Peking University Centennial Collection of Chinese Classics -- Literature Volume

Author: Research Center for Chinese Traditional Culture, Peking University
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-04-01
Features: Since its founding, Peking University has always been at the forefront of pioneering new trends. Many traditional disciplines have been revitalized and numerous new disciplines have been established and developed here. This is particularly evident in the field of Chinese studies. For example, Lin Chuanjia's History of Chinese Literature is a literary history written by a Chinese scholar, Lu Xun's Outlines of the History of Chinese Fiction is a seminal work in the study of fiction, and Hu Shi's History of Chinese Philosophy (Volume 1) represents an attempt to systematically organize Chinese philosophy using new methods. These works were originally lecture notes at Peking University's predecessor, the Imperial University of Peking, or at Peking University itself. Similarly, the collection and organization of folk songs, as well as the subsequent study of folk culture, originated at Peking University. China's earliest archaeological research laboratory was also established here. There are countless other examples like these. This new trend can be summarized in the following two sentences: "Integrating the past and the present, blending Eastern and Western wisdom." Most scholars at Peking University adopt a pragmatic approach, studying ancient knowledge without getting lost in dusty archives. They critically examine historical materials with their own insights, arriving at new perspectives. Peking University scholars generally possess a global vision, focusing on foreign studies and actively engaging with international scholars. They place Chinese knowledge within the broader context of global academic culture, thereby opening up new paths. As a result, Peking University's Chinese studies exhibit a high level of vision, a broad perspective, and an open-minded attitude, all of which contribute to an academic atmosphere that reflects the spirit and charm of Peking University over the past century. Peking University is an academic sanctuary where many master scholars have left their mark, and where emerging scholars continue to work diligently. If we consider thirty years as one generation, then over the past century, approximately three generations of scholars have collectively supported the construction of a magnificent academic hall worthy of our ancient civilization. We have carefully selected the achievements of Peking University's Chinese studies over the past century and compiled them into The Essence of a Hundred Years of Chinese Studies at Peking University. By flipping through this book, readers can gain a glimpse of the trajectory of Chinese studies over the past century. It is evident that today's Chinese studies have undergone tremendous changes compared to the past, both in scope and in concepts, methods, and approaches. When Zhang Taiyan wrote An Outline of Chinese Studies, he divided it into five parts: "A Brief Introduction to Philology," "A Brief Introduction to Confucian Studies," "A Brief Introduction to History," "A Brief Introduction to the Schools of Thought," and "A Brief Introduction to Literature," all of which covered the traditional academic heritage of China over thousands of years. Today, the scope of Chinese studies has far exceeded what it was then, and both concepts and methods have been updated multiple times. Even in the field of philology, the original goal of studying classics has evolved into describing the developmental patterns of language and script. The discovery of oracle bone script, in particular, has revolutionized this discipline. Over this century, new disciplines such as Dunhuang studies have entered the realm of Chinese studies, and new archaeological findings have brought about significant changes in historiography. All these developments have given Chinese studies a fresh face. While inheriting tradition, these changes are sufficient to distinguish today's Chinese studies as "New Chinese Studies" from the past. In the future, Peking University's Chinese studies should pay more attention to interdisciplinary collaboration, identifying new research topics and at the intersections of various disciplines, establishing new research fields. With its comprehensive disciplines and strong academic, Peking University is well-positioned to produce even greater achievements if well-organized. It should also continue to expand academic exchanges with the outside world, introducing the finest aspects of Chinese culture to the world while absorbing beneficial elements from foreign academic cultures to enrich itself. I believe that through extensive exchanges, the academic quality of Peking University scholars will greatly improve, and their research levels will rise to a new level.