News & Events

Date: 2023-04-20 22:51  Source:  Author:

On the morning of April 18, 2023, Professor Lin Jianhua, former Principal of Chongqing University and the new Honorary Dean of Liberal Arts College, held a meeting with teachers and students in the Liberal Arts Lecture Hall to discuss the college's educational situation over the past decade and future strategies. More than 40 people attended the meeting, including Li Zhengliang, Dean of the Undergraduate School, Zeng Zuoling, Secretary of the College’s Party Committee, Yao Fei, Tang Jie, Li Guangyi, Vice Deans of the Liberal Arts College, and representatives of faculty and students. The activity was hosted by Tang Jie, the Vice Dean.

Tang Jie first reported on the College’s development, highlighting that during the tenure of former Principal Lin Jianhua, a series of visionary plans were launched. These initiatives laid the foundation for the college’s growth. Building upon the initial concept and blueprint, the college has been continuously expanding over the past decade. It has capitalized on the “Action Plan for Revitalizing Basic Liberal Arts” issued by the school in 2020. In recent years, the college has further established three departments: literature, history, and philosophy. It has successfully introduced “The Great Books in Chinese and Western Civilizations”, now the flagship core courses for all freshmen at Chongqing University. Additionally, the Department of Chinese language and literature have launched its doctoral programs. These efforts have paved the way for developing liberal arts disciplines in a university traditional strong in science and technology. Regarding its undergraduate program, the college has consistently adhered to models such as “general education,” “small-class discussion,” and “the reading of great books.” The curriculum features the first two years of general humanities education, and two years of specialized training in literature, history, or philosophy. This approach creates a curriculum system that bridges the ancient and the modern, Chinese and Western. Furthermore, it fosters a teacher-student community characterized by close communication through the “academy system.”

faculty representatives are speaking

The faculty representatives spoke enthusiastically, expressing their gratitude for the former principal's strategic layout and foresight in the past. They explained their understanding and recognition of the liberal arts education model and actively provided suggestions for the future development direction of the college. The discussions covered various topics, including the relationship between general education and professional curriculum design, category training and professional training stages, the improvement of the academic advisor and office hour system, and the balance between scientific research and teaching among teachers. They also discussed the specific institutional connotations of the academy system.

Student representatives actively shared their learning experiences at Liberal Arts College. They believe that classic reading teaching methods have a significant impact on shaping both body and mind, promoting the mastery of basic knowledge. The “academy system” at Liberal Arts College has always fostered a sense of family recognition among students. Additionally, the college has established numerous clubs and platforms for students to explore their interests and broaden their horizons. Small class teaching and supporting mechanisms such as “one counselor, one supervisor, and one director” have facilitated close connections and communication between teachers and students. Students hope that many specific settings of the “academy system” will be further inherited and consolidated. However, they also recognize that certain areas need to be strengthened and improved. These include unified conditions for the academy accommodation system, the non-resident supervisor system, as well as academy lectures and cultural activities.

Students speaking

Professor Lin Jianhua commended the educational philosophy and practices of the Liberal Arts College over the past decade. He believes that liberal education, as an emerging and continuously evolving educational model, holds great potential and advantages in the comprehensive reform and innovation of Chongqing University. The primary mission of universities is to nurture talent, and there is a certain tension between the goals of liberal education and professional education. However, in the long run, liberal education aligns with the trends and requirements of future education. To this end, Professor Lin Jianhua proposes focusing on empowering teachers, particularly frontline educators, by enhancing their initiative and enthusiasm for participation. He emphasizes the importance of supporting their development and efforts while striking a balance between teaching and scientific research. By fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity, teachers will be motivated to explore and innovate. Professor Lin Jianhua encourages everyone to maintain a unique education system that capitalizes on the advantages of liberal arts education in promoting students’ “free” and “holistic” growth. This approach involves laying a solid foundation while leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses. Looking ahead, Professor Lin Jianhua suggests further enhancing the educational role of the “academy system” by refining its connotation and organizational structure. He emphasizes the need to prioritize students’ growth and adult development by unlocking their inherent potential and fostering free development. Professor Lin Jianhua also provides corresponding insights and suggestions regarding specific professional settings and course offerings at the Liberal Arts College.

Professor Lin Jianhua, Honorary Dean of Liberal Arts College

Finally, the Secretary of the College Party Committee, Zeng Zoling, expressed gratitude to Professor Lin Jianhua for his arrival and care. She also commended the teachers and students for their insightful speeches and valuable suggestions. Secretary Zeng highlighted that this exchange meeting focused on the development of liberal education. Such discussions are instrumental in consolidating consensus, refining ideas, and fostering the high-quality development of the Liberal Arts College in the new era. Secretary Zeng emphasized the importance of remembering the original intention and staying committed to the mission. She expressed her hope that teachers and students would continue working together to build an exemplary institution for basic liberal arts training in the Southwest region.

Author: Sun Jie

Reviewed by: Xiao Xinyao, Tang Jie

Photography: Tu Xinyu