March 2024

Now & Then highlights UBC History news and events for students, faculty, staff & alumni

Faculty News

Behind the Camera: Japanese Women Photographers with Dr. Kelly McCormick

Since the introduction of the first camera to Japan in 1848, women have been integral to the social constructions of photography as a visual technology, art form, and commercial practice. In this editorial, Dr. Kelly McCormick, professor of modern Japanese history, discusses Behind the Camera: Gender, Power, and Politics in the History of Japanese Photography, an open-source and collaborative website that shares the history of women's participation in photography in Japan.

Image via The Squamish Chief. AnaBGD/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Protecting children online: How the new federal legislation aims to tackle online abuse

Via The Squamish Chief

Bill C-63 was introduced by the federal government in February to reduce online harms, including sextortion and online abuse targeting children. It is also intended to hold social media platforms accountable for creating a safer online space, especially for children. "...Just like a highchair should be safe, [other] products children use should be safe," comments Dr. Heidi Tworek (History; SPPGA). "It's a question of what does that look like in the digital realm." 

Student News

MA Student Noah James Awarded 2023 Conway Travel Scholarship in German History

Congratulations to MA student Noah James on winning the 2023 Conway Travel Scholarship in German History. The Conway Travel Scholarship was endowed to UBC History by Professor Emeritus John Conway to commemorate 38 years of teaching in the Department. It is offered to Honours or Graduate students in History or International Relations, who have a keen interest in the history of Germany. Learn about Noah's research and summer plans in this announcement.

History Department Events

Buried Histories with Dr. John Roosa

April 2, 2024 | 12:00 pm PT | Buchanan Tower 1112

The UBC History Empires and (Post-)Colonialisms in the Asia-Pacific Cluster is pleased to invite you to a seminar with Dr. John Roosa on his latest award-winning monograph Buried Histories: The Anticommunist Massacres of 1965-1966 in Indonesia. This seminar will be held on Tuesday April 2, 12:00-1:30 pm in Buchanan Tower 1112. Lunch will be provided. See event page for registration details.

UBC History Colloquium | Secondary School History in BC: The State of Things

April 4, 2024 | 12:30 PT | Buchanan Tower 1112

The History Colloquium Series brings together scholars who are exploring important methodological, chronological, or geographical issues that challenge the frontiers of our discipline. As part of the Series, we are pleased to invite you to a talk by Dr. Penney Clark (Professor and Deputy Department Head, Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy, UBC Faculty of Education). Dr. Clark will discuss the chief aspects of the history component of the British Columbia social studies curriculum, selected findings of the recent National Youth Survey, and challenges associated with the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledges into the curriculum.

Register for the event

2024 Burge Lecture | Blood, Borders, and Diaspora's Horizons with Dr. Rachel Leow

April 16, 2024 | 5:00 pm reception, 6:00 pm lecture| UBC Asian Centre

The UBC History 2024 Burge Lecture will feature a talk by Dr. Rachel Leow (University of Cambridge). Entitled "Blood, Borders and Diaspora's Horizons: Chinese Entanglement in the Southern Seas," Dr. Leow's talk aims to bridge historiographical and disciplinary chasms that separate China and Southeast Asia as distinct entities. She will be presenting virtually. The Burge Lecture is an annual endowed lecture organized by the History Graduate Students Association and made possible by a generous donation from UBC alumnus William Burge. Register to attend this year's Burge Lecture.

Register for the event

UBC Community Events