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From August 26th to 30th, 2024, the final round of the 7th National Teaching Competition for Young College Faculty, co-hosted by the All China Federation of Trade Unions and the Ministry of Education, was held at Shanghai Jiaotong University. After intense competition, Luo Yu, a lecturer from the Liberal Arts College of Chongqing University, won third prize in the Liberal Arts category, showcasing her strong teaching fundamentals and exceptional classroom presentation skills. This is the second time a faculty member from our college has been honored at the national level in this prestigious teaching competition.

Ms. Luo selected “Civilization Classics,” a core course in Chongqing University’s general education curriculum, as the focus of her competition entry. Her 20-minute lecture, titled “The Role of Nobles in ‘New Accounts of Tales of the World,’” guided students through historical narratives to explore the intricate “chaos” and “fusion” of the Medieval Times. Beginning with abundant historical sources, Ms. Luo helped students overcome the distance of centuries to understand the cultural essence of this period. By analyzing the character Shan Tao through the lenses of clarity and capability, she illuminated the elegance and sense of responsibility exhibited by the elite of that era. Ms. Luo concluded by discussing the contributions of nobles during these dynasties, highlighting their role in advancing and preserving civilization. Throughout her lecture, Ms. Luo impressed the panel with her clear logic, engaging teaching style, rich content, and innovative perspective. Her ability to depict the noble figures of the time and illustrate their contributions to cultural heritage earned her unanimous praise from the experts.

With a teaching philosophy of “Promoting civilization through literature and understanding China through the classics,” Luo Yu believes that teaching classic literature plays a crucial role in education. First, it fosters students’ appreciation for traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing that reading classics is not merely for personal gain but for the broader purpose of revitalizing China’s cultural heritage. Additionally, it helps to establish an “original source” consciousness, which serves as a foundational principle in her teaching approach. To promote true “general education”—not by simplifying or diluting content, but by making complex ideas accessible—courses should be rooted in academic rigor, high standards, and innovation. By upholding this teaching philosophy and integrating it into her courses, Luo Yu has become deeply admired by her students, particularly in the core course “Civilization Classics,” a pioneering course that reflects the distinctive style of Chongqing University.

Aside from Luo’s dedicated efforts, this achievement is also the result of a strong team collaboration. The College and Department of Chinese Literature place great emphasis on developing young teachers’ teaching skills. Led by Vice Dean Li Guangyi and Tang Jie, along with Professor Jin Lang, head of the department, and key faculty members Wan Manlu, Yuan Min, and Wu Jiao, a training team was formed to support Teacher Luo in refining her lessons each week. This team provided comprehensive guidance on language organization, courseware development, classroom instruction, teaching design, and other essential aspects. Additionally, the school’s Teaching Development Center created optimal conditions for the competition preparation process, inviting experts to offer targeted feedback and support. This award reflects not only Luo Yu’s dedication and excellence but also the collaborative spirit and effectiveness of the collective efforts made from the school to the college level.

Furthermore, courses grounded in solid academic foundations and advanced teaching concepts are key pillars of this award. The “Civilization Classics” series at Chongqing University, collaboratively developed by over 60 faculty members, is designed with the mission of “reflecting on civilization through the classics and cultivating human morality.” Following historical evolution as a central theme, these courses guide students through Chinese and international classics to foster patriotism, social responsibility, and a global perspective. The curriculum encourages students to gain knowledge, build competencies, and develop a strong value system. To date, this course series has received numerous honors and awards.

Excelling in a national, top-tier teaching competition not only affirms the efforts of individual teachers but also recognizes the achievements of the college’s collective work. It serves as inspiration for advancing the development of new liberal arts at Chongqing University. The Liberal Arts College is committed to further enhancing the quality of education and teaching as it moves forward.