Confucian: The Newsletter Of The Confucius Institute At Pace University Spring 2018, Confucius Institute

Live Confucian

A newsletter of the Confucius Institute, Pace University.

The Confucius Institute at Pace Universi­ty is dedicated to providing Chinese lan­guage and cultural education, resources,and services to meet the needs of people from all backgrounds.

Acquisition Of Word Spellings And Meanings During Reading In Nonnative Chinese Speakers, Yang Liu

Dissertations

This dissertation explored the acquisition of word spellings (orthographic learning) and word meanings (incidental word learning) during reading in adult nonnative Chinese speakers. Two studies were designed for this dissertation. In Study One, 45 Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) learners at intermediate and advanced proficiency levels participated and completed a character learning experiment in a self-teaching paradigm. Results indicate that CFL learners were able to use the phonetic regularity and semantic transparency of radicals to learn the spellings and pronunciations of new characters after limited exposures to the characters in a story context. In Study Two, 72 CFL learners …

An Adventure Concerning Identity: The Use Of Folklore And The Folkloresque In Murakami’S Hitsuji Wo Meguru Bōken (A Wild Sheep Chase) To Construct A Post-Colonial Identity, Jessica Alice Krawec

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This thesis examines the use of folklore and the folkloresque in Haruki Murakami’s novel Hitsuji wo meguru bōken, or, as it is translated by Alfred Birnbaum, A Wild Sheep Chase. Murakami blends together Japanese and Western folklore to present a Japan that has been colonized by a post-national, global capitalistic force. At the same time, Murakami presents a strategy to resist this colonizing force by placing agency onto the individual and suggesting that it is still possible to craft a meaningful identity within the Japanese/Western blended, globalized society in which these individuals now exist.

Alongside examining the use of folklore …