This course explores twentieth-century Chinese history through the lens of “violence,” examining revolution, conflicts, and rebellions that defined the era. We will investigate the nature of violence, drawing theoretical insights from China’s historical and cultural grounds. Rather than focusing solely on overt brutality, we will analyze the subtle imprints of violence in practices, memories, and cultural expressions. Students will explore how violence relates to the deprivation of cultural and social subjectivities amid political conflicts and how these subjectivities are reflected in diverse sources, including court records, government documents, and memoirs. The course highlights how various forms of violence—beyond political violence—shape individual and societal experiences, both firsthand and memorially. Through critical readings, case studies, and debates, we will examine key historical and contemporary issues, such as state violence, political movements, and evolving legal frameworks. My goal is to create a dynamic, inclusive environment where your perspectives enrich our collective exploration.
Readings and discussions will be conducted in English. Written assignments may be submitted in English or German.
- Enseignant: Man Zhang