Peking University Centennial Collection of Chinese Classics: Literature Volume

Author: Research Center for Traditional Chinese 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 transformed and renewed at Peking University, and many new disciplines were first 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 Outline of the History of Chinese Fiction is a foundational work in the study of fiction, Hu Shi's History of Chinese Philosophy (Volume 1) is an attempt to systematically organize Chinese philosophy with new methods—all of these 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. The earliest archaeological research laboratory in China 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 the East and the West." Most scholars at Peking University adopt a pragmatic approach, studying ancient knowledge without being confined to dusty books, and using their personal insights to examine ancient materials, thereby arriving at new perspectives. Most scholars at Peking University possess a global vision, focusing on foreign studies and actively engaging with international scholars, placing Chinese knowledge within the broader context of global academic culture to forge 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 marks, and many emerging scholars continue to work diligently here. If we consider three decades 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 Peking University's Chinese Studies Through a Century. By flipping through this book, readers can gain a glimpse of the trajectory of Chinese studies over the past century. It is not difficult to notice that, compared to the past, Chinese studies today have undergone tremendous changes in both scope and concepts and methods of research. When Zhang Taiyan wrote A Brief Introduction to Chinese Studies, he divided it into five parts: "A Brief Introduction to Philology," "A Brief Introduction to Confucian Studies," "A Brief Introduction to Historiography," "A Brief Introduction to the Doctrines of the Hundred Schools," and "A Brief Introduction to Literature," all of which covered the traditional academic heritage of thousands of years. Today, the scope has far exceeded what it was then, the concepts have been updated multiple times, and the methods have become more scientific and systematic. Even in the field of philology, the original goal of studying classics has evolved into a discipline focused on describing the development patterns of language and characters. The discovery of oracle bone script, in particular, has revolutionized this field. Over the past century, some emerging disciplines (such as Dunhuang studies) have entered the realm of Chinese studies, and new archaeological findings have brought about significant changes in historiography. All of these have given Chinese studies a fresh face. While inheriting tradition, these changes are sufficient to justify calling today's Chinese studies "New Chinese Studies" and distinguishing them from the past. In the future, Peking University's Chinese studies should pay even greater attention to interdisciplinary collaboration, identifying new research topics and at the intersections of different disciplines, and establishing new research fields. With its comprehensive disciplines and strong academic, Peking University is sure to produce even more outstanding results 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 level will rise to a new level.