Announcement: Lecture: Reading and Researching Ancient Chinese Books

Topic: Reading and Researching Ancient Chinese Books
Time: December 19, 2010, 7pm
Place: Chemistry Building, Room 301
Lecturer: Professor Han Geping

About the Lecturer:

Professor Han Geping, who holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Literature, is the current Dean of the Institute of Ancient Literature at BNU, a professor, a Ph.D. supervisor, and the editor-in-chief of Journal of Ancient Books Collation and Studies. His unusually rich and fresh insight into, and understanding of, ancient Chinese books is illustrated by the scope of his teaching and research, including his: The Hermeneutics of Ancient Chinese Books, Ancient Chinese Literature, An Annotation of Zhao Ming Anthology, An Annotation of Carving a Dragon at the Core of Literature, Metaphysics and Buddhism Studies in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, and A Research Methodology for the History of Ancient Chinese Literature. The broad scope of Professor Han's erudition extends to the most basic issues and thinking in the fields of ancient Chinese literature and Chinese classical literatures. This gives him the air of a traditional Confucian scholar-official.
About the Lecture:
An immense number of ancient Chinese books comprise solid support for a Chinese traditional culture that goes back over 5,000 years. The collation and study of these books and the cultivation of the professional talent to engage in such work are the two main missions of the BNU Institute of Ancient Literature. The goal of this lecture, which is presented under the auspices of the Institute, is to enlighten all BNU teachers and students while presenting a veritable feast of pure and ancient Chinese culture. The ancient books of China hand down the glorious culture that has been created by the Chinese people over thousands of years. The modes of thinking, value orientations, and codes of conduct presented in these books are of strong historical and national value, influencing our lives even today and guiding our every word and deed. However, there is now a wall between modern life and these ancient books, so the question is, how can we most effectively access the food for thought contained in the ancient books? To speak from this perspective, we have invited Professor Han Geping to share his knowledge and experience with the students and teachers of BNU. We believe this lecture will give the listeners a deeper understanding of, and a keener interest, in the rich culture and knowledge transmitted by the ancient books of China.