Leander Seah
Ph.D. Candidate (ABD)
tlseah78@yahoo.com
Education
Ph.D. Candidate in History, University of Pennsylvania (2005-Present, A.B.D. May 2007, expected graduation May 2011); Master of Arts in History, National University of Singapore (2003-2005, degree conferred March 2006); Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History, National University of Singapore (1999-2003, degree conferred June 2003)
Fields
Modern China, Modern Japan, Migration in World History
Research Interests
China and Southeast Asia (Chinese maritime activity, migration, education and intellectuals); Modern China (especially late Qing and Republican history); Modern East Asia (especially China and Japan); Diasporas (especially conceptual issues); Trans-Regional, Transnational, World and Global Histories
Dissertation Topic
"Conceptualizing the Chinese World: Jinan University, Nanyang Migrants, and Trans-Regionalism, 1900-1941"
Advising Committee
Personal Statement
When I was young, I was fortunate enough to visit historical sites in both Europe and Asia. These experiences highlighted to me the global extent of the past and its complexity. As a Singaporean of Chinese ethnicity, I am also interested in issues pertaining to modern China, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. I consider myself a historian of modern China who firmly believes in contextualizing Chinese history against the backdrop of a wider world. I have therefore focused on maritime China and Chinese migration in my research, have a strong background in world history, and am particularly interested in trans-regional and transnational approaches. I would be happy to share my dissertation abstract and full curriculum vitae upon request.
