Shanghai, an increasingly international city beginning from the 1920s, played a significant role in the modernization of modern China. In this period of dynamic social change, China underwent a series of educational movements and organizational changes in the field of education. Taking an approach based on Luhmannian communication theory, I would like to focus in this research project on the role played, in China during this period, by social communication in the diffusion of professional knowledge: for example, the literacy education movement, the setting up of schools and libraries as well as publishing companies, and more generally the development of the  mass media and social organizations. A key question from the Luhmannian perspective will be: How did knowledge diffusion impact upon the functional differentiation of the modern Chinese society, and more specifically the urban Shanghai society or community?  In order to analyze this process, this project will look at historical materials such as official documents, journals etc., which recorded the development of education in Shanghai in the first half of the 20^th century, a crucial period in the development of the modern educational system in China. The analyzed materials will include statistics, official documents and articles appearing in journals, e.g. Eastern Magazine (for analyzing the interaction between educational and the other functional systems), Educational Journals (for analyzing the advance of knowledge diffusion in Shanghai), and some official statistics ( recording the dissemination of mass media, population (including Chinese and foreign residents), the number of schools, the labour market in Shanghai).   

Methodology: 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. Stichweh, Rudolf (2000). Die Weltgesellschaft. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp Verlag. Main historical materials: 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. Duehechiouwulan (Janapese) (ed.) (1976) Jindei Zhungguo Jaoyu Shiliao (The Historical Materials of Education in Modern China). Taipei: Wenhei Press. Chu, Jiousian (et al, eds.) (1993) Zhungguo Jindei Jaoyushi Zhiliao Heibian: Xueshi Yenbian:Jaoyu Sisiang: Jaoyu Xinzheng Jigou yu Jaoyu Tuanti (A Collection of Historical Materials on Education in Modern China: The Educational Institutes and Organizations). Shanghai : Shanghai Jaoyu Press.