Taking an approach based on world society theory, this research project will investigate the rise of educational science in modern China (1898-1948) in the context of the globalization of the world educational system. It will focus on the process of the de- and re-constitution of the meaning of educational science, seen as moving through three stages of social communication: (1) the selection of information about  educational science from outside China, which concerns “who” at “when” selected “which information”; (2) the process of transmission of selected information related to educational science from outside to, and also within, China, which includes the translation of texts concerned with foreign educational sciences, the process by which the mass media, i.e. newspapers and journals, disseminate information related to foreign educational sciences, and the domestic social-political organizations that are involved here; (3) the degree of understanding and the acceptance or rejection of foreign educational sciences by modern China. In order to analyze the selection, dissemination and reception processes of educational science by/in modern China at each social- historical “moment,” and to characterize or conceptualize the formation process of Chinese educational science within the context of the dynamic interaction between China and the world society, this project will concentrate on significant journals and books published at the end of the 19^th century and in the first half of the 20^th century, a crucial period in the development of the modern educational system in China.

Methodology Luhmann, Niklas & Schorr, Karl E. (1979). Reflexionsprobleme im Erziehungssystem. Frankfurt a.M.: Suhrkamp. Luhmann, Niklas (1984). Soziale Systeme: Grundriß einer allgemeinen Theorie. Frankfurt a.M.: Suhrkamp. Luhmann, Niklas (1997). Die Gesellschaft der Gesellschaft. 2 Bde. Frankfurt a.M.:Suhrkamp. Luhmann, Niklas (2002). Das Erziehungssystem der Gesellschaft. Frankfurt a.M.:Suhrkamp. Luhmann, Nikals (2004). Schriften zue Paedagogik. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp Verlag. Schriewer, Juergen & Wanger, Peter (eds.)(2004), Transnational Intellectual Networks. Forms of Academic Knowledge and the Search for Culture Indentities. Frankfurt a.M. & New York : Campus. Schriewer, Juergen (2005). Wie global ist institutionalisierte Weltbildungs-programmatic? Neo-institutionalistische Thesen im Licht kulturvergleichender Analysen. Zeitschrift für Soziologie, Sonderheft “Weltgesellschaft”, S. 415-441. Stichweh, Rudolf (1984). Zur Entstehung des modernen Systems wissenschaftlicher Disziplinen: Physik in Deutschland 1740-1890. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp Verlag. Stichweh, Rudolf (1991). Der fruehmoderne Staat und die europaeische Universitaet. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp. Stichweh, Rudolf (1994). Wissenschaft, Universitaet, Professionen. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp. Stichweh, Rudolf (1996). Science in the System of World Society. Social Science Information 35, 327-340. Stichweh, Rudolf (2006). Die Universität in der Wissensgesellschaft: Wissensbegriffe und Umweltbeziehungen der modernen Universität. Soziale Systeme 12 (2006, H.1), S. 33-53. Main historical materials: Luo, Jenyu & Wang, Guowei (eds.) (1901-1908). Jaoyu Shijie (Education World). Shanghei: Jaoyu Shijie She. Wang, Yunwu (ed.) (1976). Zhungyin Dongfang Zhazhi Cyuanbu Jioukan 1904-1948 (Reprinted in Eastern Magazine 1904-1948). Taipei: Taiwan Shangwu Yinshuguan. Jaoyu Zhazhi She (eds.) (1976). Jaoyu Zhazhi (1909-1948) (Education Magazine 1909-1948). Reprinted by Taiwan Shangwu Yinshuguan. Taipei: Taiwan Shangwu Yinshuguan. Beijing Library (ed.) (1986). Minguo Shiqi Zhongshumu (1911-1949) (The Catalogue of All Publications in the Republic of China). Beijing: Shumuwen Press. Cheng, Xuexyun (ed.) (1987). Zhungguo Jindei Jaoyushi Jaoxue Zhankao Ziliao (Reference for Teaching the Educational History of Modern China). Beijing: Renming Jaoyu Press. Shu, Sincheng (ed.) (1961). Zhungguo Jindei Jaoyu Shi Ziliao (The Historical Materials of Education in Modern China) Beijing: Renmin Jaoyu Press.