Under the main topics "knowledge," "power," and "prestige," the participants of the workshop and the conference will deal with formal and informal education and the education system in modern and contemporary China. In terms of knowledge, the participants will discuss how the education system has contributed to the emergence of new forms and norms of knowledge in Chinese society as well as the role these forms of knowledge take on in the modernization process in China. Under the key word "power," they will examine which power relations exist between old and new forms of education, between local and foreign influences, and between state and individual. Under the term "prestige," they will discuss which social, cultural, and political circumstances contribute to the fact that in China, more and more individuals are striving not only for education, but in particular, for prestigious education. They will discuss the individual and social implications of this phenomenon.

Both the workshop and conference will be attended by well-known researchers as well as by more junior scholars who work on various topics concerning education in modern and contemporary China. The younger researchers will have an opportunity to present their work to respected scholars, to obtain suggestions and constructive criticism in an interdisciplinary discussion, and to establish contacts for future collaborations.

Time and Location

• Friday, October 10, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chinese Studies, Ehrenbergstraße 26-28, Lecture Hall 009, 14195 Berlin; train station: S-Bahnhof Berlin-Lichterfelde-West (S1)