From a global perspective, even using the term "empire" in relation to Japanese history is not just about the past but about modernity—colonial modernity—and its implications for the present. My talk will consider various recent trends in approaching the Japanese empire writ large. Particular focus rests on the enduring problem with many broader imperial studies' continued failure to examine and/or incorporate Japan's experience into their theoretical frameworks, which only perpetuates exceptionalist ideas about Japan as "different" from home pre-supposed norm.

Arif Dirlik is now an Independent Scholar living in Oregon. Arif Dirlik was Professor of History at Duke University from 1971 – 2001. He was then Knight Professor of History and Anthropology and Director of Center for Critical Theory and Transnational Studies at the University of Oregon. Dirlik is one of the leading experts on the political culture and party politics of the People’s Republic of China. He is the author of more than a dozen books on Chinese Communism, Revolution, Chinese Historiography, and historiography from such presses as Oxford, California, and Duke.

What are the elements of Japanese aesthetics and design?
How is the Japanese approach to creativity different from the American approach? How can you apply these principles to your daily life?

Nicole Constable is a professor in the Department of Anthropology and the director of the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Her latest book, Born Out of Place: Migrant Mothers and the Politics of International Migration was co-published by the University of California Press and Hong Kong University Press, and had its first official launch in Hong Kong in June. At this University of Pittsburgh book launch, Constable will speak on her work, and Shalini Puri (Department of English) and Lara Putnam (Department of History) will respond.

India Day 2014 takes place at Pitt on Sunday, August 17th. This year’s theme is The Glory of Punjab and Bhai Sucha Singh & Ashok Trivedi will serve as key speakers.

The day begins with a parade. Participants should gather at the Bigelow Boulevard side of the Cathedral of Learning at 11:45 AM, and the parade will begin at 12 noon.

At 1 PM, flags of India and the United States will be raised and a program of music and dance will begin!

Welcome to a new academic year at Pitt! Join the Asian Studies Center for a welcome reception, where you can learn about the Asia-related programming we offer, including certificate programs, courses from many departments across the university, and lectures and conferences throughout the year. You can also connect with student-run clubs such as the Origami Club and the Chinese Student Association.

Mr. Carliner, an American economist working for the EU Delegation in Washington, D.C., will join the Pitt community via videoconference from the EU Delegation in Washington to offer a talk focused on the E.U. and the future of economic regionalism. He will also answer questions about the nature of the Eurozone crisis, its resolution and its implications for the future of the EU.

Join the Pittsburgh community for a Japenese koto (13-string zither) concert by the talented Ms. Masayo Ishigure.

Masayo Ishigure Sensei, a Koto and Shamisen performer and instructor at the Sawai Koto Academy of New York, strives to bring Hogaku (Japanese Music) to the United States through her unique experiences in street performances and concerts in New York City. Alumni of the prestigious Sawai Academy, Ishigure Sensei has performed and recorded in many occasions in the U.S., including the soundtrack for “Memoirs of the Geisha”, by John Williams.

The African Studies Program, Asian Studies Center, Center for Latin American Studies, and Global Studies Center are delighted to celebrate this year's graduates at a joint graduation ceremony and reception!

All Spring 2014 graduates are invited to attend, as are faculty and friends. The dress code for this event is casual.

Graduates who plan to attend are strongly encouraged to RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/PittUCISGrad

One Night Only! The University Gamelan, directed by Andrew Weintraub, performs Bamboo and Bronze: Flute and Gamelan Music of West Java. Special guest artist and bamboo flute virtuoso Burhan Sukarma will perform on suling/bamboo flute. Kaitlyn Myers will lead members of the ensemble as they perform on Pitt's Gamelan Degung Ligar Pasundan. Ligar Pasundan is the name of the gamelan used for this performance and means "Fragrance of Pasundan." Gamelan degung refers to Ligar Pasundan's five tone tuning made up of both large and small intervals.