Michel Hockx, departing director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies and professor of Chinese literature, will deliver the 2026 Justice and Asia Distinguished Lecture—a series that he established in 2021 with the Justice and Asia faculty committee.
In his lecture, “Poetic Justice, Literary Censorship, and Chinese Cultural Policy,” Hockx will present portions of his new book, Literature and Censorship in Modern China, (Routledge, 2026). Arguing against the meme-like understanding of Chinese cultural policy that often pervades US media and political discourse, he will present detailed examples of several cases of literary censorship from the Mao era to the present day.
Free and open to the public, the lecture will be held at 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, March 18, in 1030 Jenkins Nanovic Halls. The lecture will be followed by a reception, and Literature and Censorship in Modern China will be available for purchase.
Susan Blum, professor of anthropology and Liu Institute faculty fellow, will introduce Hockx and moderate the event. A pioneer of Asian Studies at Notre Dame, Blum led Notre Dame's former Center for Asian Studies, the precursor to the Liu Institute. She currently serves on the Justice and Asia Committee.
“It will be wonderful to celebrate Michel Hockx and to hear about his latest research,” Blum said. “In his 10 years as Liu Institute director, he has elevated the study of Asia beyond expectation, and the Notre Dame community has been enriched by his efforts, knowledge, and dedication.”
Hockx joined Notre Dame in 2016 as the founding director of the Liu Institute. His second five-year term as director will expire on June 30, 2026.
His academic career has spanned more than 30 years, during which time he has published four monographs, as well as seven edited volumes, a book-length translation, and dozens of journal articles.
At the Liu Institute, among other accomplishments, Hockx significantly increased the number of Asia-focused faculty fellows, secured two major Korea Foundation grants, helped to integrate the Liu Institute into the Keough School of Global Affairs, and strengthened institute and University relationships with partners in Asia.
The Justice and Asia Distinguished Lecture Series invites top scholars who examine the theme of justice in relation to Asia and with awareness of Asian cultures and traditions. The series is part of the Liu Institute’s organizing theme of Justice and Asia that examines and supports thematic work from a range of perspectives, projects, disciplines, and collaborations.