University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada June 13, 1997

Comparative study of Chinese literature and culture gets a big boost

Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange awards major grant to University

By Michael Robb

The comparative study of Chinese literature and culture at the University just took another giant leap forward. The Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange (USA) has awarded the University a $108,235 US grant for a project entitled Chinese Literature and Culture.

The grant will allow the Department of Modern Languages and Comparative Studies to hire a scholar for three years. The new scholar will oversee the enhancement of program development. At the end of the three years, the University will be encouraged to make the position permanent.

"This is the single biggest grant the department has ever received," says Dr. Earle Waugh, professor of Modern Languages and Comparative Studies. "This prestigious award is a feather in our caps and recognizes the University of Alberta as a significant player in the field. This will encourage program development over the long haul."

The award brings financial benefits and will strengthen U of A ties with other institutions. In the last several years, the Taiwanese, in particular, have begun to pay more attention to Canadian institutions. The Foundation is headquartered in Taiwan. "This fits in nicely with where comparative studies wants to go," says Waugh, and the new scholar will coordinate activities with what's being offered in East Asian Studies. The University has particular strengths in the study of Canadian and European literature and culture; now it can bolster its strength in the study of Chinese literature and culture. Waugh expects the appointment will be made in the study of modern Chinese literature.

The shot in the arm will also benefit students-particularly those who are interested in the comparative study of literature and culture. Taiwanese, mainland Chinese and Canadian students will receive the benefits of a well-rounded program. The comparative aspect will continue to be a real strength, explains Dr. Steven Tötösy, associate director of the Research Institute for Comparative Literature.

The good news follows on the heels of an immensely successful 31st meeting of the Asian Studies on the Pacific Coast Conference, held at the University June 20-22, 1996. Three-hundred and ten scholars from around the world participated in that conference. "This grant is a measure of our international maturity," says Waugh.

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