Let's Manga

The Asian Studies Program of Bates College, a highly selective private liberal arts college located in south-central Maine, invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track position in Japanese and East Asian Studies to begin in Fall 2010. Ph.D. is preferred but ABD candidates will be considered. A native/near native proficiency in Japanese and English is required. A commitment to teaching language courses, as well as training and experience in Japanese language pedagogy are expected. The Program hopes to appoint a candidate with interests in both contemporary Japan and East Asia. Applicants with expertise in East Asian media, cultural studies, popular culture and/or social issues and Korean studies are invited to apply. Duties include courses in Japanese language and culture and topics that span contemporary East Asia. Review of applications will begin December 14, 2009 and remain open until the position is filled. For more information about Asian Studies at Bates, see our webpage (www.bates.edu/asia.xml). To apply, submit a letter of application, vita, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Candidates are also invited to submit scholarly manuscripts, course syllabi, teaching evaluations and a statement of teaching philosophy. Send materials to: Japanese Language and East Asian Studies Search Committee R2124 c/o Academic Services Bates College 2 Andrews Road 7 Lane Hall Lewiston, Maine 04240 Bates values a diverse college community and seeks to assure opportunity through a continuing and effective Affirmative Action Program.

I went to Bates from 1995-1999 and although I didn't study in the Asian Studies Program, I can only recommend you this small but great liberal-art college if you have an opportunity to go and teach there. Although the weather might be bit tough during the Winter for those who don't like the cold too much, it is a very cosy campus, with great infrastructures, a dynamic community, and really nice people working there. At least, these are the good souvenirs I have from my time there. But I have seen that they have developed a lot of things since I left, especially a strong bend for ecological issues and sustainable development initiatives. They also make it an everyday and personal duty to challenge each other intellectually and you are really required to give the best of you, which I find a very stimulating environment. At the same time, they have a good sense of collaboration, so they are also very supportive if you have good ideas!