In recent years, at university graduation ceremonies, we have seen red-robed professors holding academic scepters more and more frequently, and this phenomenon has sparked widespread discussion. Both the red-robed professor and the academic scepter originated in medieval Europe and represent the European culture and academic traditions of the time.
However, when these symbolic objects appear at university graduation ceremonies in China, are they really appropriate? Without disrespecting these experts and professors, we can't help but wonder if Chinese people should have their own system, especially in ivory towers.
The red-robed professor and the academic scepter originated in medieval Europe, when universities were affiliated with the church, and professors wearing red robes and holding scepters symbolized the authority and sanctity of scholarship. With the development of the modern university system, these traditions of graduation ceremonies have also been preserved and passed down.
In China, in the process of modernizing the university education system, many Western educational models and symbols have also been introduced. For example, the popularity of bachelor's gowns and degree caps at graduation ceremonies is a notable example. For many graduates, wearing a bachelor's gown and a degree cap represents the completion of their studies and the beginning of a new stage, which has an important sense of ritual and commemorative significance.
However, the red-robed professors and academic scepters that have emerged in recent years have sparked more discussion and questioning. Some argue that the appearance of these Western symbols at Chinese university graduation ceremonies lacks cultural roots and identity, and seems out of place. Netizen Xiao Li believes: "We can design a graduation ceremony with Chinese characteristics, so that students can feel the solemnity of the ceremony and the pride of local culture when they graduate." ”
The phenomenon of pursuing Westernization in colleges and universities is not only reflected in the ceremony of graduation ceremonies, but also involves many aspects such as educational philosophy, teaching methods and academic evaluation system. Westernization has brought about some positive effects, such as the introduction of advanced teaching concepts and research methods, the promotion of international academic exchanges and cooperation, and the improvement of academic standards and education quality.
However, the excessive pursuit of Westernization can also pose some problems. First of all, cultural adaptation is a problem that cannot be ignored. Academic scepters and red-robed professors have deep cultural roots and historical backgrounds in the West, but in China, these symbols lack the corresponding cultural identity and emotional resonance, and it is easy to feel that form is greater than content.
Second, the excessive westernization of universities can lead to the neglect of local culture and traditions. Education is an important way of cultural inheritance, and colleges and universities, as places for the dissemination of knowledge and culture, should attach importance to and protect the inheritance and development of local culture. Netizen Xiao Wang pointed out: "While pursuing the internationalization of education, we should not ignore our own cultural roots and traditions, and should find a balance, which can not only learn from foreign advanced experience, but also retain and promote our own cultural characteristics." ”
Constructing a university culture with Chinese characteristics is one of the urgent problems to be solved in Chinese universities. While learning from the advanced educational concepts and methods of the West, we should pay attention to the inheritance and innovation of local culture, so as to form an education system and cultural atmosphere with Chinese characteristics.
First of all, colleges and universities should explore graduation ceremonies with Chinese characteristics. You can draw inspiration from traditional Chinese culture to design ceremonies that are both solemn and culturally significant. For example, a degree conferment ceremony can be designed that is in line with the characteristics of Chinese culture by combining traditional etiquette with modern graduation ceremonies. Netizen Xiao Zhang suggested: "We can learn from the etiquette of ancient academies to make the graduation ceremony both modern and full of cultural heritage." ”
Second, universities should strengthen the research and promotion of local culture and traditions. Through the establishment of relevant courses, cultural activities and other means, so that students can understand and identify with the local culture and enhance cultural self-confidence while receiving modern education. Professor Li, an expert, pointed out: "Universities are not only places for the dissemination of knowledge, but also places for the inheritance of culture. We should use various ways to let students feel the charm and value of local culture while learning knowledge. ”
Finally, universities should find a development path suitable for China's national conditions in terms of academic evaluation system and educational philosophy. We can learn from the advanced experience of foreign countries, but we should not copy and copy, but should explore a path of educational development with Chinese characteristics in light of China's actual conditions. Professor Wang, an expert, suggested: "While learning from advanced foreign experience, we should pay attention to local realities and form an education system and evaluation standards with Chinese characteristics." ”
In short, it is necessary for colleges and universities to pursue Westernization, but they should also pay attention to the inheritance and innovation of local culture. Only by finding a balance between the two can we build a university culture with Chinese characteristics and promote the sustainable development of education. What do you think about this? Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions in the comment area.