About
Norman Smith is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Guelph, holding the University Research Leadership Chair. His work focuses on modern China, Chinese women's history, and Manchuria/Manchukuo. A graduate of the University of British Columbia (Ph.D., 2002), he has held positions at Oxford University (Postdoctoral Fellow, 2004), University of Washington (Post-Doctoral Fellow, 2004), and lectured at University of British Columbia (2001-04) and Douglas College (2000-03).
- Ph.D., University of British Columbia (2002)
- M.A., University of British Columbia (1996)
- B.A., University of British Columbia (1994)
Smith's research investigates Japanese occupation of Manchuria (1931-45), particularly through cultural production, women's experiences, and substance use dynamics. He has translated and analyzed primary sources from Manchukuo, East China, and North China, emphasizing non-binary historical narratives and marginalized perspectives.
His recent publications include monographs like The Stupefaction of Manchuria (2022) and edited volumes such as Translating the Occupation (2021), which complicate understanding of Japan's invasion of China. Articles span topics like winter health practices (2017), gender regulation during occupation (2004), and feminist resistance in Manchukuo (2006).
Scientific awards include:
- 2023 – 'Ten Books from China and About China' (Russia)
- 2013 – University of Guelph College of Arts Teaching Excellence Award
- 2013 – Gourmand Wine Books Award (Drink History)
- 2009 – Canadian Women's Studies Association Book Prize
Funding from SSHRC has supported projects including 'Cultivating Morality in Manchukuo' (2014-21) and 'Addiction on the Northern Frontier' (2006-10). He contributes to graduate supervision in modern China studies and has mentored collaborative research with scholars like Craig A. Smith and Annika Culver.
