特集 地域研究の新地平 : 特集にあたって

Abstract

Under the title of "A New Horizon in Area Studies, " this inaugural issue contains an assortment of papers. It aims to outline the parameters that will shape the emerging field of Area Studies in the 21st century. Seeking freedom from stylistic restrictions, its pages include everything from papers to research notes to essays. This special edition contains both case studies and reflections upon the theoretical considerations inherent in Area Studies perspectives. One glance will reveal that its pages contain such topics as the place of village research within the field of Area Studies, considerations on Area Studies approaches to rural development, an innovative Area Studies perspective on the study of Islamic law, an activist epistemology in Area Study, ontological inquiries related to Area Studies, and so forth. In this sense, it can be said that this collection of nine papers shows a contour of Asian and African Area Studies. These nine papers, however, represent little more than small islands within the ocean of Asian and African Area Studies. Yet, this first edition is but a first step, and future editions will aim to present papers of all shapes and colors, covering a wide range of Asian and African Area Studies. Finally, since the Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies, Kyoto University is the inaugural body of this Journal, the nine contributors to the present special edition are all affiliated with this Graduate School. In future editions, it is hoped to bring together a wide range of contributors from across the world.