Contact zones and the making of chemistry education in Meiji Japan
In this presentation Dr Yoshiyuki Kikuchi will talk about how the interaction between Western teachers and Japanese students – “contact zones” – had a strong impact on knowledge-making and pedagogical practices.
Presentation by Dr Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (Affiliated fellow, IIAS)
The making of techno-scientific higher education in Meiji Japan (1868-1912) is a fascinating case of global cross-cultural exchanges and dialogues. To appreciate as such in its full richness, however, requires a departure from a deep-rooted historiographical assumption about modern Japanese science. That is to measure the success of its educational ventures in terms of their ‘genuineness’, i.e. correspondence to Western counterparts. Focusing on quintessential techno-science, chemistry, Dr Kikuchi discusses a variety of examples such as Tokyo University, the Imperial College of Engineering, Tokyo and the Imperial University where there were varied degrees of hybridization with traditional manufacture such as sake brewing and pigment making for porcelain and textile. He argues that the place where Western teachers and Japanese students interacted – “contact zones” – had strong impact on knowledge-making and pedagogical practices.
Every third Wednesday of the month one of the IIAS researchers will present his/her work-in-progress in an informal setting to their colleagues and other interested attendees, followed by a lunch provided by IIAS. These lunch lectures are organized to give the research community the opportunity to freely discuss ongoing research and to exchange thoughts.
Lunch is provided. Please register using the form below.