In order to enrich students' research perspectives and enhance their thesis writing abilities, Faculty of Innovation and Design recently invited Professor Chen Fang to conduct two separate lectures for students with the themes "The Deification and Symbolic System of 'Objects' in the 'Daikou Halu Shou Shu" and "Essay Writing and Publishing," attracting a large number of faculty and students to attend.

Professor Chen Fang is a professor and doctoral supervisor at the Beijing Fashion Institute, and formerly served as the Executive Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the "Art and Design Studies" journal. Professor Chen pointed out that research in painting and calligraphy should not be limited to the aesthetic level but should be understood within a broader cultural context. By employing interdisciplinary methods such as material culture, religion, and museology, it can help break disciplinary boundaries and promote innovative research development. Professor Chen also emphasized the writing and presentation skills of academic papers. She stressed the importance of the novelty and academic value of the topic and advised students to not only list existing research in their literature review but to identify research gaps and explore original perspectives. Additionally, she shared insights on how to select suitable journals and reminded students to carefully study the direction and requirements of the journal before submission to increase the chances of acceptance.

At the end of the lectures, participating students actively engaged in asking questions and interacting, creating a lively atmosphere. Professor Chen provided detailed answers to questions including how to balance innovation and feasibility in topic selection and how to effectively organize literature. She emphasized that interdisciplinary perspectives can not only broaden research horizons but also enhance the quality of papers. Regarding the planning and meticulous management of academic research, Professor Chen offered specific recommendations, encouraging students to maintain rigor and innovation throughout the research process.

These lectures provided valuable academic advice and a communication platform for our faculty and students, fostering an enriched academic atmosphere within the institute, with profound inspiration and influence on students' future academic development.

Author: Student Li Zhe, Master of Fine Arts, Class of 2024