Humanities and Social Sciences at Nanjing University
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粼|血I勇丿W 燠燠缭曩 燠 Humanities and Social Sciences at Nanjing University Research of humanities and social sciences at Nanjing University has always been closely linked with the destiny of China and its ever changing society. In its over 100 years` history, such prominent scholars as Hu Xiaoshi, Tao Xingzhi, Tang Yongtong, Ma Yinchu, Li Shutong, Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, Fu Baoshi, Wu Mi, Pearl S. Buck, Lu Shuxiang, Chen Baichen, Kuang Yaming and Cheng Qianfan taught or studied at Nanjing University. In May 1978, “Practice is the Sole Criterion for Testing the Truth” written by Hu Fuming, Professor of Philosophy, became the beckoning voice for reform in China and ignited a nationwide debate on the standards for seeking truth. This article, published with the pseudonym Specialist Commentator, was the “first spring thunder” that awakened the Chinese and heralded the emancipation of Chinese people’s mind. Since the opening up and reform, studies of humanities and social sciences have entered a new historic phase that enabled Nanjing University’s fast development. It began to rank among the top universities in China, meeting the most vigorous standards for Higher Education and National Strength Appraisal. Divisions of humanities and social sciences at Nanjing University are hosting 1 level-1 national key disciplinary program and 11 level-2 national key disciplinary programs. Between 2007 and 2009, 9 of Nanjing University’s key disciplinary programs are ranked by China Ministry of Education among top 5 out of 81 programs nationwide. These programs boast scientifically managed infrastructure and overall strength. There are altogether 4 key research bases funded by Ministry of Education, 7 research centers co-sponsored by Jiangsu Provincial Government and Ministry of Education, 2 provincial research bases and 6 university-funded research centers. This multi-level, pyramid-shaped academic structure enables sound development of humanities and social sciences at Nanjing University. Faculty of humanities and social sciences at Nanjing University are renowned teachers and scholars. There are a series of influential publications that are markedly successful in the academic circle both at home and abroad, including: Collection of Critical Biographies of Chinese Thinkers (200 volumes), Collection of Historical Materials of Nanjing Massacre (78 volumes), The Prime Tortoise of the Record Bureau (Revised edition), Shunzhi and Kangxi Volume in Ci of the Qing Dynasty (20 volumes), History of Chinese Buddhism (15 volumes), etc. The Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (IAS) of Nanjing University was founded in 2005, being the first institute for advanced studies in humanities and social sciences in China. Its establishment marked a breakthrough in setting up innovative mechanism for cross-disciplinary research. Development of studies of humanities and social sciences at Nanjing University has always been in line with a globalized vision. Since its foundation, Nanjing University has been one of the most active players among Chinese universities in international exchanges and cooperation. It has established partnership with 300 universities and research institutes worldwide. An exemplary practice is the Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies that has been running for over 20 years, the earliest and longest joint higher education program in China after China’s opening up and reform. It has produced many talented young professionals that are playing vital roles in the world. Sino-German Institute of Law studies, EU Center, Center for Nordic Studies, Center for Jewish Studies, and other joint research centers have also become the bridging agencies between Nanjing University and overseas partners. Nanjing University has hosted a number of prestigious international conferences with significant success. Many world-renowned scholars, including Nobel Prize laureates, are honorary or visiting professors of Nanjing University. Nanjing University welcomes scholars and visitors from all over the world, to experience the beautiful city of Nanjing and to study the ancient history and philosophy of China. - 1 - RESEARCH CENTERS Center for New-Vernacular Chinese Literature Commissioned by Ministry of Education and established in 1999, the Center for New-Vernacular Chinese Literature is one of the first key national research centers for studies in humanities and social sciences. Prof. Ding Fan serves as Director of the Center. Major research concentrations include: trends in modern and contemporary Chinese literature, rural literature in the 20th century China, schools and societies in modern Chinese literature, history of modern and contemporary Chinese drama, Taiwan and overseas Chinese literature, enlightenment and literature in the 20th century China, etc. The specialized museum at the center houses abundant materials of contemporary and modern Chinese literary works. Anthology of Modern Chinese Drama ● First attempt to collect, review and compile works of modern Chinese drama ● Milestone project filling in the gaps in the studies of the history of modern Chinese drama ● Signifying the new era in modern drama studies Scholars at the center The China Center for Linguistic and Strategic Studies, co-founded by the Ministry of Education and Nanjing University The China Centre for Linguistic and Strategic Studies (CCLASS) based in Nanjing University is jointly funded and managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), PRC and Nanjing University. It is the first of its kind in China. Center for History of Republic of China Founded in September 2000, Center for History of Republic of China is one of the key research centers for humanities and social sciences commissioned by the Ministry of Education. Prof. Zhang Xianwen is director of the Center. Major concentrations include: political history of Republic of China, social and economic history of Republic of China and history of the Nationalist Party. Major publications such as Collection of Historical Materials of Nanjing Massacre (78 volumes) and A History of Republic of China (4 volumes) are well-received at home and abroad. - 2 - A History of the Republic of China ● 4 volumes ● First complete history of the Republic of China ever written Collection of Historical Materials of Nanjing Massacre ● 78 Volumes with 40 million words ● Important documents recording the atrocity of Japanese troops Prof. Zhang Xianwen has been interviewed by many leading news agencies from the United States, Japan, Britain, Korea, Ireland and China including CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, and People’s Daily. Center for the Yangtze River Delta Socio-economic Development Founded in February 2001, Center for the Yangtze River Delta Socioeconomic Development is one of the key research centers commissioned by the Ministry of Education for studies in humanities and social sciences. The Director of the center is Chancellor Hong Yinxing. Research at the center is devoted to social and economic issues of the Yangtze River Delta. The center has successfully hosted 29 Jiangsu Development Forums in the past 15 years. Known as a top think-tank, the center is consulted by Jiangsu Provincial Committee of CPC and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government. 26th Jiangsu Development Forum - 3 - Center for Studies of Marxist Social Theory Nanjing University Center for Studies of Marxist Social Theory was established on Feb 4, 2005 as one of the key research institutes commissioned by Ministry of Education for studies in humanities and social sciences. Prof. Zhang Yibin is director. Research areas at the center include classic social theory of Marxism, Marxist theory of social development in contemporary China, and Marxism abroad. Hu Fuming, chair of the academic committee of the center, published on May 11, 1978 the famous article entitled “Practice is the Sole Criterion of Testing Truth,” which ignited a nationwide debate of the criteria for truth and contributed immensely to CCP’s reasserting “seeking truth from facts.” The 9-volume History of Understanding Capitalism is another masterpiece of the center. “Practice is the Sole Criterion of Testing Truth” History of Understanding Capitalism (6 volumes) ● A panorama of Marxist understanding of Capitalism in the past 150 years ● exploring the history of Marxists’ understanding and interpreting of capitalism since Marx and Engels The Johns-Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies The Hopkins-Nanjing Center is a joint program founded in 1986. In 2006, the center started to offer a joint master program fully credited both in China and the United States. Being the earliest- established joint venture in higher education since China’s reform, the center aims at developing young professionals and researchers in international and Sino-American relationships. Teaching and research at the center focus on issues in Chinese and American politics, social studies, economics, law, history and culture. The center has become a successful and exemplary practice in Sino-American cooperation of education. Former President George Bush and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger both visited the center. At the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Chinese and American Studies, Dr. Henry Kissinger addressed the audience. - 4 - New Building of Certificate Program in Hawaii, U.S., 2003 the Center Sino-German Institute for Law Studies Co-founded by Nanjing University and University of Goettingen, the Institute is the only