Peking University, April. 15, 2013: “I Wanna Talk with the Society” was the theme of the opening ceremony of the Ninth Socio-cultural Festival of Peking University which was held in the Sunshine Hall at Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center on April 8. Professor Yang Shanhua and Lecturer Sun Feiyu shared their experiences in sociology learning with students.

During the lecture, Yang and Sun talked about the art of social investigation and communication, as well as highlighting important methodological approaches, based from their own experiences in field study. They emphasized the attitude of “value-free” and the art of improvisation in surveys and interviews. In addition, by using several vivid examples, they pointed out to the students how the practice of methodology and theories is closely connected with the understanding of society. In their interactions with the audience, they encouraged students to read extensively as well as travel extensively so as to devote the ideas and techniques of sociology to the social transformation in contemporary China.

In the following, Professor Zhu Xiaoyang, the Deputy Dean of the Department of Sociology gave an overview of the past Sociology Festivals. In his point of view, such festivals played an important role in spreading sociological ideas and promoting communications among students and academics. He expressed his hope that the new generation of sociology students could gain much knowledge, as well as a positive and responsible attitude towards both the society and their own lives.

The Socio-cultural Festival this year will present all kinds of activities such as lectures, debates and quiz games on sociology. Interested students are welcome to make use of this interesting opportunity.

Written by: Zhang Ruichen

Edited by: Zhao Xiaowei, Armin Reinartz

Source: http://pkunews.pku.edu.cn/xywh/2013-04/09/content_268371.htm