As a department, we're committed to hosting scholars from other institutions, sharing our work with one another and discussing history with the public. We hope you'll join us for one of our upcoming events.
November 8, 2018: “Disciplinary Nomadism: Observations on Researching Messy History, Law, and Society in 20th Century China," A talk by Neil Diamant, Professor of Asian Law and Society, Dickinson College
Scholars interested in the intersection of history, law, and society confront a vexing challenge: how do we deal with the demands of the historical profession—research in archives, attention to detail, extreme cautiousness about generalization and comparison—with the search for patterns, order and larger scale generalizations valued by the social science disciplines? In China-based research, this challenge is particularly acute because materials are often inaccessible and state-centric, and “law” as a concept and a set of practices and institutions not always easy to find. In this talk, Neil Diamant will discuss these challenges and offer methodological and stylistic strategies that can help bridge this divide.
Those interested are invited to read a chapter of Diamant’s 2009 book, Embattled Glory: Veterans, Military Families, and the Politics of Patriotism in China, 1949-2007, and a chapter of Elizabeth J. Perry’s Rebels and Revolutionaries in North China, 1845-1945 (Stanford 1980), which Diamant will discuss.
The talk will be held 4 – 5:30 pm Baldy Center conference room, 509 O’Brian.
Diamant will also be speaking on Friday, November 9, 12:15-1:30 Parker 214 (UB South).
The title of the talk is “The Expansion of Veteran Benefits in the 20th Century: How, Why and Where It Happened (Or Didn’t), An International Perspective.”
November 15, 2018: Brown Bag : Katie Smyser
Join us Nov 15, 2018 at 12:00 in Park 545 when PhD candidate Katie Smyser discusses her recent research in England. The Brown Bag series is co-sponsored by the Department of History and the Graduate History Association
December 4, 2018: Brown Bag: Shuko Tamao
Join us Dec. 4, 2018 at 12:00 in Park 545 when Shuko Tamao discusses the challenges and benefits to accessing sources which aren't in university archives and research centers.
