In the January of this year, in order to build Shandong University into a world class center for Confucian studies, to help develop Confucianism studies in and out of China, and to develop other related disciplines, Shandong University decided to integrate the original Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies, the Center for Confucian Studies, the Institute of Literature History and Philosophy, and Editorial Department of Literature, History, and Philosophy Journal into the newly established Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of Shandong University.
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On February 5, the newly elected leadership team of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies held a working conference in Beijing to discuss this significant undertaking. The former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and also the Dean of Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU, Mr. Xu Jialu presided over the meeting. The Vice President of SDU and also the Standing Vice Dean of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU, Fan Liming, Deputy Bureau Director of Cultural Heritage Bureau of Shandong Province, Gao Shuqun , and representatives for the new leadership team of the Institute were present the meeting.
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At the meeting, Fan Liming first introduced the work done by the Institute during the Spring Festival, and announced the firm support from the university. Fan also expressed her wish that the new leadership of the Institute will understand the great responsibility they possess and be fully committed to their wok at the Institute.
Gao Shuqun, as the representative of Xu Xianghong, who is the Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of Shandong Provincial Party Committee and also the Executive Vice Dean of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU, made suggestions on how the Shandong Provincial Government and Shandong University can work together to foster this new institute, as well as suggestions for how to prepare for future Nishan Forum. He hopes the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU can become the engine behind the study and development of Confucianism and the promotion of Qi Lu culture. All of these will contribute to the goal of strengthening and reviving Shan Dong’s deep cultural base.
Wang Xuedian, Executive Vice Dean of Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU, gave a report about the specific work they’ve done so far for the Institute, the general scheme of research work and a work plan for the near future. Wang presented a balanced development tactic named “walking on both legs” , explaining it in the perspectives, which are putting equal emphasis on Han dynasty culture and Song dynasty culture, literature and thought, history of Confucian classics and history of philosophy, textual research and philosophical discussion, received literature and unearthed documents, dedication to academic research and producing great influence, study of basic discipline and developmental application, history and reality, respecting individual interest and encouraging teamwork, and study of Chinese ancient civilization and study of western civilization and ideas. Wang introduced a plan about the work in the near future for research programs, academic activity, academic publication and solutions to removing problems.
Secretary of the Party Committee of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU, Ba Jinwen, Vice Deans Yan Binggang, Du Zexun and Huang Yushun, introduced their work plan respectively and expressed their resolution to propel the development of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU with the spirit of dedication teamwork.
After listening to the reports of all parties, Xu Jialu gave his full approval and praised the layout of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU. He said the new Institute and it potential are full of exciting possibilities. The new Institute took on a broad view, great courage, vigorous ambition and inspiring prospect at the very beginning, inspiring confidence for the future development of the new Institute. Moreover, Mr. Xu Jialu hopes the faculty of the Institute will fully recognize the huge challenges they are faced with at home and abroad. They must be cautious and meticulous, be proactive in their work attitude, and be dedicated to the renaissance of Confucianism; at the same time, seize the valuable opportunity of building the Institute into a world center of Confucianism, produce great and positive achievements through hard work, be more influential in the academic world, lead the study of Confucianism. Mr. Xu Jialu also put forward specific requirements on the related work at the meeting.
On February 1, 2012, in order to better serve the public as an open platform for research and learning, the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU issued a school-wide call for topics for the Confucianism research. The range of topics includes Confucianism in the past dynasties, the history of Confucian classics, the relationship between Confucianism and Chinese historiography, the relationship between Confucianism and Chinese literature, and the arrangement and study of Confucian classics, etc. According to the schedule, the call for grant proposals ended on February 20.
So far, the teaching and research staff in the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of SDU, School of Literature and Journalism, School of History and Culture, School of Philosophy and Social Development, the SDU Library, the Editorial Department of Literature, History, and Philosophy Journal and the similar schools and departments in the Weihai Campus have submitted 20 proposals.
Written by: Lu Yichen
Photo by: Sun Yishan
Edited by: Ben Hammer, Jing Zizhao