On the afternoon of December 8, 2023, Dr. Yu Jianhua, a researcher at the Institute of International Relations, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and vice president of the China Institute of Middle East Studies, was invited to the "Hou Wailu Academic Lecture Series" at our school. Researcher Yu delivered the 329th lecture titled "Excellence in Diligence, Achievement in Contemplation: Reflections and Exchanges on Research and Learnng". The lecture was chaired by Professor Cao Ruonan from the School of Foreign Languages, with over a hundred faculty and students from various departments of our school in attendance.
Dr. Yu Jianhua began the lecture by reviewing his academic journey and research experiences and highlighting the crucial guidance from his mentor Professor Ai Zhouchang, as well as scholars like Yang Renpian, Lu Ting'en, Ge Gongshang and Zhu Weilie in his early studies of African history. He provided insights into the early stages of his research career and emphasized the importance of laying a solid foundation. Dr. Yu then discussed how his researches transited towards Eurasian studies, particularly Jewish studies and Israeli history in the context of China's opening up to the world. He shared how he underwent his first academic transition under the guidance of predecessors like Pan Guang. Dr. Wu also emphasized that academic researchers should not only focus on hot topics when selecting research topics, but should also possess "academic discernment" and the spirit of "sitting on the bench for ten years in silence". Dr. Yu encouraged researchers to boldly seek advice from senior scholars and experts. Furthermore, he introduced his second research transition, shifting towards international security studies. Dr. Yu explained that while academic research requires innovation, it should also align with the trends in disciplinary development and national foreign strategic demands. Dr. Yu encouraged researchers to be adept at identifying new research topics and finding breakthroughs. Finally, Dr. Yu conducted an analysis on the academic journals and the construction of disciplines of area studies. Dr. Yu elaborated on the disciplinary connotation, characteristics, and functions of the new era's area studies with Chinese characteristics, emphasizing the indispensable role of academic journals in constructing the "three major systems." Additionally, using International Relations Studies as an example, he introduced its editorial principles, topics, submission requirements, and conducted a comprehensive analysis of its articles related to area studies over the past decade. Dr. Yu thoroughly analyzed the role, advantages, and existing problems of academic journals in promoting the disciplinary construction of country and area studies. Finally, he drew inspiration from Wang Guowei's "Three Realms" in Jen-chien tzʻu-hua (The Notes and Comments on Ci Poetry) to encourage young scholars to be down-to-earth, persistent, resilient and devoted. The main focus of Dr. Yu Jianhua's lecture was to share his reflections, experiences and insights accumulated over years of research work. He particularly emphasized the importance of having a discerning eye when selecting research topics, a point that resonated with the faculty and students present. This lecture not only deepened their understanding of issues related to country and area studies but also provided valuable guidance and expanded their academic horizons.
After the lecture, Dr. Yu Jianhua engaged in interactive exchanges with faculty and students present at the venue.
Dean Cao Ruonan hosted the lecture
Researcher Yu Jianhua
Venue
Group photo
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