On the morning of March 17, 2024, Professor Liu Jianjun, a Distinguished Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Shanghai Jiaotong University, was invited by the Foreign Literature Research Centre of the College of Foreign Languages at Nankai University. He delivered a captivating lecture titled “Innovative Interpretation of Literary Classics in the Context of the New Era” to the faculty and students of the College. Teachers from the Department of English, Department of Translation, Department of Public English Teaching, Department of Spanish, Department of German, Department of Portuguese, and Department of Russian, as well as master’s and doctoral students and undergraduates, attended this academic activity.
Professor Liu Jianjun delivered a wonderful lecture to teachers and students on two aspects of scientific research: what it entails and how to conduct it. He elaborated on three key points: “problem consciousness”, “literature reading” and “conceptual innovation”. Firstly, Professor Liu Jianjun pointed out the differences between “recreational reading”, “appreciative reading”, and “academic reading”. The primary goal of academic reading is to raise questions and solve problems. He emphasized that the key to selecting a topic is to ask effective questions. He also highlighted the importance of raising valuable questions based on the strategic needs of the country, rather than simply imitating the Western discourse. Then, drawing from classic works of foreign literature such as Hamlet, The Old Man and the Sea, The Red and the Black, and Faust, Professor Liu Jianjun elaborated on the importance of discerning the essence behind the text by paying attention to its details during reading. He pointed out that whether it is reading or teaching, we have to keep abreast of the times. We need to discover the new meaning of classic texts according to the needs and themes of the times. It is essential to tell the truth in line with the law of social development in order to be truly innovative. Finally, Professor Liu Jianjun discussed creative ways to interpret concepts. Professor Liu Jianjun has a strong understanding of Chinese and Western classics, and he is well-versed in both Chinese and foreign literary works. His explanation ranges from shallow to profound, blending humor and wit. He introduces numerous fresh interpretations and ideas, earning frequent applause from the audience.
During the interactive session, the students and teachers asked questions enthusiastically, and the professors shared their opinions and suggestions. All attendees benefited greatly from the discussion in a warm atmosphere. During the interaction, he once again reminded the young teachers and students to be good at finding problems, “passionate-reading” the classics, and feeling the charm of the classics. The lecture was successfully concluded with thunderous applause.
