CANADIAN COUNCIL FOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES (CCSEAS) and the
CENTRE FOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES, ASIAN INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Invite Applications for an International Dissertation Workshop on
TRANSFORMING SOUTHEAST ASIA:MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES

Workshop Dates: October 16-18 , 2011. Applications Due: June 01, 2011

Convenors: Tania Li (Anthropology) and Amrita Daniere (Geography and Planning), University of Toronto

CONTEXT

The Canadian Council for Southeast Asian Studies (CCSEAS) and the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Toronto share the goal of promoting research and teaching that bring a multi-disciplinary perspective to the study of Southeast Asia and its component nations. They have jointly organized a dissertation workshop, to be run in conjunction with the bi-annual CCSEAS conference. The workshop will provide an opportunity for doctoral students working in different disciplinary traditions to receive critical, engaged feedback on their work-in-progress from fellow students and faculty who share an interest in this region. It will also develop capacities to speak and write across disciplinary boundaries.

WORKSHOP STATEMENT

Since change is a constant feature of social life, every dissertation project carries within it an implicit or explicit model of transformation. Whether one studies literature, politics, religion or economic development, a state of affairs before is contrasted with one that follows after, and a mechanism of transformation or set of causal factors is identified and explored. We propose to use the theme of transformation as a device for examining the theoretical, methodological and empirical stakes of the dissertation projects to be discussed intensively during the course of the workshop.

ELIGIBILITY

The workshop is intended for doctoral students whose dissertation projects concern aspects of social, cultural, political or economic transformation in Southeast Asia in the period 1800-2011. The purpose of the workshop is to encourage and assist doctoral students who are formulating research proposals, as well as those who are farther along in their projects. Possibilities for continuing networks among interested students and faculty will be explored. Applicants must be enrolled full time in a doctoral program. They must have drafted a dissertation research proposal, even though it may not yet be approved by their committees. They must be prepared to engage in some work prior to the meeting, namely reading and commenting on the proposals of other participants to set the ground for a productive exchange.

FUNDING AND ARRANGEMENTS

Funding for the workshop is provided by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council through the Canada Research Chairs held by Professors Rodolphe De Koninck, Université de Montréal and Tania Li, University of Toronto. The workshop will take place from 9am October 16 to noon October 18th on the campus of the University of Toronto. It will include twelve students and four faculty members. The costs of the workshop, meals, and two nights’ accommodation (October 16 and 17) will be covered. We can offer a few travel grants of up to $500, but applicants are encouraged to seek travel grants from their home institutions. If they are presenting papers at the CCSEAS conference (October 14-15), they may also be eligible for travel funds from the CCSEAS.

APPLICATION DEADLINE is JUNE 01, 2011; SELECTION DECISIONS ANNOUNCED JUNE 6, 2011

Applications consist of 1) A current curriculum vitae; and 2) A 500 word abstract of your dissertation proposal or dissertation outline. If selected for the workshop, you will need to submit your proposal/ work in progress by September 10, max 3000 words. Workshop participants will be selected on the content of the submitted projects, the potential for useful exchanges among them, and the benefits of including a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches and intellectual traditions. Send applications by email attachment to transforming.se.asia@gmail.com .