Author: Yu Jian, Su Qianyi

Publisher: Publicity Office of the CPC Jinan University Committee 

Date: January 13, 2025 

In the classrooms of Jinan University's College of Liberal Arts, a unique teaching scene often unfolds. Students immerse themselves in the roles of renowned ancient scholars, engaging in lively dialogue across the centuries. Are you truly Mr. Ji Yun? exclaimed one student, rubbing his eyes in disbelief as he confronted the actor portraying the famous Qing Dynasty philologist.

(Professor Wang Jingzhou)

This innovative pedagogy is the hallmark of the university's Chinese Classical Literature course, led by national teaching innovator Professor Wang Jingzhou. In 2024, this course, dedicated to cultivating top-tier talent in preserving and innovating China's literary heritage, won second prize in the 4th National College Teacher Teaching Innovation Competition. Experts hailed it as a high-level course truly built to continue the Chinese cultural legacy.

Building a Multidisciplinary Dream Team

The rich tradition of literary studies at Jinan University can be traced back to the 1920s and 1930s, when esteemed scholars like Chen Zhongfan and Zheng Zhenduo, both masters of philology, served as deans of the College of Literature. Zheng even advocated for the establishment of the Literature Preservation Comrades Association to rescue endangered ancient texts.

 Partial team members (from left to right: Cheng Guofu, Wang Jingzhou, Guo Shiqiang)

After weathering multiple relocations and setbacks, the university's literature programs have remained at the forefront, continuously evolving. In 1984, the Institute of Ancient Books was founded, with its first director, Chen Lesu, leading Jinan's ancient book scholars in reviving the study of literature at overseas Chinese institutions.

However, Wang Jingzhou recognized that a single disciplinary perspective was insufficient to truly grasp the breadth and depth of literary studies. So, in 2020, he assembled a composite teaching team, integrating experts from literature, history, and philosophy.

(Wang presents at the Youth Scholars Forum, both domestically and internationally.)

This interdisciplinary dream team includes luminaries like Cheng Guofu, a leading figure in Chinese language and literature, Wang Jingzhou himself, a renowned ancient book scholar, and Liu Yiping, a Confucian philosophy specialist. Together, they have greatly enriched the teaching and research perspectives, driving continuous innovation and quality improvement.

Overcoming Challenges Through Pedagogical Reforms

Despite the course's accolades, Wang Jingzhou and his team have faced persistent challenges in captivating modern students with the study of classical literature. During a speech at a sister university, Wang was dismayed to see many students distracted and disengaged.

(Wang and his students)

Only by constantly innovating teaching methods can we lift students' heads and ignite their passion for classical literature, Wang said. The team identified three key obstacles: the disconnect between literature and presentation, the alienation between numbers and classics, and the gap between ancient and modern.

(Wang and the 2019 undergraduate students visit Zhongshan Library for an inspection.)

To address these issues, the team has deeply integrated the stories and legacies of ancient literary sages into their curriculum, allowing students to understand the rich cultural lineage through the deeds of these revered figures. They have also developed innovative digital tools and teaching modules to make the classics more accessible and engaging for today's tech-savvy learners.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Scholars

Ultimately, the team's goal is to nurture a new generation of scholars who will carry on the tradition of Chinese literary studies. They have incorporated undergraduate students into their research projects, enabling them to delve into the forefront of the field and internalize the cultural context.

(Wang accepts an interview with China Education Online after the competition)

These student researchers have produced remarkable work, with their papers being published in prestigious journals like Chinese Studies Quarterly and New Chinese Studies. Former students like Li Siyi and Lin Siyi, now pursuing advanced degrees at top universities, have expressed deep gratitude for the lasting impact of the Chinese Classical Literature course.

Wang (first from the right in the front row) and Li Siyi (first from the left in the front row) posed for a group photo with the first batch of students.

As Wang Jingzhou and his team continue to refine their innovative pedagogy, they are determined to bring this course to an even broader stage, inspiring more young people to fall in love with the timeless wisdom of China's literary heritage. Their dream is to see the flame of tradition burn brighter and stronger, with the voice of classical literature echoing for generations to come.