معلومات المقرر

From the perspective of modernization theory, societies in Western Europe and the United States at the beginning of the 20th century were already at a high technical and scientific level that societies elsewhere had yet to catch up with. In fact, beginning with Japan and the Soviet Union, there were astonishing attempts throughout the following century by supposedly "underdeveloped" societies to modernize radically. This could involve both the environment and the economy, but often also presupposed a "new man." Starting from a critical perspective on the concept of modernization, the seminar will compare worldwide examples of such resolute "leaps forward" (Mao Tse-tung) and ask to what extent "Western" or other paths were imitated or independent paths of development were taken. In addition to China and the Soviet Union, countries such as Turkey, Israel, Brazil, India, Iran, Ghana and Tanzania should be considered. The seminar cooperates with courses in African Studies and Global Studies and is therefore held mainly in English. Regular attendance and reading is required.