Asian Studies Seminar Series: Derek Kramer In brief Date - 20 November 2024Venue - Project Room 1.06, 50 George SquareSpeaker - Dr Derek Kramer (University of Sheffield)Title - Flying for the Future: Symbolism, Sovereignty, and Science in Early Cold War Korea About the eventThis is a study of how Cold War science culture found expression through symbols of sovereignty. By focusing on the arguments surrounding the introduction of North Korea’s Republican Flag, it attends to the specific role of science in the marshaling of postcolonial political authority. Rather than understand science as simply a mode of knowledge production, the topic is approached as a universalising discourse generative of political authenticity.This latter expression of the field facilitated the popular circulation of North Korea’s new national banner. Officially adopted by Pyongyang in 1948, the creation and composition of this flag has generally been understood as an expression of Soviet influence or North Korean state power. However, by examining introductions and early use of this new banner, this talk argues that this symbol of sovereignty resonated due to the scientific significance attributed to the marker.About the speakerDr Derek Kramer is a Lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Sheffield. His research and teaching focus on modern Korea, the global Cold War, and the history of science in East Asia. Through a comparative and complementary approach, his work aims to place both the peninsula and the region within the broader structures of global history.Prior to taking up a position in Sheffield, Dr Kramer held research posts at Korea University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He obtained his degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto in 2021. Portions of Dr Kramer’s research have appeared in publications such as the Journal of Asian Studies, the International Review of Social History, and positions: asia critique.At present, he is developing a monograph that explores the cultural and intellectual responses to the atomic age in early Cold War North and South Korea.How to attendThis event is free to attend and open to all. No registration is required, simply turn up on the day.Are you interested in studying with us?We are the only university in Scotland to offer full undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in both Chinese and Japanese, as well as postgraduate programmes in Korean Studies and East Asian Studies. Find out more about Asian Studies at Edinburgh Nov 20 2024 16.00 - 18.00 Asian Studies Seminar Series: Derek Kramer An in-person talk by Dr Derek Kramer (University of Sheffield), titled 'Flying for the Future: Symbolism, Sovereignty, and Science in Early Cold War Korea'. Project Room 1.06 50 George Square University of Edinburgh EH8 9LH Find the venue: 50 George Square
Asian Studies Seminar Series: Derek Kramer In brief Date - 20 November 2024Venue - Project Room 1.06, 50 George SquareSpeaker - Dr Derek Kramer (University of Sheffield)Title - Flying for the Future: Symbolism, Sovereignty, and Science in Early Cold War Korea About the eventThis is a study of how Cold War science culture found expression through symbols of sovereignty. By focusing on the arguments surrounding the introduction of North Korea’s Republican Flag, it attends to the specific role of science in the marshaling of postcolonial political authority. Rather than understand science as simply a mode of knowledge production, the topic is approached as a universalising discourse generative of political authenticity.This latter expression of the field facilitated the popular circulation of North Korea’s new national banner. Officially adopted by Pyongyang in 1948, the creation and composition of this flag has generally been understood as an expression of Soviet influence or North Korean state power. However, by examining introductions and early use of this new banner, this talk argues that this symbol of sovereignty resonated due to the scientific significance attributed to the marker.About the speakerDr Derek Kramer is a Lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Sheffield. His research and teaching focus on modern Korea, the global Cold War, and the history of science in East Asia. Through a comparative and complementary approach, his work aims to place both the peninsula and the region within the broader structures of global history.Prior to taking up a position in Sheffield, Dr Kramer held research posts at Korea University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He obtained his degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto in 2021. Portions of Dr Kramer’s research have appeared in publications such as the Journal of Asian Studies, the International Review of Social History, and positions: asia critique.At present, he is developing a monograph that explores the cultural and intellectual responses to the atomic age in early Cold War North and South Korea.How to attendThis event is free to attend and open to all. No registration is required, simply turn up on the day.Are you interested in studying with us?We are the only university in Scotland to offer full undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in both Chinese and Japanese, as well as postgraduate programmes in Korean Studies and East Asian Studies. Find out more about Asian Studies at Edinburgh Nov 20 2024 16.00 - 18.00 Asian Studies Seminar Series: Derek Kramer An in-person talk by Dr Derek Kramer (University of Sheffield), titled 'Flying for the Future: Symbolism, Sovereignty, and Science in Early Cold War Korea'. Project Room 1.06 50 George Square University of Edinburgh EH8 9LH Find the venue: 50 George Square
Nov 20 2024 16.00 - 18.00 Asian Studies Seminar Series: Derek Kramer An in-person talk by Dr Derek Kramer (University of Sheffield), titled 'Flying for the Future: Symbolism, Sovereignty, and Science in Early Cold War Korea'.
