The views and opinions expressed on this site and blog posts (excluding comments on blog posts left by others) are entirely my own and do not represent those of any employer or organization with whom I am currently or previously have been associated.
Academic Version: Applying my personal experiences and academic research as a professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies to provide a more complete understanding of political, economic, and cultural issues and current events related to American race relations, and Asia/Asian America in particular.
Plain English: Trying to put my Ph.D. to good use.
As part of this blog’s ongoing mission of making academic research and data more easily accessible, understandable, and applicable to a wider audience, and for readers who like to keep on top of the latest sociological research, I highlight new research and studies in academic journals about Asian Americans and other racial/ethnic groups as I hear about them. An article’s inclusion is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily mean a full endorsement of its complete contents.
The following articles focus on emerging issues related to Asian Australians and their transnational connections with Asian Americans.
The UCLA Asian American Studies Center Press announces Amerasia Journal’s latest issue: “Asian Australia and Asian America: Making Transnational Connections.” Guest edited by Jacqueline Lo, Dean Chan, and Tseen Khoo, with former Center Director Don T. Nakanishi of UCLA, the issue connects scholars, writers, and cultural critics working in Asian American Studies with their counterparts in Asian Australian Studies. The issue provides a full sampling of topics from community politics to local film, media, and literature.
In his introductory essay, Don T. Nakanishi illuminates the important demographic, political, and historical conditions that have shaped Asian Australia and the possibilities for comparative approaches with Asian American Studies. . . The issue offers a transnational study of similarities and differences between Asian Australia and Asian America. As the guest editors write, “By bringing Asian America and Asian Australia together in conversation in this volume, we hope to provide new insights into the study of Asian diasporas in western developed societies that go beyond the dominant perspective of Asian diasporics as domestic(ated) racialized minority subjects within the nation-state.”
The issue is capped by commentaries from Ien Ang and Henry Yu on the significance of transnational perspectives to the Asian diaspora from Australian and North American vantage points. The topics covered in this special issue include:
Local Community Politics
This section explores the relationship between local politics and transnational identities from various perspectives. These include Ashley Carruthers’s anthropological study of Lao Australians, a discussion of diasporic Vietnamese literature by Scott Brook and Caitlin Nunn, and Audrey Yue’s detailed account of the production of underground “westie” martial arts films in the suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney. The essays reveal the way working-class Lao immigrants view their homeland as more cosmopolitan than the Australian neighborhoods in which they now live or how “westie” films enable Vietnamese Australian youths an opportunity to self-fashion their identities in ways that challenge both Australian and ethnic ideologies of masculinity.
Indigenous/Asian Relations
Jacqueline Lo and visual artist Mayu Kanamori elaborate on the ways in which Asian Australians, Aboriginal Australians, and Anglo Australians are represented through the arts. Lo discusses the dramatic production Burning Daylight, which explores Asian-Indigenous encounters that are typically left out of official Australian histories. Kanamori provides a powerful personal narrative that looks at the issue of settlement from Japanese immigrant and Aboriginal points of view.
Comparative Asian Diasporas
Olivia Khoo, Kim Cheng Boey, and Iyko Day do comparative work on Asian Australian Studies and Asian American Studies. Khoo’s novel concept of the “shrimp Western” explores the influence of American movie genre par excellence, the Western, on Asian Australian films, raising questions on how to define minority cinemas. Kim Cheng Boey examines the complexities of poetics by immigrant poets, comparing the returns to Malaysia, both physical and psychological, in the works of Chinese Australian poet Ee Tiang Hong and Chinese American writer and scholar Shirley Lim Geok-lin. Iyko Day compares the experiences of internment endured by Japanese Americans, Japanese Canadians, and Japanese Australians.
Literature and Arts from Asian Australia
Amerasia is pleased to include the writings and mixed media work of some of Asian Australia’s leading artists. In addition to Mayu Kanamori’s discussion of her photographic series, this issue features “Cocooning,” a short story by award-winning author Simone Lazaroo, and a poem “This is where it begins,” by acclaimed writer Merlinda Bobis. Thought-provoking images are provided by Matt Huynh and Jason Wing.
Here are some more announcements about academic-related jobs, fellowships, and other related opportunities for those interested in racial/ethnic/diversity issues (listed in order of application deadline). As always, the announcements and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the organization or college involved.
Sociology, University of Missouri St. Louis
The Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Languages at the University of Missouri, St. Louis invites applicants for a 2-year full-time Visiting Assistant Professor/Visiting Assistant NTT Teaching Professor position starting January 2011.
We seek candidates with combined teaching and research interests in Sociology who do comparative work on racialized groups (particularly African American, Latino/a, and/or Asian American) with expertise in urban sociology, wealth and poverty, minority group relations, social stratification, sociology of power, and/or public/social policy.
Candidates seeking consideration for Visiting Assistant Professor will have responsibilities that include five courses annually, and an active research agenda. Candidates seeking consideration for Visiting Assistant NTT Teaching Professor will have responsibilities that include seven courses annually.
All candidates are expected to support the Sociology Department’s core curriculum and the University’s general education program, as well as offer some core courses in her/his areas of specialization that contribute to Sociology’s BA and BS degrees. Promise of teaching excellence required. PhD preferably completed by December 2010. To learn more about the department, faculty, staff and students visit
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit the following materials electronically in MS Word or PDF formats to Jim Karslake, (jkarslake@umsl.edu) and be addressed to Pamela Ashmore, Chair, Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Languages:
Letter of application
Curriculum Vitae
Graduate Transcripts
Separate statements on: teaching and research
Writing Sample
Three letters of reference
Sample syllabi
Statement that explains how you will engage multiple perspectives in your teaching and contribute to our institutional and departmental commitments to social responsibility
Review of applications by the Sociology Search Committee will commence November 30 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.
Sociology, Quinnipiac University
The Department of Sociology, in Quinnipiac University’s College of Arts and Sciences, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Sociology, beginning in Fall 2011. The successful candidate must have a PhD in Sociology by the time of appointment and must have the ability to teach immigration and urban sociology. The appointee will teach other courses in the department and may be expected to teach in the University Curriculum.
Candidates must show evidence of dynamic teaching as well as professional and scholarly activity. The appointee will join a department that currently offers undergraduate majors in Sociology, Social Services, Gerontology, and Criminal Justice, as well as a minor in Anthropology. Salary and benefits are competitive.
Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution in Hamden, Connecticut, conveniently located between New York City and
Boston. The University has over 300 full-time faculty and enrolls 5,900 full-time undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. Quinnipiac University has a strong commitment to the principles and practices of diversity throughout the university community and we welcome candidates who would enhance that diversity.
Please submit only a letter of interest and curriculum vitae that includes the contact information for three references online at https://careers.quinnipiac.edu. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by December 1, 2010.
Women’s/Asian American Studies, Penn State University
Penn State University, University Park, PA, Women’s Studies Post-Doctoral Position with Specialization in Asian/Asian American Studies.
The Department of Women’s Studies at Penn State University welcomes applications for a one-year post-doctoral position to begin August 2011. We seek candidates with demonstrated research and teaching abilities in women/gender studies with a sub-specialty in Asian/Asian American Studies. Preference will be given to candidates with a disciplinary background in history or candidates whose research and teaching reflect strong historical approaches. We are most interested in candidates with a Ph.D at the time of appointment however ABDs who are close to completion will be considered. The position is in the Department of Women’s Studies, with the possibility of teaching courses in Asian Studies. The teaching load is 2/2.
Applications should include a letter describing research and teaching plans, complete curriculum vitae, writing sample, and the address and email of three referees. Applicants should request that the letters of reference be forwarded directly at the time of application. All materials should be sent to Ms. Amy Larimer, Women’s Studies Program, 133 Willard Building, Penn State University, University Park PA. 16802 by January 14, 2011.
The Women’s and Gender Studies Department, in collaboration with the Institute for Research on Women (IRW) at Rutgers University, is pleased to announce a two-year postdoctoral fellowship supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The selected fellow will receive a stipend of $50,000 each year as well as an annual research allocation of $2,000 and Rutgers University health benefits. The fellow will pursue research and teach three courses in the Women’s and Gender Studies Department during the two-year term of her/his appointment. The fellow also will participate in seminars and other activities organized by the IRW.
The Women’s and Gender Studies Department has particular interest in scholars of Asian-American Feminist Studies; Feminist Science Studies; New Media, Arts and Technology; Religion, Sexuality, and Gender; and Gendered Violence but welcomes applications from all scholars who feel that their work would benefit from affiliation with our department and with the IRW.
Candidates should submit their applications, consisting of a CV, a 2500-word description of their research and its significance, and 3 letters of recommendation, electronically at: https://secure.sas.rutgers.edu/apps/facsearch/ (search for listing under “Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship†for each participating department). Applications must be received by January 17, 2011. Candidates must have received the Ph.D. after August 31, 2006; applicants must have finished all requirements for the Ph.D. by June 1, 2011.
Questions? E-mail Leslie Fishbein, Chair, Women’s and Gender Studies Department or Sarah Tobias, Associate Director, Institute for Research on Women.
Post-Doc in Asian American Studies, University of Illinois
The Asian American Studies Program (AASP) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) seeks two postdoctoral fellows for the 2011-2012 academic year, pending approval of funding.
Applicants should conduct research germane to Asian American studies. Proposed research projects should have the potential to make a significant contribution to the field. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to be in Champaign-Urbana in residence for the 2011-2012 year. During their stay at Illinois, postdoctoral fellows will be expected to participate in research, teaching, and service. While research and participation in the intellectual life of the program is the primary responsibility, fellows will be expected to teach a course in Asian American Studies. The specific teaching duties will be decided in consultation with the Director.
The stipend for 2011-2012 year will be $42,000. In addition, $5,000 will be provided for research, travel, and related expenses. Full fringe benefits will be available during the 12-month appointment period. The program will provide the fellow with office space and routine office support for photocopying, faxing, mailing, etc. A doctoral degree, in hand, is required by July 16, 2011. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed their degrees in the past five years. Both postdoctoral fellowships will begin on August 16, 2011, are for one year, and are non-renewable.
To apply, candidates should submit four collated application packets. Each packet should include a curriculum vita, a statement of the research project to be undertaken during the fellowship year, and a sample of scholarly writing (10-25 pages). Official graduate transcripts and three letters of recommendation (including one letter from the dissertation advisor) should be sent directly to the Program to complete the file. Application material should be sent to: Post Doc Review Committee, Asian American Studies Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1208 West Nevada Street, MC 142, Urbana, IL 61801.
To guarantee full consideration, application materials should be submitted to the AASP office by 5:00 p.m. on February 25, 2011. For further information: Contact the Asian American Studies Program at (217) 244-9530 or aasp@illinois.edu.
Did you know that November is American Indian & Alaskan Native Heritage Month? Asian Americans share much in common with our Native American Indian and Alaskan brothers and sisters, not just in terms of social and cultural solidarity, but also similar anthropological ancestors as well. To celebrate their heritage, the U.S. Census Bureau has some a fact sheet with some interesting statistics:
The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, rode horseback from state to state, getting endorsements from 24 state governments, to have a day to honor American Indians. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.”
4.9 million
As of July 1, 2008, the estimated population of American Indians and Alaska Natives, including those of more than one race. They made up 1.6 percent of the total population.
29.7
Median age of the American Indian and Alaska Native population in 2008, younger than the median of 36.8 for the population as a whole. About 30 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives were younger than 18, and 8 percent were 65 and older.
5
Number of states where American Indians and Alaska Natives were the largest race or ethnic minority group in 2008. These states are Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
18%
The proportion of Alaska’s population identified as American Indian and Alaska Native as of July 1, 2008, the highest rate for this race group of any state. Alaska was followed by Oklahoma (11 percent) and New Mexico (11 percent).
29%
Percentage of American Indians and Alaska Natives 5 and older who spoke a language other than English at home.
$37,815
The median income of households from the 2008 American Community Survey where the householder reported being American Indian and Alaska Native and no other race.
24.2%
The 2008 poverty rate of people who reported they were American Indian and Alaska Native and no other race.
$26.9 billion
Receipts for American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned businesses in 2002. These businesses numbered 201,387.
In addition, the Association of College & Research Libraries has also compiled a very useful list of internet sites and resources related to the Native American Indian population and their history, contributions, and experiences. Below are a few of the websites that I found particularly interesting:
Here are some more announcements and links out that have come my way relating to Asians or Asian Americans. As always, links to other sites are provided for informational purposes and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of their contents.
Essay Writer Needed: Vietnamese Student Studying in U.S.
My name is Veronica Majerol and I am an editor of the New York Times Upfront, a newsmagazine that is ready by almost a million teens across the U.S. One of the columns I edit is called “Voices,” in which we aim to publish an essay written by a teen (15 to 19 years old) who can share a personal experience that also sheds light on a larger global or national issue.
Right now, we are looking to publish an essay written by a teen from Vietnam who is studying in the U.S. We are interested in hearing about the student’s reflections on the war in Vietnam and America’s part in it (based on what the student has learned about it, since he/she would have been born well after the war) versus his/her feelings about the U.S. today and relations between the two countries.
Though we cannot guarantee that any one submission would be published, if a first draft looks promising, I would work with the student (via phone, email) through multiple drafts till it is ready for publication. The student would also be paid $100 if the piece is published, and it would be a great resume builder. I would love to know about possible candidates at your earliest convenience. I would need to have a brief phone chat with interested candidates before they start writing so I can explain the exact parameters of the essay.
Thank you in advance for your help. I look forward to hearing from you both.
Veronica Majerol
New York Times Upfront
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
212-343-4752
The National Science Foundation (NSF) East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI) is a flagship international fellowship program for developing the next generation of globally engaged U.S. scientists and engineers knowledgeable about the Asian and Pacific regions. The Summer Institutes are hosted by foreign counterparts committed to increasing opportunities for young U.S. researchers to work in research facilities and with host mentors abroad.
Fellows are supported to participate in eight-week research experiences at host laboratories in Australia, China, Japan (10 weeks), Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan from June to August. The program provides a $5,000 summer stipend, round-trip airfare to the host location, living expenses abroad, and an introduction to the society, culture, language, and research environment of the host location.
The 2011 application is now open and will close at 5:00 pm local time on November 10, 2010. Application instructions and information concerning benefits, eligibility, and tips on applying are available online at www.nsfsi.org.
NSF recognizes the importance of enabling U.S. researchers and educators to advance their work through international collaborations and the value of ensuring that future generations of U.S. scientists and engineers gain professional experience beyond this nation’s borders early in their careers. The program is intended for U.S. graduate students pursuing studies in fields supported by the National Science Foundation. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for the EAPSI.
Applicants must be enrolled in a research-oriented master’s or PhD program and be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents by the application deadline date. Students in combined bachelor/master degree programs must have matriculated from the undergraduate degree program by the application deadline date.
The first Summer Institutes began in Japan in 1990, and to date over 2,000 U.S. graduate students have participated in the program. Should you have any questions, please contact the EAPSI Help Desk by email at eapsi@nsfsi.org or by phone at 1-866-501-2922.
The goal of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Research & Development (R&D) Fellowship and Internship programs is to promote quality and distinction in educational measurement and related fields through support of significant research by early-career scientists and graduate students and exposure to methodologies within the ETS environment.
These programs provide opportunities for talented scholars and students from diverse backgrounds – especially traditionally underrepresented groups such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians – to pursue scientific research under the guidance of ETS senior scientists and psychometricians. These programs encourage research in areas such as educational measurement, psychometrics, validity, natural language processing and computational linguistics, cognitive psychology, learning theory, linguistics, speech recognition and processing, teaching and classroom research, statistics, international large scale assessments, and assessment design and development.
Summer Internship Program in Research for Graduate Students
Selected interns participate in research projects under the guidance of ETS mentors in Princeton, NJ. Graduate students who are currently enrolled in a full-time doctoral program in one of the areas listed above and who have completed a minimum of two years of coursework toward their PhD or EdD prior to the program start date are eligible to apply. The deadline for applying for the summer internship program is February 1, 2011.
Harold Gulliksen Psychometric Research Fellowship Program
During the academic year selected fellows study at their universities and carry out research under the supervision of an academic mentor and in consultation with an ETS research scientist. During the summer, fellows are invited to participate in the Summer Internship Program for Graduate Students working under the guidance of an ETS researcher. The program is open to applicants who are enrolled in a doctoral program in psychometrics or statistics, have completed their course work toward the PhD, and are at the dissertation stage. The deadlines for applying for the Harold Gulliksen program are December 1, 2010 for the preliminary application materials and February 1, 2011 for the final application materials.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Selected fellows conduct research under the mentorship of ETS senior researchers in Princeton, NJ. The program is open to early-career scholars who hold a PhD or an EdD in one of the areas listed above. The deadlines for applying for the postdoctoral fellowship programs are January 1, 2011 for the preliminary application materials and March 1, 2011 for the final application materials.
Sylvia Taylor Johnson Minority Fellowship in Educational Measurement
Selected fellows conduct research under the mentorship of ETS senior researchers in Princeton, NJ. The program is open to candidates who have received their PhD or EdD within the past ten years in one of the areas listed above and who are US citizens or permanent residents.
To Apply and For More Information:
The application process for 2011 will open on November 1, 2010. No applications will be accepted prior to this date. Apply online at the ETS Fellowship and Internship Programs Website. Contacts: E-mail: internfellowships@ets.org, Phone: (609) 734-5543.
Thanks to your positive responses, we are moving ahead with a special journal issue of Theory in Action highlighting Sociologists in Action (SIA) and public sociology with the permission of Sage/Pine Forge! The issue will include 3 pieces from SIA that the editors Kathleen Odell Korgen, Jonathan White, and Shelley Michelle White have selected and a number of new manuscripts by those of you who wish to participate.
In your “Abstract” file type “For the SIA special edition” — don’t forget to include keywords for the manuscript. This way your manuscript will make it to my desk as I will be personally involved. Due date for submissions: December 1, 2010. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly and once more thank you for your interest and support.
Best to all,
Dr. John Asimakopoulos
Associate Professor of Sociology
City University of New York
Executive Director & Editor in Chief
Transformative Studies Institute -Theory in Action
39-09 Berdan Avenue
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA
www.transformativestudies.org
jasimakopoulos@transformativestudies.org
International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas Conference
The International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO) and the Department of Anthropology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong are organizing an international conference on Chinese Overseas: Religions and Worldview. Scholars and researchers interested in presenting papers or organizing conference panels on religions, worldview and philosophy in relation to the Chinese overseas are welcome to participate in this conference. Details are as follows.
Conference theme: Chinese Overseas: Religions and Worldview
Rationale: While various aspects of the history and cultural life of the Chinese overseas (Chinese diasporas) have been well studied, their religious life and worldview have not been systematically studied. For instance, we know very little about the religious life of the Chinese in Latin America, and for that matter in North America and Europe. Living in multicultural environments, the Chinese overseas are participants of many religions: Chinese popular religion, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Bahai and others. In fact some aspects of the Chinese popular religions as practiced in different societies have also been localized as a result of interacting with the non-Chinese cultural and religious practices. This conference will provide a forum for discussing the religious life and worldview (including, for example, Confucianism) of the Chinese overseas.
Venue: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
Date: June 21-22, 2011
Title and abstract deadline: 31 December 2010
Panel proposals deadline: 31 December 2010. [For panel presentations, paper titles and abstracts should be sent via the panel chair]
Registration fee: US $90 for ISSCO members
US $100 for non-members
Accommodation: Two types of accommodation will be arranged: (a) student hostels; (b) hotels near CUHK (depending on hotels, the price per night ranges from USD $80 to $130 per night). Details will be supplied later. Conference secretariat (contact persons): Dr. TAN Chee-Beng (cbtan@cuhk.edu.hk) and Dr. WU Keping (kepingwu@cuhk.edu.hk).
here are some more announcements about academic-related jobs, fellowships, and other related opportunities for those interested in racial/ethnic/diversity issues (listed in order of application deadline). As always, the announcements and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the organization or college involved.
Asian American History, University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut invites applications for a tenure-track assistant/beginning associate professorship in Asian American History beginning August 23, 2011. The position will be a joint appointment between the Asian American Studies Institute and the History Department, the tenure home of the appointment. The teaching load will be equally split between the Institute and History, and will include Asian American studies, Asian American history, and U.S. history courses.
Minimum Qualifications: completed PhD in Asian American history; demonstrated excellence in research and teaching; strong interest in graduate teaching and mentoring. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable. Preferred Qualifications: research specialization in migration, immigration, diaspora, transnationalism, and/or comparative race/ethnicity; demonstrated ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience; if currently associate professor, promoted within the last three years.
Position is at the Storrs campus. Candidates may have the opportunity to teach at the campuses at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Hartford.
Interested applicants should provide a letter of application, complete curriculum vitae, and a sample published article or research paper through the University’s online applicant system, Husky Hire (Search # 2011038). Three letters of recommendation should be sent to Asian American History Search, History Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-2103. Applicants who submit materials by October 29, 2010, will receive preference in the screening process.
American Studies & Ethnicity, University of Southern California
Social Movements and Social Justice. University of Southern California. The Department of American Studies & Ethnicity in USC’s College of Letters, Arts & Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor with a research specialization that addresses the nature and evolution of U.S. social movements for economic, environmental, gender and/or racial justice.
We are especially interested in scholars whose work is grounded in both theory and engagement with the social movements studied, and we are open to comparative, historical, and transnational approaches. A broad range of graduate training specializations will be considered, including but not limited to American Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Urban Planning, and Feminist and Ethnic Studies.
The position, beginning in fall 2011, will be in American Studies & Ethnicity, an interdisciplinary department, with significant opportunities to affiliate with campus research centers engaged in movement analysis. Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, one or two short writing samples, and three letters of reference to: Manuel Pastor, Chair of Search Committee, Department of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-4033. We will begin to review applications on November 1, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. A Ph.D. is required by the start of employment.
[Address for Fed Ex, email, etc.:
University of Southern California 3620 South Vermont Ave. Kaprelian Hall 462 Los Angeles, California 90089-2534
Tel: 213.740.2426 Fax: 213.821.0409
aseinfo@usc.edu
Post-Doc in Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan
University of Michigan’s National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID) Post-Doc for 2011-12. We are very interested in seeing Asian American and Pacific Islander studies scholars apply for these postdocs. While we are not formal sponsors of the postdocs, fellows could choose to affiliate with our Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies Program and Program in American Culture. Our program has a strong working relationship with NCID, which has been highly supportive of ethnic studies scholarship.
This fellowship is also designed to foster faculty recruitment, so we are especially interested in seeing those of you on the market apply. I would be happy to answer questions you might have about our programs and to direct you the proper representative for questions about NCID.
Thanks and best wishes,
Scott Kurashige
Director, Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies Program
University of Michigan
NCID Postdoctoral Fellows and Scholars Program
The University of Michigan’s National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID) Postdoctoral Fellows and Scholars Program was established in 2008 to promote outstanding early-career scholars in diversity at the University of Michigan and other major research universities. With support from the Office of the Provost, the NCID anticipates offering two postdoctoral fellowships for a duration of one year during 2011-2012. The fellowships include protected research time, faculty mentoring, and career development opportunities. While we welcome new Ph.D. applicants, successful candidates may also currently hold tenure-track positions.
A select group of applicants will also receive one of three citations—Exemplary Diversity Dissertations, Exemplary Diversity Scholars, and Emerging Diversity Scholars. In line with our national mission, the NCID proudly features the work of both fellows and citation recipients within its online NCID Diversity Scholar Network.
Department of Sociology and Latin American Studies Program. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor with primary specialization in globalization, and secondary specializations in sociology of human rights or international law, with emphasis on Latin America. This joint position is two-thirds time in Sociology, one-third time in the interdisciplinary Latin American Studies program, and will involve teaching courses in both programs. In addition to teaching, duties include student advising and committee service for the Department of Sociology and the Latin American Studies Program, College of Natural and Social Sciences, and University. Initial salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The starting date is September 2011.
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. or ABD in Sociology. A Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education is required for retention. Candidates should provide a record of or evidence of potential for scholarly publication and activity in the field of globalization with secondary specializations in the sociology of human rights or international law, with emphasis on Latin America. Research should involve students whenever possible. Candidates should provide evidence of demonstrated potential for effective teaching involving a variety of methods. Candidates should also demonstrate an ability or interest in teaching in a multicultural, multiethnic campus.
Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated success in research and publication, grant funding, academic advising, and committee service.
California State University, Los Angeles, a comprehensive urban university and one of 23 campuses that comprise the California State University system, offers programs in more than 50 academic and professional fields. The campus is located in eastern Los Angeles, adjacent to the San Gabriel Valley, with more than 22,000 full- and part-time students reflecting the rich ethnic diversity of the area. The University is committed to student-centered learning, free scholarly inquiry, and academic excellence.
Required Documentation: Please submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, transcripts showing highest degree earned, three letters of recommendation, and the University’s Application for Academic Employment form. At the time of on-campus interviews, candidates must present official transcripts. Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2010. Address application with required documentation and requests for information to:
Steve Gordon, Chair
Department of Sociology
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032- 8228
here are some more announcements about academic-related jobs, fellowships, and other related opportunities for those interested in racial/ethnic/diversity issues (listed in order of application deadline). As always, the announcements and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the organization or college involved.
Asian American Studies, Scripps College
Scripps College, a women’s liberal arts college with a strong interdisciplinary tradition, invites applications for one or two part-time visiting lecturers for spring semester 2010 to teach one course in Asian American Women’s Experiences and one course on Queering Asian America. Applicants should be ABD or have a Ph.D. in ethnic studies, Asian American Studies, history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or other disciplines or interdisciplinary studies appropriate to this subject. Teaching experience preferred.
Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: Professor YouYoung Kang, Asian American Studies Search Committee, Scripps College, 1030 Columbia Avenue, Box 4063, Claremont, CA 91711. Committee review of applications will start on October 1, 2010 and continue until the position is filled. For further information about the courses, please contact Professor Kathleen S. Yep, Chair of Asian American Studies, via email at Kathleen_Yep@pitzer.edu.
English & Asian Diaspora, Pomona College
Full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in literature relevant to histories of contact/migration between Asia and the Americas. We welcome interdisciplinary scholarship and pedagogy. Attractive secondary interests include drama and performance studies, postcolonial or transnational literary theories and comparative diaspora studies. Ability to teach in the nineteenth century is also a plus. PhD in hand or expected by September 2011.
Send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and project outline to ENGL2010Search@pomona.edu; complete applications received by October 15 will receive full consideration. At a later stage of the search, a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and transcripts will be solicited from select candidates.
Pomona College, the founding member of the Claremont Colleges, is a highly selective liberal arts college, located 35 miles east of Los Angeles and attracting a diverse, national student body. We value candidates who have a demonstrable commitment to addressing issues of race, class, and gender in the classroom and to mentoring students from underrepresented groups.
Racial Minority History, Quinsigamond Community College
Quinsigamond Community College has one or more full-time positions open in History, with a particular need for scholar(s) with an expertise in world, African, Latin American, or Asian history. Some other qualifications:
Master’s Degree in History or in Area/Cultural Studies with major emphasis in History.
Experience in post–secondary teaching and/or training adult learners.
One full year or equivalent teaching history at the secondary level or higher, preferably in a community or technical college setting.
Documented examples of curriculum / course development and assessment in history.
Demonstrated track record in innovative, non-traditional modes of instruction and instructional delivery, including team-teaching, on-line learning and/or service learning.
A clear understanding of the role of community colleges, their students and mission.
Evidence of understanding of and appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.
A predisposition to working in a dynamic environment requiring flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork.
Strong evidence of commitment to excellence in working with students, faculty, and staff, and in responding to opportunities that extend the Mission of the College.
Salary is commensurate with MCCC/MTA salary schedule and dependent upon such factors as education and experience. Minimum starting salary for Master’s degree candidate is $41,470. Full salary range is $41,470 to $92,555. Full benefits package. Start date is January 2011. To apply, apply online and submit cover letter, resume, and written statement of philosophy of education including how that philosophy informs the teaching/learning process in a community college setting not later than October 17, 2010. Successful applicants will be required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI/SORI) request. Bilingual persons are encouraged to apply.
Asian American Literature, Harvard University
The English Department at Harvard University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Contemporary American literature with a special interest in Asian American Literature. The appointment, effective July 1, 2011, will be made at either the entry or at an advanced level, dependent upon experience and qualifications.
The successful applicant will have a strong doctoral record and should show promise of excellence in scholarship, along with a strong commitment to teaching in a variety of areas. Finalists will be expected to submit in December the entire dissertation or as much of it as is completed (or, alternatively, a book-length publication). The successful candidate will teach four courses per year at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Send cover letter, CV, 1-2 page abstract of dissertation, dossier, and article-length writing sample (25-Â30 pages, excluding footnotes), all postmarked no later than October 29, 2010, to “Contemporary and Asian American Literature Search Committee,” c/o James Simpson, Chair, Department of English, Harvard University, Barker Center  12 Quincy Street, Cambridge MA 02138. Late applications will not be considered. Complete applications will be acknowledged by postcard once all materials have been received.
Sociology, Fordham University
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Fordham University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment for a quantitative sociologist at the Assistant Professor level, effective September 1, 2011. Specializations in any of the following are of interest: education, media, public opinion, race, ethnicity, and/or gender.
Candidates should be able to teach undergraduate and graduate statistics and research methods and must have a Ph.D., demonstrated excellence in teaching, an active program of research and publication, a commitment to service, and an enthusiasm for working effectively and collegially within a diverse faculty setting. Principal teaching responsibilities will be in the undergraduate program within Fordham College at Lincoln Center (in Manhattan) and in the graduate program at Rose Hill (in the Bronx).
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and TWO copies each of the following: curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching excellence from peer and/or student evaluations, one sample of scholarly writing, and the names of three references. All materials must be received by November 15th (no electronic submissions please) and addressed to: Prof. Allan S. Gilbert, Chair, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, New York 10458. Fordham University is an independent Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition that welcomes applications from men and women of all backgrounds.
Asian American Studies, Purdue University
Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts invites nominations and applications for a tenure-track or tenured position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. Candidates should have the Ph.D. in Asian American Studies, Anthropology, History or Sociology, and a record of scholarly research on Asian Americans. Teaching responsibilities will include courses in Asian American Studies and the tenure home department, which will be one of the departments of Anthropology, History, or Sociology. The teaching load is two courses per semester, with the possibility of a course release for administrative duties.
The successful candidate will be expected to assume, eventually, the directorship of the Asian American Studies Program. Purdue is a partner in the Asian American Studies Consortium within the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) a collaborative consortium of Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago. Review of applications will start by November 15, 2010, but the position will remain open until filled. Send letter of application, CV, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation to: Chair, Asian American Studies Search, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, Room 1289, Beering Hall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Here are some more announcements and links out that have come my way relating to Asians or Asian Americans. As always, links to other sites are provided for informational purposes and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of their contents.
Mochi Magazine is a new online magazine specifically for Asian American teen girls! . . . Society has come a long way in its representation of Asians, but we still have a ways to go. Even today, Asian representation in film mostly consists of martial arts flicks with the same actors, and the Asian American identity is completely overlooked.
However, coming to terms with “Asian American†– the convergence despite all odds of two or more vastly different cultures – can be more difficult than learning our parents’ mother tongues or Tae Kwon Do. “Asian American,†in fact, is an identity apart from the terms “Asian†and “American†– it is the space between the two words that we struggle with. . . . We envisioned Mochi as the older sister you never had, who could answer all of those simple but essential fashion and beauty questions. We imagined a supportive resource in the exploration of Asian American identities. At the very least, we hoped that Mochi would serve as a good conversation starter. . . .
What was once a mere idea is now a full-fledged publication with over forty talented and passionate staff members. In witnessing the growth of Mochi, we have learned a lot about you – ambitious, smart, multi-talented and curious girls – and, consequently, ourselves. And as Mochi continues to grow and reach out to more girls like you, we hope to keep learning.
Asian Sister Participating in Reaching Excellence (ASPIRE) is pleased to present the 2010 Asian American Women In Leadership (AAWIL) Conference on October 16th, 2010 celebrating the theme of “Discovering the Leader Within.”
The 2010 AAWIL Conference aims to encourage attendees to explore, learn, and flourish. This conference will challenge and support Asian American women to take a leap. Speakers will share their experiences on how they were able to discover themselves through new inspirations and experiences which allowed for change in their lives.
The Asian American Women in Leadership (AAWIL) Conference was started to set forth strategic dialogue on the importance of leadership for Asian American girls and women. Specifically, the conference is designed to: explore various aspects of leadership, particularly as it relates to Asian American women, evaluate the effectiveness of different leadership skills and styles, energize and equip attendees to seek out future leadership opportunities, create cross-generational networks among attendees that will extend discussions and relationships beyond the scope of the conference, and raise awareness about ASPIRE, its missions and value to Asian American girls and women. It is also the only conference for Asian American women of all ages on the east coast. Historically, our audience has ranged from high school students to professionals in their mid 30s. So far, we have been able to attract 150-200 attendees every year.
This year, the conference theme is “Discovering the Leader Within.” It will build upon last year’s theme of “Fearless Leadership: Taking Charge with Confidence” and aims to encourage attendees to explore, learn, and flourish. The conference will be held on October 16th, 2010 at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. All the information can be found online.
Asian American Election Protection and Poll Monitoring: Defending Asian American Voting Rights
General Elections — Tuesday, November 2, 2010. In past elections, Asian Americans have faced a series of barriers in exercising their right to vote. For example, poll workers were hostile and made racist remarks, poll sites had too few interpreters to assist Asian American voters, translated voting materials were missing or hidden from voters, and ballots were mistranslated listing Democratic candidates as Republicans, and vice versa. When the news media reported on election returns and the vote by specific groups, Asian Americans were often overlooked.
In response, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund has conducted a non-partisan survey of Asian American voters to document Asian American voting patterns. AALDEF has also monitored the elections for compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act, which mandates bilingual ballots and forbids anti-Asian voter discrimination.
On November 2, 2010, AALDEF and several other Asian American groups will be monitoring the elections and conducting non-partisan voter surveys at polling sites in Asian American neighborhoods in at least ten states. We need your help.
In 2008, over 1,000 volunteers polled more than 16,000 Asian American voters in eleven states. Volunteers are needed to administer a multilingual voter survey in 3-hour shifts and document voting problems on Election Day. Polls are generally open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There will be a one and a half hour training session for all volunteers. All volunteers must be non-partisan during the time that they help. To sign up, go to www.aaldef.net. Thank you!
For more information, contact:
Irene Jeon
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
99 Hudson Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10013
800-966-5946
info@aaldef.org
Asian American Literature: Discourses and Pedagogies
Special Issue on “Teaching Food and Foodways in Asian American Literature and Popular Culture”
Special Issue Guest Editor, Eileen Chia-Ching Fung
The topic of food has been a significant cultural icon for Asian American literature, films and other popular cultural venues and has gained increasing visibility in the mainstream publishing market and public media in recent years. This special issue invites scholars and writers to discuss how to approach teaching food and foodways within the contexts of Asian American literary, film, and cultural studies.
While the tropes of food and eating engage in complex sets of negotiations of individual, familial and communal definitions, they also invoke questions about Orientalism, internalized colonialism, commodification, and consumption. This issue aims to explore the social, political, and cultural paradigms generated by Asian American food narratives. We are especially interested in pedagogical works that explore ways to teach food writing, media representation, and popular culture about food.
These are some suggested questions and themes:
What are some characteristics and narrative strategies of Asian American food writings?
How does one teach analyses of eating and cooking as Asian American literary tropes?
How can one incorporate Asian American food memoirs, cookbooks or food shows as part of the Asian American Studies discourse and/or Asian American cultural studies curriculum?
What is the relationship between Asian American food texts and other American food narratives?
How do race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality shape food writing?
How can we explore themes of food tourism, food ethnography, food pornography, and food colonialism?
How does one offer critical readings and pedagogical strategies of teaching Asian/Asian American food writers, cooks, articles, or celebrities in multi-media including films, television, internet (i.e. blogs), and other public spaces?
All articles must be under 10,000 words, with a preference for shorter articles of 2,000-7,000 words. Please follow the most current MLA format. Inquiries for this Special Issue may be addressed to Dr. Eileen Chia-Ching Fung at fung@usfca.edu. Full final articles must be submitted by October 15, 2010 to http://onlinejournals.sjsu.edu/index.php/AALDP/index.
Following up on my recent post “Transracial Adoption from the Adoptee’s Point of View,” my former student and now colleague Gang Shik is organizing a Korean Adoptee Film Festival, “Journeys Abroad, Journeys Within.” It will take place Oct. 29-30 at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. You can click on the image below to view a full-size version:
As Gang wrote in his post that I reprinted, when the mainstream media talk about international and transracial adoption, too often the voices and experiences of the adoptees themselves are completely ignored or marginalized. Hopefully events like this will help educate everybody that the adoptees themselves have much to contribute toward the academic and personal understanding of this complicated issue.
September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Below is an historical summary and a few noteworthy statistics published by the Census Bureau for this occasion:
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
48.4 million
The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2009, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 16 percent of the nation’s total population. In addition, there are approximately 4 million residents of Puerto Rico, a Caribbean U.S. territory.
3.1%
Percentage increase in the Hispanic population between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2009, making Hispanics the fastest-growing minority group.
22.4 million
The nation’s Hispanic population during the 1990 Census.
132.8 million
The projected Hispanic population of the United States on July 1, 2050. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 30 percent of the nation’s population by that date.
66%
The percentage of Hispanic-origin people in the United States who were of Mexican background in 2008. Another 9 percent were of Puerto Rican background, with 3.4 percent Cuban, 3.4 percent Salvadoran and 2.8 percent Dominican. The remainder was of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or Latino origin.
27.4 years
Median age of the Hispanic population in 2009. This compared with 36.8 years for the population as a whole.
107
Number of Hispanic males in 2009 per every 100 Hispanic females. This was in sharp contrast to the overall population, which had 97 males per every 100 females.
47%
The percentage of the Hispanic-origin population that lived in California or Texas in 2009. California was home to 13.7 million Hispanics, and Texas was home to 9.1 million.
46%
The percentage of New Mexico’s population that was Hispanic in 2009, the highest of any state (New Mexico had 916,000 Hispanics). Hispanics also made up at least one fifth of the population in California and Texas, at 37 percent each, followed by Arizona (31 percent), Nevada (26 percent), Florida (22 percent) and Colorado (20 percent).
50
Number of the nation’s 3,143 counties that were majority-Hispanic.
2.3 million
The number of Hispanic-owned businesses in 2007, up 43.6 percent from 2002.
$345.2 billion
Receipts generated by Hispanic-owned businesses in 2007, up 55.5 percent from 2002.
35 million
The number of U.S. residents 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2008. Those who hablan español constituted 12 percent of U.S. residents. More than half of these Spanish speakers spoke English “very well.”
4
The number of Hispanic surnames ranked among the 15 most common in 2000. It was the first time that a Hispanic surname reached the top 15 during a census. Garcia was the most frequent Hispanic surname, occurring 858,289 times and placing eighth on the list — up from 18th in 1990. Rodriguez (ninth), Martinez (11th) and Hernandez (15th) were the next most common Hispanic surnames.
The following are announcements about academic-related jobs for those interested in racial/ethnic/diversity issues (listed in order of application deadline). As always, the announcements and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the organization or college involved.
Sociology, University of Dayton
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in sociology. We are seeking a Sociology Ph.D. with specialization in criminology and sociology of law to contribute to both the sociology and criminal justice studies majors (ABD will be considered). An ability to contribute to the interdisciplinary collaborations of the department is also desired. Candidates complementing the department’s focus on local and global communities and social justice are preferred. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience in teaching students from diverse backgrounds. This appointment begins August 16, 2011. Salary is competitive. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until October 15, 2010.
In order to complete your online application, you must attach a cover letter, your curriculum vita, and your statement of teaching philosophy. Copies of teaching evaluations and examples of syllabi and written work should be combined and attached to “other document.” Unofficial transcripts – graduate and undergraduate – may be combined and attached in one file in “transcripts.” Three original letters of reference should be mailed or emailed to: dsaswsearch@notes.udayton.edu.
SOC Search Committee
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1442
The University of Dayton, a comprehensive Catholic university founded by the Society of Mary (Marianists) in 1850, is Ohio’s largest independent university and one of the nation’s ten largest Catholic universities. The University of Dayton is firmly committed to the principle of diversity and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons of color, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Sociology, Radford University
Special Purpose (non-tenure track, subject to annual reappointment) Assistant Professor. We are seeking a student-centered applied sociologist to begin August 2011. Ability to teach introduction to sociology required; ability to teach at least two of the following three areas preferred: social psychology, race and ethnicity, inequality. Successful applicants will: have an established and active record of teaching, professional activities, and service; be committed to building community-university partnerships and student-centered education; share in the effective mentoring of sociology majors; work with the department continue and expand applied educational activities, such as internships, undergraduate research, and service learning; contribute to departmental assessment; and consistently and responsibly perform departmental committee service.
Doctorate in Sociology preferred (ABD considered). Applicants must provide a letter of application identifying interest and experience in applied educational activities and specifying areas of expertise, a current vita, recent teaching evaluations (if available) and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references. Please do not send additional materials at this time. Applications should be sent to: Dr. Carole Seyfrit, Chair, Department of Sociology, Box 6948, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142 or e-mailed to CLSeyfrit@radford.edu. Review of applications will begin October 1 and continue until the position is filled.
Radford University is a co-educational, comprehensive, state supported institution located in southwestern Virginia, 40 miles from Roanoke, with an enrollment of approximately 9,600 students. For more information visit our website. Radford University is an Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
Sociology, University at Albany, SUNY
The Department of Sociology at the University at Albany invites applications for a tenure track position to begin in fall 2011. The position is contingent on final budget approval. Salary is competitive. Successful candidates will specialize in one of the following two areas: (1) Our first priority is in demography. Rank is open but preference will be given to candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level with an established track record of external funding. Candidates are expected to contribute to the research agenda of the Center for Social and Demographic Analysis. (2) Our second priority is for a candidate at the Assistant Professor level who conducts qualitative and/or ethnographic research. The substantive area is open but we are especially interested in the area of culture, gender, or urban sociology.
Candidates must demonstrate excellence in research and exhibit a strong commitment to teaching and service. Applicants must have a Ph.D. from a university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization. They must address in their applications their ability to work with and instruct a culturally diverse population. Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference; finalists will be asked to provide additional materials related to research and teaching. Applications will be screened beginning October 1. The University at Albany is an EO/AA/IRCA/ADA employer. All materials should be addressed to: Search Committee, Department of Sociology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222.
Sociology & International Studies, Boston College
The Department of Sociology and the International Studies Program invite applications for a tenure track assistant professor position with a cutting-edge research program in any of the following three areas: immigration, global environmental sociology, or global social movements. Scholars with expertise in any geographic area of the world are invited to apply. Scholars with substantive interest in: gender, race, class, sexuality, or religion/religious communities are particularly encouraged to apply. The tenure line is housed in the Sociology Department. The position, which begins in the Fall of 2011, entails half-time teaching in International Studies, which is an undergraduate major, and half-time graduate and undergraduate teaching in the Department of Sociology.
Applications should be submitted electronically to socchair@bc.edu. Potential applicants should email one attached pdf document containing the following: a cover letter that describes your research and teaching accomplishments and plans, current CV, and 2 pieces of recent scholarship. Applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference, also in pdf format, emailed to the same address. These references should be named in the letter of application. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2010 and continue until the position is filled. Boston College is an Affirmation Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Applications from scholars of color and women are strongly encouraged.
Sociology, Loyola University New Orleans
The Department of Sociology has an anticipated opening for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning August 2011. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Sociology. The successful candidate will assume the primary responsibility of teaching courses in undergraduate research methods and statistics; all other specialty areas will be considered. The Department of Sociology has approximately 80 majors, seven full-time faculty members, and offers a BA in Sociology with optional concentrations in three areas: Global Sociology; Stratification and Inequality; and Crime, Law, and Social Control. The Department of Sociology also contributes courses to a number of interdisciplinary minors, including Environmental Studies, Women’s Studies, African and African-American Studies, Latin American Studies, Legal Studies, and the newly created minor in New Orleans Studies.
Candidates must submit evidence of the skills needed to teach both research methods and statistics at the undergraduate level well as examples of quantitative scholarship. In addition to teaching responsibilities, colleagues are expected to advise undergraduate students, participate in department, college, and university committees, and maintain an active involvement in scholarly activities, including publication and securing outside funding. Candidates must be committed to excellence in undergraduate liberal arts education. The department has a strong commitment to teaching students to think critically about social justice principles and their realization in the community.
Loyola University is situated in uptown New Orleans with an approximate enrollment of 4600 students. Loyola is a Jesuit university known for its academic excellence, its commitment to social justice and community service as well as its commitment to Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employment. Loyola University New Orleans welcomes applications from women and minority candidates. Salary and benefits are competitive. Applicants must submit a letter describing their teaching and research interests with a brief statement of their personal education philosophy, a current Curriculum Vitae, three letters of recommendation (to be sent directly by the referees), an official transcript, samples of scholarship, samples of course syllabi, and evidence of teaching success (e.g., evaluations). Submit applications to:
Dr. Sue Mennino, Chair, Faculty Search Committee
Department of Sociology, Box 30
Loyola University New Orleans
6363 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118.
Review of applications will begin October 15 and continue until the position is filled.
Social Movements and Social Justice, University of Southern California
The Department of American Studies & Ethnicity in the University of Southern California’s College of Letters, Arts & Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor with a research specialization that addresses the nature and evolution of U.S. social movements for economic, environmental, gender and/or racial justice. We are especially interested in scholars whose work is grounded in both theory and engagement with the social movements studied, and we are open to comparative, historical, and transnational approaches.
A broad range of graduate training specializations will be considered, including but not limited to American Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Urban Planning, and Feminist and Ethnic Studies. The position, beginning in fall 2011, will be in American Studies & Ethnicity, an interdisciplinary department, with significant opportunities to affiliate with campus research centers engaged in movement analysis.
USC strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. Women and men, and members of all racial and ethnic groups, are encouraged to apply. Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, one or two short writing samples, and three letters of reference to: Manuel Pastor, Chair of Search Committee, Department of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-4033. We will begin to review applications on November 1, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. A Ph.D. is required by the start of employment.
Sociology, Florida State University
The Department of Sociology at Florida State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position, effective August 2011. We seek applicants with a primary emphasis in Race & Inequality who can also contribute to one of our other program areas: Health & Aging, Demography, or Social Psychology. Applications should include a personal letter, curriculum vitae, three letters of reference, and a writing sample. Screening will begin November 1 and continue until the position is filled. All application materials should be sent electronically to Isaac W. Eberstein, Chair, Department of Sociology, using this address: sociology@fsu.edu . Florida State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and race/ethnic minority applicants are particularly invited.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Immigration, Cornell University
Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute for the Social Sciences, ISS Immigration Theme Project.
Post-doctoral research associates are sought for participation in an interdisciplinary project on Immigration: Settlement, Integration, & Membership. Applications will be accepted for a one-year position, beginning approximately August 15, 2011. The project is led by an interdisciplinary team exploring two broad themes: immigrant settlement and integration, particularly in new receiving areas, and immigrant inclusion and membership. The project, coordinated by the Institute for the Social Sciences, will sponsor a seminar series, visiting scholars, and opportunities for multi-disciplinary research collaboration.
Postdocs will have access to the full range of university resources and receive an annual salary of $50,000 plus health benefits. Applicants must have a Ph.D. by August 15, 2011; scholars who have completed their Ph.D.’s within the past five years will be considered. The application deadline is November 15, 2010. Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, a brief statement of research interests, a writing sample, and three reference letters by e-mail to socialsciences@cornell.edu . Cornell is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer; minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Details are at: ISS Immigration Project and Cornell Office of Postdoctoral Studies.
This is the second part of my list of best films, videos, and documentaries that focus on Asian Americans and are great choices for showing in introductory Asian American Studies classes (read Part 1 here). The following list is organized by topic and corresponds to the chronological order in which I discuss each topic in my “Asian American Experience” course. For each topic, I highlight the documentary (or for some topics, two or more) that I tend to show the most often, followed by other videos that I consider to be good choices for that topic as well.
Discrimination, Inequality, & Racism
As the name implies, this section focuses on the historical/contemporary examples and individual/institutional ways in which Asian Americans have been targets of racial discrimination, ranging from the Foreign Miner’s Tax, to the Chinese Exclusion Tax, the Japanese American imprisonment, and Vincent Chin’s murder, to name just a few.
A Dream in Doubt: This video chronicles the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi, an Indian American Sikh gas station owner in Phoenix who was shot to death by Frank Roque in the first hate crime murder committed after the 9/11 attacks. It’s a moving look at both the individual costs of hatred, along with how the criminal justice system responds to such a crime in an emotional time for the nation.
Lest We Forget: Another excellent video that connects the imprisonment of Japanese Americans after the Pearl Harbor attack with the incarceration and racial profiling of Arab and Muslim Americans after 9/11.
In this section, I focus on the issue of interracial dating and marriage, a hot-button topic for many Asian Americans. I explore the individual, family, community, and institutional factors that influence the choice of who a person dates or marries, with a particular focus on the issue from the point of view of Asian American males.
The Slanted Screen: A comprehensive review and critique of how Asian American men have been portrayed in Hollywood and by the mainstream entertainment industry and how such popular culture images have affected their status as potential husbands in American society.
Doubles: Japan and America’s Intercultural Children
None of the Above
Faith, Spirituality, and Religion
This section explores roles that faith, spirituality, and religion can play in the lives of Asian Americans, ranging from providing emotional stability, practical information and resource, and providing a bridge to the rest of American society.
“Muslim” episode of the reality TV show 30 Days (Season 1): Created by Morgan Spulock (the guy who made Supersize Me in which he only ate McDonalds fast food for 30 days), this particular episode involves a practicing Christian living with a Muslim American family for 30 days as he tries to find his own truth about what Islam is all about.
American Made: Not a documentary but rather, a short drama about a Indian American family and how temporarily getting stranded in the dessert leads to an intergenerational understanding of what it means to be a Sikh in American society.
This section highlights two sets of issues that have been marginalized or taboo in the Asian American community for too long — sexuality/sexual orientation and creative/artistic expression. I try to emphasize that in addition to achieving “material” goals related to education, jobs, and income, Asian Americans also need to recognize the value of other forms of living and personal expression that connect the individual with the community.
Na Kamaeli: The Men of Hula : This documentary follows Hawaiian American Robert Cazimero and his world-renown Halau Na Kamalei school of male hula dancing. As we watch their preparation for the prestigious “Merrie Monarch Hula Festival,” we see how he and his students challenge traditional gender and cultural stereotypes associated with hula dancing.
While it’s important to recognize how Asian Americans have been targeted for discrimination, it’s just as important to understand that through the years, Asian Americans have not just been passive victims. Instead, in this section, I describe how there is a long and proud history of activism and collective action within the Asian American community and how we have fought back to assert our rights as true Americans.
A Village Called Versailles: Just released earlier this year, this powerful documentary follows the Vietnamese American “Versailles” community of New Orleans and their efforts to not just physically rebuild their community after Hurricane Katrina but also empower it against an institutional legacy of marginalization and neglect.
In this final section of my “Asian American Experience” course, I reflect back on where Asian Americans have been and just as important, take a look at where Asian Americans, American society, and the world in general is going as we move forward into the 21st century and in particular, as we become more culturally diverse, globalized, and transnational.
Yellow Apparel: When the Coolie Becomes Cool: This hard-hitting documentary looks at the plusses and minuses of Asian/Asian American culture becoming commercialized and integrated into mainstream American popular culture.
American Made: This short film is the only non-documentary film that I show. It stars Kal Penn (of “Harold and Kumar” fame), Bernard White (from “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions”), Sakina Jaffrey, and Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney as an Indian American family whose car breaks down in the Arizona desert. As they ponder if anyone will stop to help them, the film explores the delicate question of what it means to be “American.”
The following are announcements about jobs for those interested in racial/ethnic/diversity issues. As always, the announcements and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the organization or college involved.
Sociology, University of Connecticut
The Sociology Department at the University of Connecticut invites applications for tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 23, 2011. The successful candidate will pursue rigorous research programs, contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching, provide service to the university and the profession, and seek external funds to support their scholarly activities. The typical
course load is two courses per semester.
Minimum qualifications for the position include: an earned doctorate in Sociology; possess strong quantitative skills; ability to teach quantitative research methods; and substantive research interests in at least one of the following areas of specialization: health and health care organization; work, stratification, or labor markets; environment; and racism and ethnic group relations. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
Preferred qualifications include the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience. Candidates may work at the University of Connecticut’s main campus in Storrs and/or the campuses at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Hartford. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with background, qualifications, and experience.
Applicants should visit Husky Hire to upload their curriculum vitae, a statement describing research plans and teaching interests, selected scholarly papers and publications, and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin September 6, 2010 and continue until position is filled.
Job Description:
The Projects & Events Assistant will assist the staff at the Institute for Asian American Studies with administrative tasks, and assigned special projects and events. Duties may include, but are not limited to, organizing events and meetings, providing administrative assistance on research projects, and providing support on a video oral history project.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have: excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent organizational skills; the ability to follow complex instructions, maintain efficient office procedures and work independently; experience working on projects and events. S/he should be able to function well in both community and university-based settings. Knowledge of Asian American issues and experience working with Asian American communities preferred.
Additional Information:
Among the procedures which may be used to select personnel to fill vacant positions are review of work experience, reference checks, and interviews. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. All appointments and promotions will be effective on a Sunday.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.
Classified. Union. Benefited.
Grade 15.
Part time: 50% time
Bi-weekly salary: $659.30
This is a one-year temporary position
Grant Funded.
Closing date for applications: September 13, 2010.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Southern Education Foundation
The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, GA seeks outstanding candidates to fill a Postâ€Doctoral Fellow Position. This is a 12 month position with two renewable terms. This position is dedicated to the advancement of higher education research, analysis, and programing intended to improve access to college and degree completion among lowâ€income and minority students. Candidates interested in this position should have working knowledge and genuine interest in Minorityâ€Serving Institutions and the students most likely to attend them.
Since 1867 the Southern Education Foundation, Inc. has been an organization with a timeless mission: To improve educational excellence and equity in the South. Today, in a more global society, SEF maintains a prime focus on the South as the poorest and least educated region of the U.S., yet it also works to improve education systems and opportunity nationally. SEF, as a public charity, aims to advance creative solutions to ensure fairness and excellence in education for all.
Through a variety of Preâ€Kâ€16 programs involving research, analysis, advocacy, technical assistance, and outreach, SEF works to:
Improve education policy and practice
Promote high quality education systems that are universal
Improve access to higher education and degree completion for poor and minority students
Enhance the capacity of higher education institutions dedicated to serving lowâ€income and minority students
Inform the public and policymakers about education issues and plausible policy solutions
Strengthen parent, school, and private sector efforts to better meet the needs of underachieving students
Completion of the doctoral degree in higher education, public policy, or a related field is required. Candidates should be no more than three years beyond completion of the doctorate. Candidates should have experience in conducting higher education research and reporting, competence in statistical and analytical research methods as well as experience with data collection, analysis, and report preparation. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively are also required.
Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current curriculum vitae; 3) academic transcripts; 4) writing sample or publication (other than a dissertation) and; 5) names and contact information of three references. Materials and inquiries should be addressed to: Dr. James T. Minor, Senior Program Officer & Director of Higher Education Programs; Southern Education Foundation, 135 Auburn Avenue; Second Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303. Materials may be sent electronically to Carmen Holman (cholman@southerneducation.org). Deadline for receipt of application materials is September 10, 2010.
Faculty Director, Institute for Global-Local Action and Study
Pitzer College invites applications and nominations for the tenure-line position of Founding Faculty Director of the emerging Institute for Global-Local Action and Study (I-GLAS). I-GLAS is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary curricular and research programs and activities that link the global and the local, and addressing key issues of globalization and its effects on communities and nations.
The Founding Faculty Director will provide strong academic leadership and vision for I-GLAS, infusing the College curriculum with critical community-based learning, research, and action initiatives that connect the global and the local, and encouraging faculty/student global-local research projects and new courses that build on the College’s successful community engagement and study abroad programs. He or she will also oversee the Institute’s budget, teach two courses a year related to global-local issues, and advise students.
The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline and have a strong record of research and teaching on global-local issues as well as extensive experience with community-based pedagogies, research, and intercultural education. In addition, he or she will have the intellectual expertise to engage with globalization as a multilayered, uneven, and contested process, complicated by race, social class, gender, sexualities, diasporas, immigration, and unequal citizenship. The Director will hold an endowed chair; the rank of this position is open.
Pitzer College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas and strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented social groups. We favor candidates who contribute to the College’s distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action. Pitzer College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. For the successful applicant with relevant interest, affiliations are possible with the intercollegiate departments of Africana Studies, Asian American Studies, Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies, and/or Women’s Studies.
To apply, send in PDF format, a letter of application, curriculum vitae, selected evidence of excellence in teaching and research, statement of teaching philosophy, statement on diversity, a description of your research, and three letters of recommendation (at least one (1) of which addresses your teaching effectiveness) VIA EMAIL to IGLAS_search@pitzer.edu. The deadline for applying is December 1, 2010 or until the position is filled.
