The Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia is pleased to invite you to the 2021/22 Yip So Man Wat Lecture with featured speaker Professor Ban Wang of Stanford University. The two-day event features a lecture with the subject “Going against the World by Joining It: Modern China’s Quest of Cosmopolitanism” on April 5, and a research seminar with the subject “Lu Xun’s Critique of Techno-Scientific Modernity” on April 4.
Focusing on tensions and connections between national formation and international outlooks, this talk shows how ancient visions persist even as Chinese modernizers and revolutionaries adopted and revised the Western nation-state form. The concept of tianxia (all under heaven) and datong (great harmony) have been updated into outlooks of global harmony that value unity, equality, and reciprocity as the key to overcoming interstate conflict, national divides, and social fragmentation. The talk will delve into two ongoing debates: on the embrace of the West vs. aspirations for a common world, and on the difference between liberal cosmopolitanism and socialist internationalism.
Lecture: Going against the World by Joining It: Modern China’s Quest of Cosmopolitanism
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 5:00pm (PDT) Reception, 6:00pm (PDT) Lecture
Location: Asian Centre Auditorium, 1871 West Mall, Vancouver (Live-streaming is also available)
Research Seminar: Lu Xun’s Critique of Techno-Scientific Modernity
Date and Time: Monday, April 4, 2022, 4:00pm (PDT)
This event is free & open to the public! More information and RSVPs here.
About the Yip So Man Wat Memorial Lectures:
The Yip So Man Wat Memorial Lectures are made possible by the generous support of Messrs. Alex and Chi Shum Watt in honour of their mother, the late Mrs. Wat, and her passion for Chinese literature and culture. Please visit the full lecture list here.