9728太阳集团学术论坛系列

SEIS Academic Forum Series （No.766）

Forum on Australian Studies

Forty Years of Australian Studies in China 1980-2020

中国澳研40年

Speaker: Jianjun Li

Time: 19:30-21:00

Date: 17 November, 2020

Venue: Room 111, SEIS Building, BFSU

Abstract: Australian studies in China started in the early 1980s after the return of nine Chinese scholars (Gang of Nine) from Australia to their home universities in China. These scholars offered courses on Australian literature, culture and history and set up Australian studies centres at their home universities. In 1988, the first Conference on Australian Studies in China was held in Beijing and the Chinese Association for Australian Studies was founded at the Conference. Now, the largest Australian studies community in the world is in China, with 30 plus Australian studies centres across China and research areas ranging from literature, history, politics, China-Australia relations, trade and economy, education, culture and indigenous studies. But will the strained relations between China and Australia in recent years affect Australian studies in China?

Bio: Li Jianjun is director of the Australian Studies Centre at Beijing Foreign Studies University and secretary-general of the Chinese Association for Australian Studies. He teaches Australian literature and is managing editor of the Chinese Journal of Australian Studies. His current research is Australian literature in China in 1950-65.