The first season of the Mingcheng Micro-Courses series concluded on October 10th, uniting four eminent multidisciplinary scholars in three weeks. Over 260 students participated in the meticulously designed courses which foster interdisciplinary learning, aligned with the college’s innovative education ethos. This initiative aimed to expand students’ intellectual horizons and enhance skills in  critical analysis, humanistic reflection, and creative problem-solving.

Professor Jin Wenzhou, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, delivered a lecture titled University: Elevating Cognition, Refining Competence. He analyzed the purpose , opportunities and challenges of university life, , and provided guidance frameworks to help freshmen formulate clear academic and personal development goals. 

Professor Ma Yingying from the School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Deputy Dean of Mingcheng College, answered ‘how to learn’ via her lecture Effective Learning Methods in University. The course begins by exploring What to learn at university? and demystifying the nature of learning itself. It then breaks down effective methods into key modules: previewing, note-taking, reviewing, active listening, and paper writing. Through an effective combination of theory, case studies, and hands-on practice, it truly teaches students how to fish, equipping them with a systematic methodology for lifelong success.

Professor Xia Zhenglin, School of Law, explored cultivating rigorous and innovative thinking, citing Hume’s skepticism about causal relationships to illustrate how linguistic precision is the cornerstone of rigorous thought. Through defining a cup, he demonstrated why shared standards—like laws—are essential for effective communication. A simple number sequence game then sparked a deep reflection on habitual thinking. Professor Xia warned against its perils: the rigidity of dogmatism and the chaos of nihilism. He critiqued the overreliance on standard answers, urging students to boldly question and explore, recognizing that all rules have premises, to truly develop rigorous yet creative critical thinking.

Professor Zhan Shuangjuan, School of Foreign Languages, delivered a course on American History and Culture, which systematically explores the evolution of American history, its social conflicts, and political systems and integrates character building into knowledge delivery. Prof. Zhan guides students to enhance their linguistic and cultural proficiency through cross-cultural exchange and critical thinking. Simultaneously, the course fosters a deep-seated patriotism and a sense of mission, inspiring them to contemplate how to tell China's story well on the global stage and reaffirm their commitment to national responsibility.

The Mingcheng Micro-Courses series is more than a one-way transfer of knowledge; it's a vibrant two-way exchange between teachers and students. Following the lectures, students have not only actively submitted reflections and notes but have also applied their learning to practice, presenting outstanding projects. The successful conclusion of the first series marks not an end, but a beginning. Moving forward, Mingcheng Academy remains committed to its mission of fostering virtue and talent. It will continue to launch high-quality courses, dedicating itself to nurturing future leaders with broad vision, critical thinking, and exceptional capacity for action.

Source from Mingcheng College

Translated by Chen Liwei

Reviewed by Office of Global Affairs