I seek proposals for a session entitled “Interactive Dimensions between Transatlantic and Transpacific American Studies,” a session to be incorporated into the World Congress of International American Studies Association (IASA) to be held in Lisbon (University of Lisbon), Portugal, September 20-23, 2007. Send 300-word abstracts to Professor Tatsushi Narita at tinarita@hum.nagoya-cu.ac.jp by December 25, 2006. [The arrival of submissions much earlier than this date greatly appreciated.]

“Transpacific” American studies appears to have been marginalized despite an indispensable role it is expected to play. Even the prevalent sphere of Transatlantic studies would seem needing redirection. This seminar addresses those issues which underlie both of admirable Transatlantic studies and emerging Transpacific studies. The crucial point is: In what way does Transatlantic studies give serious impact on Transpacific studies? And vice versa, obviously: Does Transpacific studies in a state of ferment generate impetus for redirection of the prevalent Transatlantic studies? This seminar seeks those theoretical and particular explorations which answer directly or indirectly to either of the two crucial questions posed. Topics of this seminar include, but are not limited to:
• Theorizing of transpacific studies in connection with transatlantic studies
• Enhancement of Transatlantic studies by introducing part of Transpacific studies.
• Enhancement of Transpacific studies and its role in relativizing the academic situation of prevailing Euro-American studies
• “Asia Pacific” and “Euro-American Atlantic” relations
• An exploration of “Transpacific Columbus”
• The historical roles of Transpacific Spanish Galleon Trade and Transatlantic explorations
• Ragtime, jazz and others and Transoceanicity
• Explorers and their Transoceanic encounters
• Transoceanic men of letters (like William Dampier, James Cook, and Lafcadio Hearn)
• Movies/Comics/Haiku and transpacific and transatlantic encounters

*Abstract Submission Deadline: December 25, 2006
*300-Word Abstract to be Submitted to: tinarita@hum.nagoya-cu.ac.jp
*Seminar Organizer: Professor Tatsushi Narita, Nagoya City University