Lectures by the lake, ideas beyond boundaries | WKU Liberal Arts by the Lake officially opens!!

When global hot topics are approached from the cutting-edge perspectives of both China and the United States, what sparks will they ignite? Recently, Wenzhou-Kean University has launched a series of public lectures, named "WKU Liberal Arts by the Lake", aiming to break down the walls of the academic community and bring the latest research findings of faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts in the fields of media and creative industries, English, literature, philosophy, psychology, as well as other humanities and social sciences to the public. These lectures provide citizens with a window into the vibrant academic ecology of Wenzhou-Kean University, showcasing how the university shapes future leaders, creators, and problem solvers.

The first lecture was presented by Moritz Mihatsch (DPhil, Oxford), a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Liberal Arts of Wenzhou-Kean University, on "Eurocentrism & Decolonisation in the UNESCO History of Mankind 1945–1976". As a global history researcher, Dr. Moritz Mihatsch has studied and taught in universities across ten countries on three continents, including the Department of World History at the University of Cambridge, boasting a rich international academic background.

Moritz Mihatsch (DPhil, Oxford), a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Liberal Arts of Wenzhou-Kean University

At the event, he eloquently recounted the process of UNESCO's planning and compilation of the book "The History of Mankind", a project dedicated to constructing a non-Eurocentric historical narrative that emphasizes the commonalities rather than the differences among humans. He focused on examining the presentation of India and China in the work, introducing the effectiveness and limitations of the book in constructing a "truly global history" during its actual compilation. "If we want to write a truly global history, we need to incorporate more diverse voices into the discussion," Dr. Moritz Mihatsch shared with the audience at the end of the lecture. "When we try to cross cultural boundaries, interaction and trust between people are very important. I believe that no amount of artificial intelligence can replace the real you in personal interactions across different cultures. In an increasingly globalized world, we must view issues from different perspectives."

Dr. Li Xiaonian, Chancellor and Deputy Party Secretary of Wenzhou-Kean Universit

Why does Wenzhou-Kean University establish “WKU Liberal Arts by the Lake” ? Dr. Li Xiaonian, Chancellor and Deputy Party Secretary of Wenzhou-Kean University, stated that Wenzhou-Kean University has always not only introduced international high-quality educational resources but also emphasized transformation and growth within the Chinese context. Today's lecture hall is a concrete manifestation of this integration - it not only carries the tradition of American liberal arts education, which is "interdisciplinary, critical thinking-oriented, and strong expression-focused," but also responds to the pursuit of humanistic spirit and responsibility for the times in Chinese higher education. " We hope that WKU will not only be a university that 'places equal emphasis on teaching and research,' but also become a public cultural space where ideas can be seen, heard, and discussed."

It is reported that “WKU Liberal Arts by Lake” is jointly launched by the WKU College of Liberal Arts and WKU Library. The lecture is open to the public,delivered in English, focuses on global hot topics, breaks down cultural barriers, builds ideological consensus, and strives to make every lecture an important bond for cross-cultural exchange. The first season of the lecture hall plans a total of seven exciting lectures. Next, lectures on related topics such as "English as a Foreign Language Acquisition within a Stoic Framework ", " Can You Be Happy Without Feeling Happy? Rethinking Happiness", " Striking a balance between the media and the judicial system in the United States", and "The Age of International Higher Education: Advantages and Challenges for Both Individuals and Communities" will also be launched.

Dr. Yang Yixin, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for WKU

Dr. Yang Yixin, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for WKU, stated that the official launch of the "WKU Liberal Arts by the Lake" is an important measure in the university's development process and a concrete manifestation of the value of liberal arts education. The lecture aims to build an open platform for ideological exchange, promote the collision of diverse viewpoints, broaden the horizons of faculty and students, and extend their cognitive boundaries. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and academic exchanges, it focuses on enhancing students' thinking ability and cultural understanding ability, and cultivating compound talents with a global vision, a sense of social responsibility, as well as creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Dr. Xie Zhiwu, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Celia Lam, Campus Dean of the College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Xie Zhiwu, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Librarian of Wenzhou-Kean University, and Celia Lam, Campus Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, stated that the " WKU Liberal Arts by the Lake" will support the university's pursuit of " internationalization, innovation, and high-level education ", and actively promote in-depth exchanges between Wenzhou-Kean University and institutions and individuals from various sectors at home and abroad.

Content | Zhuo Yang (Wenzhou Daily) , Zhao Tongyao

Photo | SMDC Ding Yizi, Wu Yujie, Zhao Runxi

Video | SMDC Lu Tianyi, Feng Xiaoyu, Zhang Ruiming, Zhang Yihan 

First Review | Xiang Wenwei, Tang Lianyi

Second Reveiw | Wangshu, Ren Yuanyuan

Third Reveiw | Lv Zhuohuan, Xie Zhiwu