Historical Review and Future Prospects of the Development of the Discipline of Ideological and Political Education
To study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, strengthen the research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, deeply understand the innovative development of ideological and political education within the process of Chinese-path modernization, and improve the level of academic research and the quality of talent cultivation in the field, the 2024 National Academic Symposium on Ideological and Political Education was held at Nankai University. The symposium coincided with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the ideological and political education major, revolving around the theme: "Historical Review and Future Prospects of the Development of the Discipline of Ideological and Political Education."
This conference was co-hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Nankai University. It was organized by the Department of Research on the Sinicization of Marxism at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, the School of Marxism at Nankai University, and the CASS Think Tank for Marxist Theoretical Innovation. Joint co-organizers included the editorial boards of Marxism Studies (Markesi Zhuyi Yanjiu), Guide to Ideological and Theoretical Education (Sixiang Lilun Jiaoyu Daokan), Teaching and Research (Jiaoxue yu Yanjiu), Studies on Marxist Theory Discipline (Markesi Zhuyi Lilun Xueke Yanjiu), Ethics and Civilization (Daode yu Wenming), Nankai Journal (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), and Marxist Theory Teaching and Research. Experts and scholars from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, Nankai University, Wuhan University, and other universities and research institutes gathered in Tianjin to exchange innovative ideas and jointly plan a new chapter for the development of the discipline.
Xin Xiangyang, Director and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; Niu Wenli, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University; Zhang Zaisheng, member of the Party Leadership Group and full-time Vice Chairman of the Tianjin Municipal Federation of Social Sciences; and Ma Bo, Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department of the Tianjin Municipal CPC Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Professor Fu Hong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Marxism at Nankai University, presided over the opening ceremony.
On behalf of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, Xin Xiangyang expressed high respect and a warm welcome to the hosts, organizers, co-organizers, and guests, and extended heartfelt thanks to the Tianjin Municipal Propaganda Department and the Tianjin Municipal Federation of Social Sciences for their support. He pointed out that the National Academic Symposium on Ideological and Political Education aims to arm minds and guide practice with the latest achievements in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, thereby improving the level of discipline construction. Over the past thirteen years, the symposium has become a high-specification, widely participated, and influential academic platform and brand. Its significance is reflected in three areas: first, using academic exchange to research and interpret the latest achievements of the Party's innovative theories while recording the developmental trajectory of the discipline; second, innovating the conference model by forming a four-party synergy between local propaganda departments, educational administrative authorities, CASS, and local universities, effectively combining propaganda, scientific research, practical teaching, and decision-making services; and third, building an academic exchange platform that brings together the views of renowned masters to promote the high-quality development of the discipline.
On behalf of Nankai University, Niu Wenli expressed sincere gratitude to the leaders of the Tianjin local government and welcomed the experts and media. He noted that Nankai University has achieved fruitful results in the construction of the ideological and political education major, while promoting the organic integration of major construction with "Ideological and Political Courses" (思政课, sizhengke) [1]. By using these courses to promote discipline construction and using achievements in talent cultivation and research to drive the reform of sizhengke, the university continues to contribute "Nankai strength" to the construction of "Grand Ideological and Political Courses." The university will continue to implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches, strengthen discipline construction, and promote high-quality development. He hoped to work with colleagues to further promote the systematization and Academicization [2] of disciplinary theory to meet the requirements of the New Era and serve the Great Cause of National Rejuvenation.
Zhang Zaisheng, representing the Tianjin Municipal Federation of Social Sciences, noted that as a bridge between the Party/government and social science workers, the Federation attaches great importance to the discipline. He shared three insights: first, to grasp the pulse of the times and construct China’s independent knowledge system; second, to firm up ideals and convictions while improving the mechanism for "fostering virtue through education" (立德树人, lì dé shù rén) [3]; and third, to remain rooted in Chinese soil to serve the construction of a strong country.
Ma Bo, representing the Tianjin Municipal Propaganda Department, emphasized that the 40th anniversary of the major is a significant milestone. He introduced Tianjin’s experience in strengthening sizhengke in the New Era, noting that the city government prioritizes Marxist theoretical disciplines. He shared three points for innovative development: responding to major questions to provide support for the discipline; following educational laws to drive the integrated construction of ideological and political education across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels; and focusing on the "Two Combinations" [4] to stimulate innovation.
The forum consisted of keynote speeches, thematic reports, and sub-forums. Six experts gave keynote addresses and eleven gave thematic reports.
In the keynote stage, Xin Xiangyang (CASS), Luo Yuting (Wuhan University), Liu Shulin (Tsinghua University), Ni Bangwen (Central School of the Communist Youth League), Wang Shuyin (Beijing Normal University), and Wang Xinsheng (Nankai University) delivered reports on subjects including why Marxism "works," the strategic positioning of the discipline, the "leading power" (引领力, yǐnlǐnglì) of ideological education, and the mass basis of ideological work. Ren Jie, Director of the Editorial Office of Marxism Studies, presided.
Xin Xiangyang discussed why Marxism "works" through five dimensions: scientific faith, the scientific nature of the theoretical system, a powerful worldview, systematic methodology, and a great sentiment for humanity.
Luo Yuting pointed out that ideological and political education is a "soul-building project" for fostering virtue, a central link in practical development, and a political advantage in governing the Party and the country. Facing the "changes unseen in a century" [5] and the "Strategic Overall Situation of National Rejuvenation," it is necessary to grasp the scientific positioning of the discipline from high political and historical ground.
Liu Shulin elaborated on the manifestations of ideological "leading power" by adhering to political direction, the "Two Upholds," and the core value system, emphasizing the "people-centered" value orientation.
Ni Bangwen provided detailed reflections on discipline construction, spanning goal orientation, mechanism building, and faculty development, clarifying that the essence of the discipline is to help the educated form correct ways of thinking and behaving.
Wang Shuyin systematically reviewed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s discourses on "mass-based ideological and political work," detailing how to enhance the subjectivity of the masses and the effectiveness of such work.
Wang Xinsheng analyzed the problem of "style of writing" (文风, wénfēng) [6] in current social science research, noting a disconnect between Marxist theory and other social science disciplines. He argued that transforming the "style of writing" is synonymous with transforming the "style of study" (学风, xuéfēng), requiring both a problem-oriented approach and interdisciplinary integration.
During the thematic report stages, experts including Chen Zhigang (CASS), She Shuanghao (Wuhan University), Sun Xiuling (Xinjiang Normal University), and others presented. During the sub-forums, participants discussed "Xi Jinping Thought on Culture," the integration of information technology into education, and the "new atmosphere" of youth ideological work.
At the closing ceremony, representatives from various sub-forums reported their findings. Summaries were provided by Liu Ailing (CASS) and Wang Shengsheng (Nankai). Finally, the flag was passed to Fujian Normal University, the host of the next symposium.