The New French Sinology

Sinology is almost a "French invention". Yet, despite the considerable increase in interest in this discipline in recent years and its current state, many efforts are still needed to meet the challenges of its development in France. Beyond the difficulties linked to the current situation in China, on the French side the lack of necessary resources, institutional constraints that encourage the compartmentalisation of research, and the insufficient exchanges between researchers are all factors that hinder its advancement.

With the aim of strengthening exchanges between researchers, particularly those of the younger generation, this bimonthly seminar seeks to offer them a platform to present their work. The seminar is intended as a place of intellectual encounters where the diversity of approaches and themes can contribute to a better understanding of developments and issues relating to China in France.

The term "sinology" may today appear somewhat outdated in the eyes of some. The controversies surrounding the designation of the discipline, opposing this term to that of “Chinese Studies”, as well as the ideological and intellectual implications this entails, are also acknowledged.

However, the choice to use this term is not only intended to perpetuate this French academic tradition within the new global intellectual landscape, nor merely to recall its glorious past. It is also an invitation to examine China in its continuity, despite the ruptures that have occurred in its history since the modern era. Dialogue must be reinforced between research on ancient China and on contemporary China, so that each can draw inspiration from the other and, ultimately, generate the depth and freshness essential to research on China as a whole.

After a first year of experiences that may be described as successful, the coming semester will focus on the early twentieth century, a pivotal period in the formation of French sinology and in the exchanges between Chinese scholars who stayed in France and French researchers.

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Practical information

Sessions will be held at Maison Suger, 16–18 rue Suger, 75006 Paris.

Organisation

The seminar is organised as part of the programme "Modernity, Transition and Reform in China" at the FMSH, in collaboration with the Agora laboratory (CY Cergy Paris University), under the direction of Lun Zhang.