2018-2019 Spring Term Lectures

Area Studies: Origins, Dilemmas, Key Concepts and Future Development Lecture Series

Topic: Area Studies: Origins, Dilemmas, Key Concepts and Future Development
Speaker: Tim Niblock, Professor of the University of Exeter

Overview:

This series of 8 lectures begins by examining (in the first three lectures) when, how and why Area Studies first developed; the stages through which it subsequently developed; and the methodological and conceptual debates which have surrounded its development. This part will lead up to an analysis of where we are today and what the key issues are. The context of this analysis will be made specific to Tsinghua’s Institute for International and Area Studies – what this contributes to the field, and what the opportunities are for the Institute to develop and lead an important new global initiative in Area Studies.

Lectures 4-7 focus on four specific themes in area studies, seeking to convey perspectives relevant to the 6 regions covered by IIAS: South-East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The four lectures cover the impact of colonialism and Western hegemony; the role played by identity and historical heritage; the interplay between regimes, societies and economies; and the social and political effects of regime/state failure.

In all lectures, emphasis will be placed on interactive consideration of the topics. In the first hour, the lecturer will present his own analysis of the topic. In the second hour those presenting will be expected to give their reactions to the key issues which have been presented. In Lectures 4-7, specifically, those working on specific regions will be asked to give views relevant to their countries/regions of study.

Chinese Studies Forum Lecture Series

Professor Liu Dong in the Academy of Chinese Learning, Tsinghua University, planned and carried out a series of lectures entitled “Chinese Learning Forum” in the spring semester of 2019.”