Interdisciplinary Conference on “Historical Memory and the Construction of National Identity” Held in East China Normal University

　　On May the 12th, 2019 (9am, Sunday), the interdisciplinary conference on “Historical Memory and the Construction of National Identity” was held in Lecture Hall 3102, Simian Higher Institute of Humanities. the conference was co-organized by the editorial of World History, CASS and Department of History, East China Normal University.

　　Professor Zhongjie Meng (president of Department of History, East China Normal University) presided over the opening ceremony. Researcher Zairong Xu (vice editor-in-chief of World History) pointed out that the issue of historical memory and national identity has become a popular theme in the international academia. The conference attracted scholars on history (including world history, Chinese history and public history), philosophy, media studies and folklore, so as to organize interdisciplinary discussion on relevant issues and promote the study of historical memory in China. Professor Tao Mu (president of Daxia Academy, East China Normal University and professor of Department of History, East China Normal University) presented a case study of the circulation of the story of Mali Empire’s founder, and emphasized the importance of the research of historical memory. He also expressed thanks to the participant scholars and the support of the editorial of World History, CASS.

　　During the presentation, the participant scholars and students posed many insightful and innovative questions from their own perspectives, and got serious and expert answers from the lecturers. These interactions promoted further thoughts and discussions in turn. In the closing ceremony, Professor Zhongjie Meng concluded the conference and expressed his views on the interdisciplinary feature of the study of historical memory, as well as the possible variety of the relevant conclusions.