Superdeep #31: “How to Define Moral Intuition?” (Meichen Liu) | Nov 21, 5:28pm

5:28pm  |  IB 2026

How to Define Moral Intuition?” A Superdeep question we’ve all been wondering about but never dared to ask — and which  Meichen Liu (E&L Philosophy ’25) will help us find answers to in this week’s Workshop.

Thu Nov 21 | 5:28pm | IB 2026.

Snacks & drinks will be served at the Workshop.

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The Workshop is Superdeep‘s venue for philosophical work-in-progress research & practice. For more info or to submit proposals for the Workshop, follow this link; for more info on Superdeep more generally, follow this one.

Superdeep is sponsored by DKU’s Humanities Research Center.

Event Report: Lecture on “Western Feminism and Its Analytics in Neoliberal Times”

On November 7th 2024 Professor Anna Krylova delivered a zoom lecture for the Gender Studies Lab titled “Western Feminism and Its Analytics in Neoliberal Times.” Prof. Krylova is a professor of History and Gender, Feminist and Sexuality Studies at Duke University. She is a specialist on the history of gender and feminism, with a particular emphasis on the Soviet Union. She is author of the award winning book, Soviet Women in Combat: A History of Violence on the Eastern Front. Around 25 faculty and students were present, both in person and online.

 

Prof. Krylova’s lecture was based upon the current book she is writing, tentatively titled History-Writing or Sleepwalking Through History in Neoliberal Times. The lecture assessed the ways that “post-structural” forms of thinking, despite having many generative elements, were disarming both for feminist activism and feminist history writing in the west. As Krylova explained it, post-structuralism, broadly speaking, was politically disabling for feminism because it privileged discourse over structure, micro-level analysis over analysis of larger formations of economic power. As a result, post-structuralism focused more on localized and “everyday” forms of individual resistance and neglected, or even condescended towards, organized forms of resistance to power.  This neglect, she argued, ultimately aligned post-structuralism, perhaps unwittingly, with western economic neo-liberalism and Cold War political imperatives. Krylova made her case by focusing particularly on James Scott’s highly influential work Weapons of the Weak as a case study. Scott is widely known for showing the ways peasants in Southeast Asia engaged in everyday forms of spontaneous, often individual resistance in order to survive and determine their own lives. Krylova provocatively suggested that Scott’s work overrates the effectiveness of everyday resistance while ignoring that “organized forms of power” requires “organized forms of resistance.”  For Scott, “organized forms of resistance” are themselves repressive and thus his own framework of thought is a dissuasion from systematically organizing against structural injustices such as patriarchy.

 

The lectured lasted for roughly 35 minutes and was concluded with 40 minutes of discussion between Krylova and her audience. Questions by faculty and students were various. One faculty questioner asked about the recent elections and whether the Democrats had made a mistake by emphasizing identity politics over class-based issues. Another faculty questioner noted that not all aspects of Scott’s work were disarming, but truly generative, while yet student questioner noted (correctly) that Scott had worked for the CIA, and was a thinker devoted to “counterinsurgency” and not to emancipation. A number of other questions were also asked as part of the discussion.

Student Report on Reading Group for “Stretched Kinship: Parental Rejection and Acceptance of Queer Youth in Chinese Families”

Report by Yaxuan Wang, class of 2027 & Photo by Ruixiang Hu, Class of 2027

On Friday, November 8, 2024, DKU faculty, staff, and students gathered for our last reading group session in this semester. This time, the focus was on John Wei’s Stretched Kinship: Parental Rejection and Acceptance of Queer Youth in Chinese Families(2023), an insightful exploration of the challenges faced by queer youth and their families in China.

The session began with an overview of the reading’s key themes, led by Dr. Zhenjie Weng and Dr. Yanan Zhao. Participants discussed the concept of “stretched kinship” as Wei defines it, particularly how parental expectations and societal pressures complicate family relationships for queer youth in China. The discussion highlighted the emotional and social challenges both parents and queer youth experience, especially under the pressure of filial duties and cultural norms.

The main highlight of the event was a talk by Guest Speaker Professor Andrew Wortham, Visiting Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, who shared his experiences conducting research on LGBTQ+ groups in China, with a focus on gender and sexuality. Prof. Wortham also reflected on his time in Chengdu, providing personal insights into the complexities of queer identity and kinship within Chinese society. His experiences resonated with many attendees and brought additional depth to the themes of Wei’s work.

Following Prof. Wortham’s talk, participants were encouraged to ask questions. The Q&A segment saw a high level of engagement, with questions addressing various aspects of LGBTQ+ life in China, the influence of cultural expectations, and the academic challenges of studying sensitive topics in this field.

The event concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to share their reflections and consider ways to foster greater inclusivity and understanding within their own communities.

The reading group session was organized by DKU’s Humanities Research Center and facilitated by Dr. Zhenjie Weng and Dr. Yanan Zhao, with the support of student worker Yaxuan Wang.

Call for Proposals: Duke-DKU Collaborative Research Initiatives

The DKU Humanities Research Center (HRC) invites proposals for collaborative research initiatives involving a combination of Duke and DKU faculty, and engaging with the Humanities (with the Humanities understood broadly as covering the traditional humanities, the interpretive social sciences, and the creative arts). Applicants may request up to $10,000 per initiative, and the funds must be used between January 1 and June 30, 2025. Initiatives must include both Duke and DKU faculty, and ones that also involve students are encouraged.

To apply, please submit the following by December 1, 2024:

  • A short narrative (up to one page, single-spaced)
  • A budget
  • Short bios of the applicants

Please send your proposal to Fei (Faye) Xu at fei.xu1@dukekunshan.edu.cn.

 

For inquiries, feel free to contact HRC co-directors Carlos Rojas at c.rojas@duke.edu and Selina Lai-Henderson at slai.henderson@dukekunshan.edu.cn.

 

We look forward to seeing your innovative ideas and collaborating on groundbreaking research initiatives!

Migratory Ghost Series Presents: A Reading with Juli Min, Zhou Sivan, & Student Winners

Time: Nov. 22, 5-6:30 PM
Room: AB1075A

Join Us for a Special Literary Event!

Enjoy an afternoon immersed in storytelling and poetry, featuring:
✨ Juli Min – Author of Shanghailanders, Juli brings the vibrant narratives of Shanghai to life in her unique style.
✨ Zhou Sivan – Poet and author of three impactful chapbooks: Zero Copula (Delete Press, 2015), which explores poetic form; Sea Hypocrisy (DoubleCross Press and Projective Industries, 2016), addressing Malaysia’s policies on refugees and migrants; and The Geometry of Trees (Sputnik & Fizzle, 2022), and trees as metaphor.
✨ Student Winners – Hear the voices of emerging talent as our student winners share their inspiring works.

Bubble tea will be provided! 

Superdeep #30: “Grim Tidings: Hope & Despair in a Worsening Climate” (Kyle Fruh & Emily McWilliams) | Nov 14, 5:28pm

5:28pm  |  IB 2026

This week in these Superdeep times, Kyle Fruh & Emily McWilliams (A&H Philosophy) will share their research & show us how to remain cheerful about “Grim Tidings: Hope & Despair in a Worsening Climate”.

Thu Nov 14 | 5:28pm | IB 2026.

Snacks & drinks will be served at the Workshop.

***

The Workshop is Superdeep‘s venue for philosophical work-in-progress research & practice. For more info or to submit proposals for the Workshop, follow this link; for more info on Superdeep more generally, follow this one.

Superdeep is sponsored by DKU’s Humanities Research Center.

Exploring Family Ties in Modernity: Pre-Screening of The Dependence of The Old House Captivates DKU Audience

Report by Zhuoyuan Chen, Class of 2026 & Photo by Ruixiang Hu, Class of 2027

On October 22nd, Duke Kunshan University hosted a special pre-screening of The Dependence of The Old House, an evocative feature film by director Anping Shi. Held in the IB 1008 Lecture Hall, the screening, organized by the Media Arts Lab and sponsored by the Humanities Research Center, brought students and faculty together for a rare preview before the film’s official release, followed by an engaging Q&A with Shi himself and one of the leading actors Zhanfu Cheng.

 

Set against a backdrop of modernity infringing upon the personal histories and structures of the past, The Dependence of The Old House tells the story of 73-year-old Lao An, who is unwilling to sell his cherished old home, despite the insistence of his son, Anping, who hopes to relocate him to Beijing. This refusal, however, is just the beginning of an emotional journey for Anping. During an unplanned visit to his hometown, he discovers a peculiar scenario: a security guard has been pretending to be him in negotiations with a construction company, raising questions and suspicions that soon lead to deeper family revelations. The film subtly unveils a web of family secrets, personal attachments, and the complexity of familial bonds against a changing urban landscape. As Director Shi’s first long film, The Dependence of The Old House is shortlisted in the main competition unit of the 10th Chongqing Youth Film Exhibition, and the 10th Barcelona International Film Festival Main competition section

 

Audiences were captivated by the story’s delicate handling of family dynamics and the introspective lens on elderhood and memory, themes that have universal resonance. With its 98-minute runtime, The Dependence of The Old House kept viewers enthralled from the first frame, offering a profound look into the lives of characters at a crossroads between the personal and the inevitable push of societal progress. For many in the audience, the screening served not only as entertainment but also as a deeply reflective experience, sparking conversations about familial obligations, the significance of home, and the sense of identity tied to our roots.

 

The post-screening Q&A brought a new layer of insight into the experience. Shi and Cheng were open and reflective about their artistic journey and the creative choices that shaped the film. Known for his nuanced approach to storytelling, Shi shared how his own background and experiences influenced the film’s themes and the character of Lao An, as well as his intent to explore themes of memory, nostalgia, and the inevitable shift brought on by urbanization. Students and faculty from DKU inquired about the making of this film, expressing interest in applying the techniques to their own creative journeys.

 

The DKU audience’s reception reflected a deep appreciation for Shi’s work. The event offered not just a viewing, but an immersive cultural and artistic experience that allowed the audience to delve into the film’s intricate layers. For those who attended, the screening was a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to tell stories that touch the heart and provoke thought long after the credits roll.

Call for Student Artwork Submissions: Theme – “Body”

Humanities Research Center | HUM Space Exhibit
The Humanities Research Center invites students to submit their artwork for an upcoming exhibition with the theme of Body. We encourage diverse expressions and perspectives on this exhibit theme.
We welcome submissions of various mediums, including but not limited to:
Paintings / Drawings / Digital Art/ Sculptures / Mixed Media
Submission Deadline: November 20, 2024
To submit your work, please email images and a brief description to:  dkuhrc@dukekunshan.edu.cn
We look forward to seeing the unique perspectives you bring to this theme and are eager to showcase your creative contributions in the upcoming exhibit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or for further information.

Book Proposal Workshop: Incendiary Cities: Fire, Technology, and the Origins of Modern Emergency Response in Germany and the U.s.,1800-1900

Date: November 7 (Thursday)
Time: 12-1 pm
Location: IB 2025

Join Professor Jan Hua-Henning’s book proposal workshop on November 7! We’ll delve into Incendiary Cities: Fire, Technology, and the Origins of Modern Emergency Response in Germany and the U.S., 1800-1900, exploring how 19th-century emergency fire services evolved and the societal values they upheld. Book proposals, like research and grant proposals, offer valuable insights into academic writing by showcasing novelty and targeting an intended audience.

Special guest Scott G. Knowles, historian of disaster and author of The Disaster Experts, will join us. All students are welcome, and food will be provided! For an advance copy of the proposal, contact Sydney Brown at sydney.brown@dukekunshan.edu.cn.