Prof Tam Kwok-kan, Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at the Open University of Hong Kong, spoke of “Comparative Literature and Visions of the World” at UIC’s High Table Dinner on 4 November.
Prof Tam Kwok-kan, Chairman of the DHSS Advisory Committee, speaks at the High Table Dinner
In her opening speech, Dean of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS) Prof Mei-hwa Sung, explained that high table dinners are not only a social activity, but also an academic exchange, a trend of diversification of learning styles to broaden students’ horizons.
Prof Tam Kwok-kan then began his distinguished speech, pointing out that comparative literature is a systematic approach to the study of world literature. He mentioned that this field studies many problems that the world is facing, including the study of discourse, race, social class, gender, identity, post colonialism, ethnic diaspora and mixed culture.
When asked by a student about the impact of globalization on local culture, Prof Tam replied that the impact of globalization first appeared in the areas of finance and economy, and then extended to other areas such as culture. Meanwhile, the enhancement of local culture counters the threat of globalization. He suggested that understanding culture and society can help us study comparative literature.
Reporter: Zhong Zhuojun (Finance, Year 1)
Photographer: Tao Ruixue (IJ, Year 2)
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
