The first stop of the lecture tour was the University of Northern Iowa.
It can also be regarded as the home field, not only because it is in Iowa, but also because the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa have many academic cooperations, although there are some differences in majors.
The University of Iowa focuses on science, engineering, medicine and law, while the University of Northern Iowa focuses on education, business and other majors.
Of course, in terms of humanities and social sciences, these two universities are completely inadequate among many universities in the United States.
This is why the University of Iowa championed dialects as soon as "Guns, Viruses and Steel" was published.
As soon as they got off the plane, Nie Hualing and Paul Angel were full of enthusiasm. They took Bai Ruoxue, Gong Jie and their group to the hotel that the school had arranged. After two days of rest, Dialect came to the Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences. Accompanied by Long Sean Michael, he traveled to the University of Northern Iowa.
As soon as I arrived at the school gate, I was warmly welcomed by all the teachers and students of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Among the crowd, Gong Qie could easily see the faces of Chinese international students.
The 1980s was a climax for Chinese students to study in Europe and the United States.
The continuous cheers and applause once again refreshed Gong Xie, Fang Yan, Li Zhi and others' understanding of dialects.
"Don't be too surprised."
Bai Ruoxue seemed to have seen it all before, "Teacher Fang's reputation in American universities is very rare among Chinese scholars nowadays."
Gong Cie sighed: " No wonder he said it was an honor for Yenching University to be a visiting professor. It turns out What he said is true."
"Teacher Fang is indeed qualified to be a visiting professor at the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa," Bai Ruoxue said, "As long as he is willing."
>Unlike them who were "flattered", Fang Yan didn't feel uncomfortable at all when faced with such courtesy.
After all, whether in the previous life or in this life, "Guns, Germs, and Steel" can be regarded as a work of human history!
Anthropology and history at the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa are inherently weak. They are equivalent to second-rate sects. How can you not be excited to receive martial arts instruction from a first-rate master like Wang Chongyang?
So, before the formal lecture activities, the University of Northern Iowa first arranged an academic exchange meeting.
It was held in the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Northern Iowa. The professors closed the door and had a "Huashan Sword Discussion".
Fang Yan entrusted Li Zhi and Nie Hualing to take care of Gong Jie, Fang Yan and others. He took Bai Ruoxue, who acted as a "translator", and walked into the conference room with a smile under the leadership of Sean Michael. Everyone was already waiting for the arrival and clapped politely.
Before the meeting, Sean Michael introduced Dialect one by one:
“This is Professor John Fernald, the director of the Department of Humanities, History and Science at the University of Northern Iowa.”
“ This is from the College of Arts and Sciences..."
"This is It’s Professor Robert James Waller. He is the dean of the School of Business and is very interested in history. He came here specially to listen.”
“Hello everyone, I am very happy to be invited by the University of Northern Iowa. Come here to communicate with fellow historians.”
Fang Yan was greatly surprised to find that he had the same name as the author of "The Bridge of Lost Dreams".
But before he could think about it, John Fernald took the lead and said: "After watching "Guns, Germs and Steel", I found that you do not stay in one nation, one country or one country. time period, but to study history and civilization as macro objects.”
“Yes, the basic unit for studying human beings and the future is civilization! "
Dialect said: "Based on the origin, growth, decline, and disintegration of each civilization, we can understand certain common laws of different civilizations, as shown in "Guns, Germs, and Steel" Summarizing rules."
John Fernald said: "So, how do you divide civilizations?"
"The division of civilization is a complex issue that deserves further study."
Sean Michael did not expect that the University of Northern Iowa would make a big move as soon as he came up and made it clear that he wanted to try the quality of dialects.
“Yes, some scholars have divided civilization into more than 30 types, and some scholars have simply divided it roughly into two types, Eastern civilization and Western civilization. Some, like Toynbee, once Divides the world's civilizations from ancient times to the present into 21 types, but his method of division "It's too cumbersome."
John Fernald said: "There is still a lot of controversy in the academic world, Fang, what do you think?"
Fang Yan said categorically: "I think it is. The current world civilization can be divided into 8 types. ”
"8 kinds!?"
Everyone, including Robert James Waller, was interested and asked him to continue.
“I divide them into seven independent civilizations, and a satellite civilization subordinate to these independent civilizations.”
The dialect quoted is Samuel Huntington’s "Civilization of Civilization" Conflict and the Reconstruction of World Order.
However, Samuel Huntington divided 8 civilizations, namely Chinese civilization, Japanese civilization, Indian civilization, Islamic civilization, Western civilization, Orthodox civilization, Latin American civilization, and African civilization. Although Toynbee More reasonable, but still not perfect.
For example, Japanese civilization should be a satellite civilization of Chinese civilization.
"Western civilization, Latin American civilization and Orthodox Christian civilization should have the same origin, right?"
John Fernald frowned.
Dialect shook his head and said: "No, no, although Latin American civilization is the product of the combination of Western civilization and Latin indigenous civilization, since Latin America became independent, it has derived characteristics that are different from Western civilization in all aspects, such as Let’s talk about magical realism literature...”
Gong Qie, Li Zhi and others blinked. Although they didn’t understand, they were greatly shocked.
Especially when I see the foreign professors in the room listening attentively, I feel an indescribable pride in my heart. It’s really great!
"Fang, why do you emphasize the 'ancient Indian' civilization when you call it 'Indian civilization', but don't say 'China' when you mention 'Chinese civilization'?" John Fair Nader said, "Shouldn't 'China' be a national concept?"
< br>"John, it's understandable that you would think so."
Fang Yan said with a smile: "Many people are often confused on the issue of 'is China a country or a civilization?'"
The professors at the University of Northern Iowa were very interested and kept asking questions.
"I believe that China is not just a country, but a civilization that exists in the form of a country and has been passed down for five thousand years."
Fang Yan said: "It is precisely because of this that China's history, tradition, and culture Only then can it continue and prosper, and for a long time, neighboring countries in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, and Anhui Nan and others have been deeply influenced by the civilization of the sovereign country for a long time."
Sean Michael suddenly realized: "So, you attribute Japanese civilization to a satellite civilization?"
Fang Yan originally wanted to use the Da Ying Empire, which lacked great virtues, as an example. After all, it was not just a day or two for Britain and the United States to conjugate father and son.
“Don’t you think Japan is a very vivid specimen of ‘satellite civilization’?”
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it can perfectly explain the characteristics of the 'satellite civilization', which has changed from being subordinate to the eastern suzerain to following the west."
Fang Yan said: "In the end The result is east but not east , West is not West, it is not so much diversity, but hybridity." Bai Ruoxue opened her mouth, "Teacher Fang?"
Fang Yan said seriously. Translate!”
As soon as these words came out, there was an instant uproar, but most people present did not feel angry. After all, in today's American society, everyone is shouting against "Japanese products", and even against "Toyota" and "Honda". Japanese cars were all smashed.
Even "Transformers" was born under this background. As long as cars appeared in the original film, they were American cars.
"Hybridity is not what I am talking about. It is the 'hybrid culture' proposed by the late famous Japanese critic, Kato Kato in the 1950s." Dialect grinned, "So, Japanese civilization A 'bastard' in his own right 'Civilization.'
"So that's it!"
After hearing these words, the history professors and lecturers thought carefully and found that this method of dividing dialects into civilization is really true. sums up all civilizations in the world. "This is really a very creative academic point of view." Sean Michael nodded in approval.
John Fernald said: "Fang, I think you can write another book on the theme of this division of civilization!"
Fang Yan showed a faint smile, "That's what I meant, But before that, I need to collect some information.”
“If you want to publish it, we at the University of Northern Iowa Press are willing to help!”
John Fellner. De's eyes immediately flashed with greed.
“It’s better to wait until Fang’s book is finished before we talk about publishing it.”
Sean Michael pretended to cough.
Dialect is their true love at the University of Iowa. Although your University of Northern Iowa is a brother school, you can’t take away others’ love!
Revolving around dialect, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa almost staged a "love triangle" between brothers competing for each other's love.
(PS: Kato Monday, "Hybrid Culture—Japan's Small Hope.")
………………
The entire academic exchange meeting lasted for three and a half hours.
In the beginning, it was mainly explained in dialect, but later it became the history professors who asked various questions and answered in dialect.
Fortunately, the questions I asked were basically about the content of "Guns, Viruses and Steel", and a few of them also continued the viewpoint of the Clash of Civilizations just now.
“Civilization is the ultimate tribe of mankind, and the conflict of civilizations is a group conflict on a global scale, which generally takes two forms.”
“At a regional or micro level, neighbors with different civilizations Fault zone conflicts between countries or groups of different civilizations within a country.”
"And at the global or macro level, the core conflicts between the major states of different civilizations..."
Faced with the various unique insights being thrown around, John Fernald, Sean Michael and others I just felt it was so novel and shocking.
“Fang, I have heard many people deconstruct the bipolar structure, some from ideology, some from class, some from land power and sea power, some from the camp of democracy and freedom, and some from the Slavic nation. Let’s analyze it with the Angsa people..."
John Fernald couldn't help but sigh: "But this is the first time I heard it analyzed in terms of civilization."
"Yes, from the religious struggles within Christianity to the branch struggles that continued between East and West Rome, these views Very novel.”
Sean Michael raved.
Fang Yan smiled and said, "This is just my personal opinion. You can just listen to it."
"No, no, no, these opinions are of great discussion and research value!"
John Fernald sincerely admires him, and the professors at the University of Northern Iowa's College of Arts and Sciences are also convinced.
There are even teachers in the history department who are going to recommend "Guns, Viruses and Steel" to their students, and after reading it, they will choose one of the articles to write a post-reading review, treating it as a class assignment, and some preparations are required. Make books on dialects a recommended reading list for new students in our school.
"That's really great! I hope the students at your school will like it!"
Fang Yan complained in his heart, if a student fails the class because of this, don't hold a grudge against him. on his own head.
While he was handing the books to his assistant to sign, Robert James Waller came up to him and said with regret:
“I really hope we have the opportunity to sit together again. , talk about human history and world civilization like today."
"Of course there is a chance."
Fang Yan looked at Bai Ruoxue: "But the premise is that there is such an excellent translator to help at that time."
"She did translate well." Robert James Waller gave a face-saving praise.
"She will soon go to the University of California, Berkeley, to study business."
Not only Bai Ruoxue, but also Fang Yan introduced Li Zhi by the way.
“Yes!”
Robert James Waller said that if you want to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in the future, you can definitely consider the University of Northern Iowa.
When Li Zhi heard this, his face was full of excitement. Regardless of whether he was sincere or not, just getting a letter of recommendation from the dean of the University of Northern Iowa's School of Business would be a great help for his future postgraduate entrance examinations and Ph.D. It's a great help.
Bai Ruoxue's tone was full of gratitude, "Teacher Fang, thank you!"
"It's a small effort, don't take it to heart."
Fang Yan said: "This afternoon's lecture activity , I have to work hard on you.”
The morning is an academic exchange meeting, and the afternoon is a lecture activity, open to all students in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The scene was so huge that Li Zhi, who was working as a translator for the first time, could not help but feel nervous.
Fortunately, Bai Ruoxue was there to help, and everything went very smoothly. Even during the question and answer session, there were occasional small mistakes.
But apart from Yan Yu, most of the Chinese students were very supportive and applauded the most actively and violently.
This is also the reason why I chose the University of Northern Iowa as my first stop. I want to test my skills first and practice my dialect speaking skills and adaptability. After I become proficient, I can then move to a larger stage. Just like a drama troupe going from social drama to singing all the way to the theater.
Whether it is Fang Yan, Bai Ruoxue and Li Zhi, they are all making progress visibly.
After all, the final destination is Columbia University, which can at least be ranked among the top 15 in the world.
Here, Jamin Graham, the founder of modern securities analysis and value investment theory, was born.
It has had a profound impact on people such as Warren Buffett, Mario Gabriel, John Neff, Mike Price and John Pogue. This year happens to be the 50th anniversary of the publication of "Security Analysis", and Columbia University is interested in A memorial lecture is held on these days.
What a coincidence, it coincides with the lecture event on "Guns, Viruses and Steel". (End of chapter)