The signing ceremony between the College of Humanities and Fudan College of Foreign Languages and Literature - Prof. Kaye and Prof. Chu shake hands

The College of Humanities deepens collaboration with Fudan University in China

Professor Nick Kaye, Dean for the College of Humanities and Professor in Performance Studies, and Prof. Chen Yingzhang, Assistant President of Fudan University, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in China as part of ongoing developments between the two institutions.

Fudan University in Shanghai is ranked as one of China's Top-10 research leading universities and is ranked 90th worldwide in the 2012 QS World University Rankings.

The ceremony between the College of Humanities and Fudan College of Foreign Languages and Literature was attended by representatives from both institutions, and cements the growing relationship between the two Universities.

The Dean’s excursion to China followed a successful visit to the College of Humanities from a high-level delegation from Fudan in early March.   During the visit, Professors Chu Xiaoquan (Dean), Gao Yongwei (Vice-Dean Teaching), and Qu Weigo (Vice-Dean Research) from the College of Foreign Languages and Literature at Fudan University met with academics within the English, Modern Languages, Drama, and History Departments.  They also attended presentations and meetings with leading figures from across the University, including Professor Neil Armstrong (Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor) and Dr Shaun Curtis (Director of International Exeter). 

The College is now actively pursuing a programme of activities to develop the relationship further.  In August, the College’s English Department will be hosting an Exeter-Fudan research Colloquium on 'Shakespeare Adaptations'.  This will be delivered by Exeter staff and three academics from the Department of English within the College of Foreign Languages and Literature at Fudan.

The College of Humanities is also delighted to welcome five students from Fudan on the Humanities pathways for the International Summer School at Exeter.  This includes one student for ‘Britain and the Making of the Modern World’ and four for ‘Rethinking Shakespeare: Beyond the Bard’.  In addition, two undergraduate students in the College from the English and History Departments will commence their study abroad experience at Fudan University in September 2013.

The collaboration also extends to postdoctoral study between the two Universities, which has been further enhanced by Fudan’s offer to cover the costs of two Humanities PhD students to attend their postgraduate research conference in October.

“Professor Nick Kaye said, “The College of Humanities is exploring a wide range of opportunities for future collaboration with Fudan University as part of our development of links with key partners in China.  I am delighted to welcome a second delegation from Fudan in August, and look forward to developing a deep and lasting collaboration with Fudan University.”

Date: 20 May 2013

Read more University News