300112 Postcolonialism and China (S) (WiSe 2015/2016)

Postcolonialism is a perspective mainly developed in humanities and history that also started to influence sociology recently. This perspective tries to overcome the eurocentric bias in social science and humanities.
The seminar will focus on two questions: First, are concepts developed in postcolonial theories useful to understand the social change in China from 19th century until today? Second, which role does the historic legacy of colonialism play in shaping the culture and institutions of economic reform in China today?
In the seminar we will use topics related to trade, economy and consumption to discuss the entanglement of economy, politics and culture as well as the entanglement of what was traditionally perceived as singular states or economies.
We will read theoretical and programmatic essays on postcolonialism as well as empirical studies that are related to these theories. The empirical texts include historical and sociological studies that will allows students to understand the historic development and path-dependence of present Chinese society – and the role colonialism and colonial discourses played and continue to play in it.

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

Background knowledge on China or Postcolonial Theory is welcomed but not necessary.