Group Members: Nina Wakabayashi, Ashley Qian, Huizi Cao
Our Mapping Layers project is dedicated to unearthing and presenting the rich historical narratives of Carleton College’s Japanese maps. By digitizing, translating, and analyzing these documents, we will reveal the strategic intentions, colonial narratives, and cultural representations embedded in these historical artifacts—and create an interactive digital archive accessible to researchers, students, and the public.
Shared Values & Goals
Academic Excellence: We are committed to producing rigorous, high-quality research that preserves the historical authenticity and depth of the maps.
Collaboration & Respect: Every team member’s perspective is valued. We practice open dialogue, active listening, and mutual support throughout our project.
Innovation & Accessibility: Our goal is to transform rare historical maps into a dynamic digital archive, using interactive tools (Omeka/WordPress) to make these resources accessible to a wide audience.
Cultural Sensitivity: We honor the historical and cultural contexts within the maps by ensuring respectful, accurate translations and contextual interpretations.
Team Expectations
Timeliness & Active Engagement: Each member will meet agreed deadlines and proactively communicate any challenges. Regular participation in meetings, discussions, and feedback sessions is essential to our collaborative process.
Quality Assurance & Constructive Feedback: We strive for excellence in every deliverable—from data gathering to the final presentation. All critiques should be respectful and aimed at improving the overall quality of our work.
Communication Strategy
Weekly Meetings: Regular check-ins to discuss progress, upcoming tasks, and any concerns.
Digital Channels:
Message: For daily communication and quick updates.
Email: For formal updates and documentation.
Shared Workspace: All documents, drafts, and data will be stored on a shared Google Drive for transparent access.
Review Sessions: Periodic feedback loops will ensure that every aspect of our work aligns with our project goals.
Handling Disagreements
Open Discussion: We will address differing opinions openly and respectfully.
Consensus Building: In the event of disagreements, we will work together to understand all viewpoints and reach a consensus.
Mediation: For persistent conflicts, we will hold a dedicated discussion session with all members present to find a balanced solution.
Documentation: All decisions and resolutions will be recorded to maintain clarity and prevent future misunderstandings.
Division of Responsibilities
Core Deliverables
- Final Project Pitch (Proposal) – Nina: Develop and present the project proposal/pitch, outlining the vision and scope of Mapping Layers.
- Final Project Charter – Huizi: Prepare, update, and maintain this team charter to guide our collaborative process.
- Final Project Source Documentation – Ashley: Document all sources and methodologies used throughout the project, ensuring comprehensive archival records.
- Final Project Update – Ashley: Provide regular updates on project progress, highlighting key milestones and adjustments as needed.
Data Visualization & Analysis Components
- Translation, Recogito – Nina: Oversee the translation of Japanese text and integrate annotations using Recogito, contributing to the digital visualization of the maps.
- Interpretation – Huizi: Analyze translated content to identify key themes and provide interpretative insights.
- Research on Japan and Manchuria – Ashley: Conduct in-depth research to contextualize the maps within the broader historical narratives of Japan’s actions in Manchuria and related colonial dynamics.
Collaborative Deliverables
- Final Project Website and Presentation – Everyone: Collaboratively design and build the interactive digital archive (using Omeka or WordPress), and develop the final presentation that ties together all project elements.
Strengths & Areas for Growth
Nina:
- Strengths: Demonstrates outstanding project coordination and multilingual translation skills, which are key to bridging language gaps and ensuring accurate interpretation of historical texts.
- Growth Areas: Enhance technical expertise in digital visualization tools to create more engaging and interactive presentations.
Ashley:
- Strengths: Excels in data collection, external communication, and meticulous source documentation—ensuring our project is well-supported by reliable archival data.
- Growth Areas: Further develop proficiency in digital archiving techniques and advanced image capture methods to produce high-resolution, detailed reproductions of historical maps.
Huizi:
- Strengths: Possesses advanced analytical acumen, essential for interpreting complex historical narratives and uncovering key themes within the maps.
- Growth Areas: Expand expertise in interactive digital platforms and deepen historical research skills to enrich the project’s interpretative quality.
