Exciting collaboration moves forward for History in Exeter and Beijing

The colloquium, titled ‘National History in the Context of Global History’ will be launched this year in Peking University, Beijing, on 14-18 October, with reciprocal events to take place at Exeter and Peking annually thereafter.

Professors Andrew Thompson (Chair in History, Exeter) and Henry French (Head of History, Exeter) visited Peking University (PKU) in June 2013 in order to further research between the two departments and to finalise arrangements for this ambitious workshop, which is a first of its kind for the College.

The Exeter Professors were hosted at PKU by Professor Gao Dai (Vice-Dean of the Graduate School) and Professor Gao Yi (Head of PKU History Department). In a series of timetabled activities, they worked together to identify staff within the two institutions to participate in the colloquium, determine possible sub-themes, deliver lectures to History faculty and meet with postgraduate students.

This visit from Exeter staff to Peking University followed a series of visits by staff from both institutions.  Discussions include co-operation in the field of Translation with PKU's Department of Modern Languages, increased student exchange and an aim to increase participation in Exeter’s annual International Summer School.

Peking University is considered by many to be the best university in China for Humanities subjects, and the institution is currently placed 44^th in the QS World Rankings 2012-13.

Professor Thompson comments on the successful visit, “We had an extremely productive time at Peking University and have made significant progress in developing our collaborative colloquium.  Both Exeter and Peking’s faculty have been fully receptive and were extremely warm and welcoming on the occasion of our visit – this is a exciting development for Exeter.”