Renowned academic John Boyer, Senior Advisor to the President and the Martin A. Ryerson Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, recently embarked on a significant academic tour to China. Invited by both Beijing Foreign Studies University and Peking University, Boyer delivered insightful lectures on the past and future of liberal arts education in American higher education on Oct. 28th and 29th, respectively.
During his visit, Boyer engaged in productive discussions with leadership teams at both institutions, sharing insights on the challenges and strategies of running a college or undergraduate program. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues unique to Chinese universities, as well as common global challenges, to enhance student experiences and cultivate well-rounded graduates to serve the society.
On 28th, at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Boyer's lecture was moderated by Professor He Jing, a leading translator of Boyer's book "The University of Chicago: A History." The second edition of this book has recently been published in Chinese.
The next day, at Peking University, Boyer's talk was hosted by the School of Education and moderated by Professor Wang Liping, a UChicago-trained scholar. The lecture focused on "The Past and the Future of the Liberal Arts in American Higher Education: The Case of the University of Chicago."
Boyer's visit underscored the strong academic ties between the University of Chicago and Chinese institutions. Through these exchanges, both institutions aim to foster deeper understanding and collaboration in the field of higher education.
