[KS] Does "the Orient" still exist?

[CHIRKOV D S]

Greetings,

Tikhonov writes that "The faculty I graduated from in St-Petersbourg, 
remains "Oriental" - and, I guess, will not change the name."

What, however, proves the point that "oriental" is an imperialist 
vestige, is the fact, that in St.-Petersburg, there is not simply an 
Oriental Studies Faculty, but a Faculty of Oriental and African Studies 
(!).

What brings scholars to intellectually group Korean Studies with 
Persian, African, and Georgian is clear: a Russian attempt to mimic 
European modes of education.

It is ironic to note, that until recently, Europe considered that 
Russia itself, is, the Orient.

It is high time that one of the largest countries in Asia - Russia - 
take steps to integrate itself into the East Asian context. Removing 
outmoded distinctions based on a colonial understanding of the world is 
in order.

Regards,
Chirkov.
dchirkov (at) fas harvard edu
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