The eighth CFLC Graduate Students Symposium was held on December 16-23. The symposium was attended by all candidates of master’s and doctoral degrees at CFLC.

In his opening remarks, Professor Zhang Longhai, Dean of CFLC, reviewed CFLC’s achievements of in academics and research since its founding and praised the previous symposia for their fruitful results. Professor Nie Zhenzhao of Central China Normal University and Professor Guo Qiqing of Beijing Foreign Studies University delivered keynote lectures.

In his lecture, Professor Nie Zhenzhao, who is also the editor-in-chief of the Foreign Literatures journal, introduced the background and current research of Ethical Literary Criticism and expounded its definition, basic theories and terminology. He stressed that a major function of literature is to help the reader become a moral person by embracing the good and rejecting the bad.

At the symposium, Professor Guo Qiqing, who is also the editor-in-chief of the Asia Research Network journal, elaborated on the teaching and learning of American literature and the nurturing of humanistic qualities. He also shared his insights into the meaning and function of education in literature and critique of postmodernist works. At the end of his lecture, he gave the students a few tips on writing academic papers.

Towards the end of the symposium, the participants spilt into four groups for discussion on literature, linguistics, translation and interpreting, and culture and lexicography, with each participant presenting his or her paper on a specific topic. Of all the papers presented, eight won the first prize, 12 the second prize, and 14 the third prize.

At the closing ceremony of the symposium on December 23, Professor Chen Duanduan, Vice-Dean of CFLC, took stock of the proceedings of the symposium. She pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the papers presented at the symposium and encouraged the students continue their academic pursuits.

Chen Zhiwei, Party Secretary of CFLC, also spoke at the closing ceremony. She praised the students for their active participation in the symposium and encouraged them to keep up their good work in research.

Launched eight years ago, the annual symposium provides an opportunity for graduate students to share their research with the CFLC community and enter a dialogue that can spur ideas for new projects.