Newsletter No. 15

CUHK Newsletter 中 — 大 — 通 訊 V o l . 2-2 No. 15 February 1991 University News Wei Lun Lectures 1990-91 Sponsored by the Wei Lun Foundation Ltd Prof. John C. K. Chu Prof. Lucian W. Pye Two famous scholars visited the University last month under the ‘Wei Lun Visiting Professorship/Fellowship Programme' and delivered four public lectures on the campus. Prof. John C. K. Chu Professor of Applied Physics at Columbia University, New York Prof. Chu gave two talks on 8th and 9th January about computational engineering. He described some of the recent advances in engineering procedures such as grid generation, computational fluid dynamics, optimization and sensitivity analysis, which are all based on the intensive use of the computer. He also explained the basic mathematical principles involved and discussed problems related to actual application. Prof. Chu's major research interests include applied mathematics, plasma physics fluid dynamics and large-scale computing. Prof. Lucian W. Pye Ford Professor of Political Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. Pye gave two lectures on the theme of Chinese nationalism and modernization on 9th and 11th January. The first lecture entitled ‘The Challenge of Modernization to the Chinese National Identity' analyses the tension and contradiction between Chinese nationalism and the goal of modernization since the early 20th century, and how such tension has affected those ‘Westernized' Chinese intellectuals. The second lecture entitled ‘Overseas Chinese between the World and Beijing?' concentrates on the experience of overseas Chinese as they try to improve their social status in different places and are gradually assimilated by local societies. Prof. Pye makes a comparison between Jews and Chinese in this respect and examines in particular their patriotic feelings. Prof. Pye specializes in the comparative study of political cultures and political psychology and is an authority on the politics of Asian countries. One of his major research interests is the impact of modernization on traditional societies in Asia. Faculty Open Day The University staged its first Faculty Open Day on Saturday, 12th January to introduce its academic programmes and facilities to local secondary six and seven students. On that day, departments of the five faculties opened their facilities such as classrooms, laboratories and art rooms to visiting students. Through a variety of informal and lively activities such as exhibitions, seminars, video shows and laboratory demonstrations, teachers of different departments and stafffrom various administrative units explained to the students the University's academic programmes, advanced teaching facilities, as well as student life on campus. Fact sheets and pamphlets were also distributed to provide supplementary information. The f unc t i on was held to strengthen communication between secondary school students and the University and attracted over 2,000 participants. 1