Author: Lei Aixia, Li Weimiao, Deng Zihan

Publisher: Guangming Daily  

Date: October 21, 2024

On October 19, 2024, Jinan University hosted the seminar titled Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture and Chinese Literary Theory Innovation, which also celebrated Professor Jiang Shuzhuo's remarkable 40-year teaching career. Jointly organized by the School of Literature and the Department of Literature and Art at Jinan University, along with the China Literature and Art Review (Jinan University) Base, the event welcomed over 100 experts and scholars from prestigious institutions, including Sun Yat-sen University, South China Normal University, and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.

During the opening ceremony, Lin Rupeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of Jinan University, highlighted Professor Jiang's significant contributions to the university's development. He noted that Jiang is a key figure in the university's academic lineage, promoting literature and art disciplines and mentoring numerous doctoral and master's students worldwide.

Wei Xia, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Literature, praised Jiang for integrating his academic pursuits into the college's traditions and achieving outstanding results in discipline construction and talent cultivation. He regarded Jiang as a banner figure for the School of Literature.

Several speakers celebrated Jiang’s integrity and innovation in research. Peng Yuping from Sun Yat-sen University acknowledged Jiang’s contributions to Guangdong literature and literary history. Huang Bin, Director of the Guangdong Provincial Political Consultative Conference, fondly referred to Jiang as a forever teacher, while Li Fengliang from South China Agricultural University characterized him as a theoretical master and cultural expert with a humble, generous, and active persona.

(Jiang is speaking)

In his remarks, Professor Jiang Shuzhuo reflected on his career and expressed gratitude towards his mentors, especially Teacher Wang Yuanhua, for their influence on his journey. He articulated his aspirations of becoming a dedicated teacher and emphasized the importance of combining scientific research with scholarship. He views the synergy of criticism and creation as an ideal academic aim and remains committed to lifelong learning and teaching.

 (At the unveiling ceremony)

Prior to the seminar, the unveiling ceremony of Professor Jiang Shuzhuo's academic and artistic exhibition titled Teaching Like a River to Achieve Far took place at the Zeng Xianzi Science Museum. The exhibition featured an array of Professor Jiang's artistic works, including graceful sketches, elegant fan faces, and vibrant banners. A striking aspect of the display was the correspondence with cultural luminaries such as Zhou Zhenfu and Qian Zhonglian, along with cherished handwritten notes from Jiang’s doctoral supervisor, Wang Yuanhua.

The seminar included keynote speeches focusing on Professor Jiang’s academic achievements and personality. It was organized into two groups: one concentrated on the modernization of Chinese literary theory and cultural poetics, analyzing methodological perspectives, while the other discussed cultural poetics criticism and the global dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, examining avenues such as digital media and online literature.

The event concluded with group reports and a closing speech by Professor Jiang, encapsulating the discussions on innovation in Chinese literary theory and the vital role of traditional culture in contemporary academia.

This seminar not only celebrated Professor Jiang Shuzhuo's distinguished career but also underscored the importance of Chinese traditional culture and literature theory in fostering academic excellence and innovation.