November 20, 2025 – A seminar on "World Literature and the Construction of an Independent Knowledge System for Area Studies with Chinese Characteristics" and the launch ceremony of the book series Oceania Literary Studies from a Multicultural Perspective were held at the Xuhui Campus of 汤头条污料 (SJTU). Scholars and experts from renowned universities and research institutions across China gathered to discuss interdisciplinary integration paths and exchange insights on advancing the construction of an independent knowledge system for Area Studies with Chinese characteristics.
Distinguished guests including HU Weiwei, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of SJTU; CHEN Zhongyi, Member of the Academic Division of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); ZHANG Bing, Yushan Distinguished Expert from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS); SHANG Biwu, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at SJTU; LIU Wenjing, Director of the Foreign Language Editorial Department of Peking University Press, and PENG Qinglong, Director of SJTU Academy of International and Regional Studies, jointly unveiled the new book series.
In her speech, HU Weiwei emphasized the great significance of constructing an independent knowledge system for Area Studies. Adhering to its orientation as a "comprehensive, research-oriented, and international" university, SJTU has accelerated the development of liberal arts in recent years, with continuous improvement in the overall strength of humanities and social sciences. She noted that this research achievement represents an important exploration by SJTU’s team in the interdisciplinary integration of world literature and Area Studies, and expressed expectations for academic circles to join hands in promoting disciplinary development.
Professor PENG Qinglong, Chief Editor of the series and Director of SJTU’s Academy for International and Regional Studies, pointed out that there is a profound connection between world literature and Area Studies. Drawing nourishment from outstanding world literary achievements is an important path for building an independent knowledge system. CHEN Zhongyi stated that Oceania holds significant strategic importance, and the book series serves as an exemplary reference for constructing the independent knowledge system for Area Studies. He called for multi-party cooperation to produce more leading academic outcomes. On behalf of the School of Foreign Languages, SHANG Biwu extended his gratitude to all participants and supporters. He commented that the book series, with its forward-looking academic perspective, systematically sorts out the development context and core characteristics of Oceania literature since the 1970s, successfully establishing a comprehensive and China-based new research system for Oceania literature, which provides strong support for interdisciplinary research. On behalf of the publisher, LIU Wenjing expressed commitment to continuously promoting the dissemination of high-quality academic works and supporting the development of the independent knowledge system.
The following seminar focused on three core themes: "The Relationship Between World Literature and the Independent Knowledge System for Area Studies," "The Connotation and Paths of Constructing the Independent Knowledge System," and "Deepening Oceania Literary Studies from a Multicultural Perspective." Scholars including CHEN Zhongyi, CHEN Jianhua, NIE Zhenzhao, WANG Shouren, and LIU Jianjun, delivered keynote speeches on academic rationale, interdisciplinary integration, and practical value, proposing viewpoints such as a "China-centered" research perspective and innovative directions for disciplines in the digital age, which led to fruitful academic consensus.
In his closing remarks, PENG Qinglong thanked the university leaders and participating experts, noting that the seminar brought together top scholars in the fields of Area Studies and Oceania research, demonstrating the profound thinking, academic awareness, and global vision of Chinese academia in an era of change. He emphasized that future efforts will continue to deepen interdisciplinary research, contributing academic wisdom and strength to building a distinctive Chinese independent knowledge system for Area Studies and serving national strategies.
It is reported that the publication of Oceania Literary Studies from a Multicultural Perspective and the holding of the seminar have built an important platform for the interdisciplinary integration of world literature research and Area Studies, providing practical reference for improving the independent knowledge system in related fields.
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Editor on Duty: Yan Cheng