Herrlee Creel Visits the Confucian Temple — The University of Chicago and the Study of Early Chinese Cultural History

The University of Chicago Center in Beijing

20th floor, Culture Plaza
No. 59A Zhong Guan Cun Street
Haidian District Beijing 100872

On April 22, 2026, the University of Chicago Center in Beijing hosted a distinguished lecture titled “Herrlee Creel Visits the Confucian Temple: The University of Chicago and the Study of Early Chinese Cultural History.” The event brought together over 40 students, scholars, and alumni with shared interests in Sinology, early Chinese history, and cross-cultural academic exchange.

The lecture was delivered by Edward L. Shaughnessy, Lorraine J. and Herrlee G. Creel Distinguished Service Professor in Early Chinese Studies at the University of Chicago. A globally renowned scholar, Professor Shaughnessy has devoted decades to the study of early Chinese civilization, particularly the Zhou dynasty. His research is distinguished by its integration of excavated texts—such as bronze inscriptions and bamboo manuscripts—with received classical literature, offering groundbreaking insights into the intellectual and cultural foundations of early China.

The event began with opening remarks by Dr. Ge Zening, Executive Director of the Beijing Center, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the long-standing academic ties between the University of Chicago and Chinese studies. Professor Shaughnessy’s lecture then traced the intellectual legacy of Herrlee Glessner Creel, a pioneering figure in the study of early Chinese thought and history. Through a combination of historical reflection and scholarly analysis, he illustrated how Creel’s work helped establish the University of Chicago as a major center for the study of ancient China.

Expanding beyond individual contributions, the lecture offered a broader overview of the development of Chinese studies at the University of Chicago. Professor Shaughnessy discussed key areas of scholarly strength, including Shang and Zhou history, Confucianism, Daoism, and early textual traditions. He also emphasized the importance of international collaboration, particularly in the study of excavated manuscripts and paleography, where joint efforts between Chinese and Western scholars continue to reshape the field.

The presentation further highlighted the evolution of methodologies in early Chinese studies, especially the growing reliance on archaeological discoveries to reassess canonical texts such as the Book of Changes, Book of Documents, and Book of Poetry. By situating these developments within a transnational academic context, Professor Shaughnessy underscored the dynamic and collaborative nature of contemporary Sinology.

The lecture was followed by an engaging Q&A session, during which participants raised thoughtful questions on topics ranging from the interpretation of newly discovered manuscripts to the future direction of early Chinese cultural studies. The event concluded with a reception, providing attendees with an opportunity to continue discussions in an informal setting.

This lecture not only showcased the enduring scholarly legacy of Herrlee Creel and the University of Chicago, but also reaffirmed the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in advancing the study of early Chinese civilization.