Copying this for the image of "Data + Generative AI"

This is three months old, but I just came across it on LinkedIn...

George H. Kerr on a "Formosa Studies Program"

Came across this "Proposal for a Formosa Studies Program, with Comment" that George H. Kerr sent to Cheng-mei Shaw (蕭成美) on March 22, 1971. 

I record here, for your consideration, some alternative possibilities and ideas concerning a Formosa studies program.

These suggestions are made on the assumption that you will have between $25,000 and $30,000 to spend annually, for a period of five years, and that you are seeking a means to stimulate serious academic support for research and publication.

I. A "Formosa Studies Center", per se.

Under present inflationary conditions it would not be possible to establish a separate "Formosa Studies Center" in an important university for $30,000 annually. Salaries, operating costs, library acquisitions, and overhead must all be considered. (The Berkeley (U.C.) China Studies Center operates on an annual $250,000 budget, subsidized principally by the Ford Foundation.)

II. A "Formosa Studies Program" Within an Established China Studies Center or Department

The question of "Formosa" as distinct from "Chinese" studies rises at once. The introduction of a privately subsidized program within an established academic program would be difficult. University administrations must insist on the academic qualifications and standards applied throughout the institution, and preserve at least the appearance of "objectivity." The "Formosa"-"China" distinction at once takes on a political character at the present time.

III. Grants in Support of Formosa Studies Specialists

It may be feasible to offer scholarship or fellowship funds to an established academic research center or department with the proviso that they be used to support individual scholars seriously involved in Formosan studies. On the one hand, there could be no strings attached nor overt attempts to influence the recipients, and on the other, the continuity of the subsidy must be guaranteed for a specific period.

A variant on this would be the offer of scholarship support across the country, wherever first-rate graduate students are found whose faculty sponsors recommend them for grants. This, however, would inevitably expose them to charges of "bias" or of being "bought," no matter what the subject or the tenor of their conclusions might be.

IV. Support for a Formosan Specialist at Faculty Level

There may be faculties interested in having Dr. Peng Ming-min or other fully qualified specialists join them as Visiting Professors (in History, or Political Science, Law, etc.). If it were known that half the salaries or the full salaries would be met for a guaranteed period, there is some possibility here. With increasing public debate of the China issue, there is certain to be a rising interest in Formosa's role in it.

Since the bottom salary for a full professor at a major university is now say $20,000, this would mean a surplus available for an "outside" (non-university) secretary or aide.

V. An Independent Information Center and Publications Program

Failing a formal establishment within a university program, it might be useful to create a base adjacent to a major university (Ann Arbor, Palo Alto, Berkeley) at which a well-qualified staff would undertake to gather together accurate data, reproduce it in usable form and make it available to academic centers, political leaders, editors, etc.--the molders of public opinion.

This is definitely and obviously weaker and more vulnerable than a formal academic setup, but could perform a useful function. It will be identified as a "Formosa Lobby", and will be equated with the KMT "China Information Service". Nevertheless, by maintaining the highest possible standards of accuracy and candor, it would have a chance to win recognition and respect. It would certainly fill a need. 

Among its services would be a clearing-house agency for public speakers on the subject of Formosa and the Formosan Question. It could undertake to print up the full texts, synopses, digests or summaries of academic theses and dissertations concerning Formosa, giving them a circulation they do not ordinarily have and cannot expect.

To some extent this would overlap the function of the present Independent Formosa, and some understanding would have to be reached on this. It must establish an immediate reputation for accuracy and avoid obviously slanted material. It might produce occasional analyses of the present Taipei government, with accurate statistics and notes on Formosan leaders who must be considered in negotiations on the Formosan Question. It must present the case for Formosan leadership rather than attempt to denigrate or attack Nationalist leaders (that task will be done by others, I am sure, once the big debate begins).

A staff of two principals plus secretarial help could make a useful contribution. It is possible that some research projects could be farmed out to Formosan and other graduate students scattered over the country. Since all non-citizens are vulnerable these days, it would be an advantage to have the staff consist of American citizens, with one perhaps a naturalized Formosan and the other a native-born American. Both should have wide experience in the handling of research materials.

I'd be interested to know what became of this proposal. The University of Washington has an oral history interview of Cheng-mei Shaw (also known as Seng-bi Shaw) from 2017 that might mention this; I'll have to check that. I believe Shaw did support some Taiwan-related programs at various universities, but I can't find information on that right now. Any help would be appreciated!

Source of proposal: Okinawa Prefectural Archives, Folder GHK2G01001.

P.S. I'm struck by Kerr's comment that "all non-citizens are vulnerable these days"--we seem to be in the same situation nowadays. 

Third chapter draft finished!

I just emailed a draft of the third chapter I am working on to my partners. I am not confident in it, but at least it's done. Now I can focus on other things that I need to do, like preparing for the fall semester and pulling weeds in the front lawn. (My son's school bus will stop in front of our house this year, and I don't want his classmates to think that we're the Addams Family.) 

But first, to bed...

"What’s Next for Taiwan: Navigating New Diplomatic, Economic, and Security Dynamics"

I want to watch this when I get a chance. 

;

Still struggling...

I am close (I think) to finishing this chapter that I'm working on, and I really need to get it done asap so that I can prepare for my courses that start September 3. But instead of diving into some correspondence that I need to go over to write the last section, I keep adding to and tweaking other parts of the chapter. I think I'm scared of how much work it might turn out to be. But I've got to do it. What can this be called? It's not "writer's block" because it's not about the writing. Is there something called "reader's block"?  

New year's resolutions for the 2025-2026 academic year?

I see I did one of these last year about this time. I did do some reading, but I don't think I used the commuter rail time to read--think I was still doing Duolingo. 

Did some writing--got the revisions done to my GHK paper, which should be out by the end of the year (watch this space). As you know, I'm still working on the biography chapters, and that's going to be something that I'll be working on until at least December, I imagine. 

But I don't really know what to resolve to do this year. I don't know what to hope for, to be honest. Maybe I can resolve to get more sleep. I think I could use some more sleep. (Maybe it's not a good idea to make new year's resolutions when you're tired!)

AI vs. learning

I seem to be embedding LinkedIn posts a lot recently. Here's another one about AI that I like. I might bring it up in class.

One chapter to go, but feeling drained

I managed to finish a draft of the second chapter that I'm responsible for and sent it off on the 9th, but I haven't made much progress on finishing the third chapter. I have over half of it done, I suppose, but there are a few points for which I need to spend some time looking through and organizing some archival documents.

But right now I am not quite in the mood to work on this. Two days before I sent off the second chapter, I heard from my mother that her older sister passed away. Aunt Lucy (married to Uncle Erich, who died in 2014) was 102. When someone reaches that age, you simultaneously feel that she could go at any time and also feel that she will be around forever. Even though we saw her decline in the last year or so--and especially toward the end--it's hard to believe that she's gone. My mother, who talked to her on the phone almost every night for an hour for probably 15 years, has lost the last person with whom she could share--really share, not just talk about--all their childhood memories. And Aunt Lucy was like a second mother to me, especially when I spent the summer of 1985 (40 years ago!) with them in Allentown, working at the family jewelry and clock store. I didn't realize at the time that she was 62 years old (which would have seemed extremely old to me back then); she always seemed young and energetic, even years later when she was complaining about various aches and pains. To imagine (to witness, really) that she led an active life for another 40 years after that reinforces that feeling of almost surprise that she is gone.

I'm not sure how to finish this. I will try to get back to work on my writing now. More updates as needed!

One chapter down, two to go...

I sent to the other authors the first of the three chapters that I'm responsible for in the GHK biography. It's actually the second of the three, that covers Kerr's advocacy for Taiwan during the late 1940s-mid 1950s and the effects of McCarthyism on his academic career. It's interesting writing about this with a Taiwanese audience in mind because I have to make sure that I discuss the American historical context in more detail than I might have to with a US audience. (Then again, as I was reminded by a colleague, I should probably not expect the US audience to be that much more informed about the McCarthy era, unless they have studied it. I think folks today would consider it ancient history. Which they shouldn't, for some very pressing reasons... But I digress.)

The other concern I have is about my style/tone. It's going to be translated into Chinese, so I tried to write with that in mind, but I had some trouble figuring out how academic vs. how popular I should sound. I'm afraid I might have erred on the side of sounding academic. That might need some work depending on what the editors and publishers expect. To me, it's interesting stuff, but it might sound a bit dry and boring to readers. Perhaps I should spice it up a bit. I tried to include quotes from Kerr and others to bring their voices into it, but of course the results will depend on how it gets translated. 

One extended quote that I liked was from a political science professor at Stanford who was interviewed by the Civil Service Commission about Kerr's loyalty when Kerr was applying for a contract position at the Hoover Institute that was funded by the International Cooperation Administration. He appears to have responded rather testily to the interviewer's questions:

In the last few years I have been interviewed by Government Investigators at least three or four times concerning George Kerr. I have always given George the highest recommendation and my opinion of him has not changed since the last time I was interviewed about a year or a year and a half ago. If I had any reason to question him either securitywise or from the standpoint of loyalty, I would surely inform the proper government agency. 

I first met George while we were both assigned to the Formosa Research Unit at Columbia University while serving with the United States Navy around 1944. I have known him ever since. Last semester at Stanford University he taught a course in my department. He has been out at the University for a good number of years now. I think that any man who has served as a Naval Attache and a Vice-Consul for this government does not have to be investigated every time he turns around. 

George’s character, habits and morals are beyond reproach. He is completely honest and trustworthy and a gentleman of the highest integrity. I can only reiterate all the statements I have made in the past. I cannot question his loyalty to this country. I feel the government is lucky to get his services and I would recommend him highly for work involving our national security program.

I'd love to know who this was, but unfortunately, his name has been redacted. I suppose I could figure it out pretty easily, though, if I did a little searching to find out who was at Columbia and then went to Stanford. 

But I have those two other chapters to work on now... due 8/15! Wish me luck!

Source: James M. Murtha, investigator, Report of Investigation, George Henry Kerr, CSC [Civil Service Commission] Case Serial No. 5.22.55.5235, 2nd Regional Investigations Division (New York, NY: U.S. Civil Service Commission, Intermittently 24 June-12 July, 1955). (FOIA request).

Some possible language to use with students

I liked the language of "developmental editing" vs. "copyediting" from this. It might be a good way to explain to students why they have to do multiple drafts, rather than just saying that they have to do two drafts before the final draft. 

I'm still alive...

Just a note here to let all of my reader know that I'm still around. I've been working on my book chapter drafts, trying to crank out words words words and cite sources sources sources. There are some interesting things that I've noticed about my process (and then unfortunately forgotten) that I'd like to tell students about in the fall. 

I'm going to be teaching First-Year Writing, and I've decided to bring the students to NU's archives and special collections to try their hand at working with archival documents. I don't expect to turn them into historians (I'm not technically a historian myself, if I'm honest with myself), but as I said almost a year ago, I want to give them experience with a different kind of academic research (most of the students so far appear to be computer science or engineering majors). For that matter, perhaps they'll find some interesting points of similarity between the archival research process and research they're learning about in their own disciplines. Who knows?

Anyway, back to my own work. I have about 2 weeks to go before I have to submit my chapter drafts. Wish me luck!

"Rethinking Taiwan Workshop featuring Chia-Chiun Shih Chen, Hardy Stewart, Sarah Plovnick"

Need to watch this when I get a chance...

Chia-Chiun Shih-Chen (zh) is Shih Ming-teh's second wife (his widow). 

Finished reading Cold War Deceptions; now reading about Malaysia and Singapore

I've already written a bit about this book here and here, so I won't say much about it here. I'll just note that, yes, the last time I wrote about this book was back in March! That is how things have been going for me since then. Not a lot of time to read. 

I'm reading another book now, A Brief History of Singapore and Malaysia. It has been quite interesting, since I know next to nothing about those two countries. I was particularly interested in reading about their more ancient history and interactions with places like India and China. 

Summer 1 almost done! Question about writing for translation

Just a few days left with the two (!) Summer 1 courses I'm teaching. Although these are pretty intensive, cramming 14 weeks worth of work into 7 weeks, so far it has gone fairly smoothly. At first when I found out I was going to be teaching two different writing courses this term, I was a little horrified. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be; in fact, it was kind of nice to teach two different courses because there was some variety in the kinds of texts students were writing. 

I just finished talking with one group from my business writing course that dropped in during my virtual office hours. It was good to talk to some people from my class. These online asynchronous courses have their advantages, but the disadvantage is that you can go for an entire term without ever meeting your students face-to-face. At times, I've required it, but this summer, I didn't because the term went by so quickly and quite a few of the students are located in various places around the world. (And I always feel that some people might be taking an online asynchronous course precisely because they don't want to talk to the instructor for whatever reasons. So I guess I should honor that!)

After I finish my grading for this course, I have to get back to my 3+ book chapters that I need to finish by mid-August. Fortunately, these don't need to be completely polished, though I suppose they should be as complete as I can make them. Since they're going to be translated into Chinese, I don't have to spend as much time struggling over stylistic issues as I would usually do (believe it or not!). I just have to make sure the sentences are clear and easily translatable. Out of curiosity, have any of my reader(s) had to work like this before--writing something that is specifically meant to be translated? How does knowing that it will be translated change your approach to how you write the text? 

Four new books in the former native speaker's library

Leonard Blusse and Natalie Everts, eds. The Formosan Encounter: Notes on Formosa’s Aboriginal Society, A Selection of Documents from Dutch Archival Sources, vols. 1-4, Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, 1999-2000. 

The link above is to volume 1. After getting my copy of Christopher Joby's Christian Mission in Seventeenth-Century Taiwan, I decided the next step would be to get this collection. It has the documents in Dutch and English and runs from 1623 to 1668, which is basically the entire period the Dutch governed Taiwan. It has some nice illustrations and maps, too. 

I ordered the books from the Southern Materials bookstore in Taiwan; they got the books to the US fairly quickly, but then they languished in customs for about a week before they made their leisurely way to Massachusetts. The great efficiency of the U.S. government and postal system...

Anyway, I'll have to find some time to dip into these after I get all of my other things done. By then, I should be old and grey. (Wait a minute, I'm already old and grey!)

This is a nicely phrased reminder...

 

Another thought on prompting Claude to tell me how to prompt Claude

I wrote a post last month about prompting Claude for sources on a topic, getting fabricated sources, asking Claude why it fabricated sources, and then asking it for a better prompt that would get me unfabricated sources. My question to my loyal reader(s) was, Should I believe the reasons Claude gave me for why it fabricated sources, and should I trust its "improved" prompt? (Well, an easy way to test the latter question would be to try it out, but for some reason I haven't done that yet!)

My loyal reader who shares the excellent name of Jonathan said "no" to both of those questions, and this post on the Anthropic website (they're the makers of Claude, in case you don't know) seems to agree with him (h/t Leon Furze). If I understand this article correctly, whether or not Claude's explanation for why it fabricates is plausible (I probably shouldn't even call it an explanation, at least not in the traditional sense of the word), and whether or not the AI-generated prompt is useful (I suppose I should test it sometime), there's no intentionality behind the texts generated. That is, Claude isn't actually "trying" to give me a good prompt that will result in better sources, even if it in effect does. And if Claude gives an accurate representation of its "thought" process, it's an accidental result of whatever predictions it makes about what pieces of text would go together to generate something related to the words in the prompt. 

Hmmm...

Another new book in the former native speaker's library

Christopher Joby, Christian Mission in Seventeenth-Century Taiwan: A Reception History of Texts, Beliefs, and Practices, Brill, 2025.

This attractively bound (but super-expensive!) book made its way to me from Lahore, and unwrapping it from its tight multilayered plastic covering reminded me of when Kasper Gutman was tearing the layers of newspaper off the Maltese Falcon. 

Fortunately, I can confidently declare that it's not a fake, and I'm looking forward to reading it. The Dutch encounter with Taiwan is particularly interesting to me for its rhetorical dimensions, and Joby's book appears to address at least one side of it by discussing what rhetorical techniques Dutch and Spanish missionaries used to persuade (or coerce?) the Indigenous Austronesians in seventeenth-century Taiwan to adopt (or was it adapt?) Christianity.

But first I need to get back to work...

Three new books in the former native speaker's library

I'm trying to get some books with my professional development money before the fiscal year is over. No big trips abroad to give presentations, as I had last year. So the first bunch of books came this evening.

James Lin, In the Global Vanguard: Agrarian Development and the Making of Modern Taiwan, University of California Press, 2025. 

I mentioned this book in a post earlier today about his book talk. The book looks great--it even has some illustrations in color! I don't usually see that in academic paperbacks.

Shelley Rigger, The Tiger Leading the Dragon: How Taiwan Propelled China's Economic Rise, Rowman & Littlefield, 2021. 

I mentioned this book in a post from last Saturday when I was reminiscing about some changes I saw in Taiwan during my years there. It'll be nice to get into it and have some scholarly discussions to help deepen my own scattered observations. 

Clarissa Wei, with Ivy Chen, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, Simon Element, 2023. 

I haven't mentioned this book before, but I have been wanting to buy it for awhile. I am thinking about offering a short-term course at some point that would involve Taiwanese cuisine, and I might pair some of this book with the article I discussed a while back about cooking shows in Taiwan through the years. (And who knows? If I get up the nerve, we might even try some of these recipes!)

More books to come...

James Lin book talk, In the Global Vanguard

James Lin's new book, In the Global Vanguard: Agrarian Development and the Making of Modern Taiwan, is available now for purchase and for free download. I'll be getting my copy later today (I hope!). Meanwhile, here's Prof. Lin talking about his book.

He gives a few insights into his research process and challenges, as well. My favorite part is where he describes why he became a historian (at 53:50).