Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Trans-Asia as Method: Theory and Practices (Asian Cultural Studies: Transnational and Dialogic Approache)

This rich collection of essays offers a multi- and inter-disciplinary discussion of "trans-Asia" approaches from critical theory, historical studies, cultural studies to film studies. In doing so the authors lay down the groundwork for a more inclusive knowledge-production and fruitful transnational collaboration. The authors engage with the implications of "trans-Asia" using a range of empirical cases. At the heart of the book is a desire and attempt to give a grounded understanding of what "trans-Asia" approaches are by examining human mobilities, media culture flows and connections across Asia and beyond in four key aspects: cross-border flows and connections; inter-Asian comparison and referencing; transnational and de-nationalized approaches; and cross-border collaboration. Review As the editors state from the outset, the purpose of this collection is to advocate an intellectual move away from Eurocentric modes of theorizing (p. xv), explaining further the flaws of Eurocentric theory in the introduction and proposing trans-Asia methodology as a potential substitute. . . Nine essays explore a diversity of what trans-Asia might mean as a theory or practice, ranging from a general recognition of the values of globalization to the ways in which cultural productions and material culture can be employed to transcend a nationalist model of identity to become trans-Asian. . . Scholars of theory and method will likely find this study valuable for its insights. . . Overall, the editors and authors deserve credit for seriously considering trans-Asian alternatives to Eurocentric models for further investigation. In that regard, Trans-Asia as Method achieves its purpose. Summing Up: Recommended. . . Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.-- "Choice" About the Author Gladys Pak Lei Chong is Assistant Professor of Liberal and Cultural Studies at the Department of Humanities and Creative Writing at Hong Kong Baptist University.