Ongoing research projects in Japan:
- Pragmatic Utopians: New Ideas about Environmental Sustainability from Rural Japan, explores landscapes, ideals and actions invoked at the grassroots about how to address environmental challenges related to food and agriculture, energy and pollution. A collaboration with Dr. Paul Jackson of St. Olaf College.
- “Democratic Ideals in Higher Education” investigates how professors teach democratic ideals through courses, seminars and co-curricular projects that directly engage students in the community and public affairs. Compares Japanese higher education practices to international discourse on active citizenship education. Interviews conducted in 2009-10 at eighteen Japanese universities and colleges thanks to support of Fulbright Research Fellowship.
- “Socialization of Japanese Youth” surveys youth about their understanding of everyday life, social ideals and good citizenship practices. Conducted in cooperation with Dr. Gill Steel, Doshisha University. 2013-15. 日本語で研究のレジメ
Prior research in Japan focused on immigration and national identity.
Image: Ten Explanatory Illustrations of the Constitution of Japan, from World Digital Library