On the afternoon of May 24th, 2025, at the invitation of the Research Center for Foreign Literature of the School of Foreign Studies (SFS) of Nankai University, Professor Jiang Chengyong, a Senior Liberal Arts Professor of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Dean of the Institute of Western Literature and Culture, Zhejiang Provincial Special Expert, and Chief Expert of the National Social Science Fund Major Project and the Ministry of Education’s Marxism Project—delivered an insightful academic lecture titled “Literature in the Perspective of the History of Science” to faculty and students of the School of Foreign Studies (SFS). Faculty members and postgraduate students from SFS attended this academic event.
At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Jiang Chengyong traced the development of interdisciplinary literary studies in China, noting that interdisciplinary research between literature and science had actually taken root as early as the 1980s. Professor Jiang emphasized that there is an “invisible boundary” between literature and science. When applying non-literary theories to literary studies, the essence lies in exploring the interactive relationship between literature and other disciplines—requiring both interdisciplinary exploration and a steadfast commitment to literature’s unique characteristics.
Subsequently, Professor Jiang Chengyong analyzed the dynamic relationship between “literature and science” through a broad academic perspective, drawing on the developmental trajectories of Chinese and Western literature. From the Renaissance to the Enlightenment of the 18th century and on to the Romanticism of the 19th century, scientific development continually influenced and reshaped people’s ways of thinking and cognition. These transformations, whether directly or indirectly, propelled the innovation and advancement of literary and artistic expression.
During the interactive session, teachers and students enthusiastically asked questions, and Professor Jiang Chengyong provided excellent answers one by one. The teachers and students expressed that they had learned a lot and benefited greatly. Finally, the lecture concluded successfully with thunderous applause.
